Got those post-baby stretch marks? You’re not alone! Many women get these reddish or brownish stripes on their belly, thighs, and breasts during pregnancy. They’re a natural consequence of your body making room for your little miracle. While stretch marks tend to fade over time, some TLC can help them lighten faster.
Wondering how to reduce stretch marks after delivery? Forget expensive, chemical-laden creams – there are plenty of safe and natural remedies you can try! From readily available ingredients to soothing self-care practices, here are 12 effective ways to help those stretch marks fade away and reveal more confident skin.
How Do You Reduce Stretch Marks Naturally?
Here’s how to remove stretch marks after delivery naturally:
#1 Vitamin A
Vitamin A plays a vital role in maintaining healthy body tissues, including your skin. It helps keep your skin hydrated and promotes natural oil production, both crucial for overall skin health. Many skincare products contain retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, which may help reduce the severity of stretch marks.
However, incorporating a balanced diet rich in vitamin A is the most effective way to ensure you’re getting enough. Look for fruits and vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and cantaloupe. These are all excellent sources of vitamin A and can contribute to healthy, radiant skin.
#2 Aloe Vera
Aloe vera, a natural powerhouse for wound healing, might be your friend in minimizing stretch marks. Its soothing gel contains properties that promote healthy skin cell turnover. This can potentially help prevent new stretch marks from forming and encourage existing ones to fade.
Apply pure aloe vera gel, straight from the plant, by rubbing it onto the affected areas daily. You can also find aloe vera gel readily available in most stores for a convenient option.
#3 Hyaluronic Acid
Stretch marks appear when your skin stretches rapidly, causing tiny tears that heal with a different texture. This is where hyaluronic acid comes in! This natural substance acts like a sponge in your skin, attracting and holding onto moisture.
Studies suggest that daily use of hyaluronic acid may improve skin elasticity, which could potentially help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. It’s one of the most gentle and hydrating home remedies for stretch marks and is definitely worth trying, especially since it offers overall skin health benefits, too.
#4 Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of the most popular home remedies for stretch marks, thanks to its moisturising properties. Because well-hydrated skin is more elastic, some believe coconut oil can help reduce the appearance of scarring. Many swear by massaging virgin coconut oil directly onto affected areas.
However, it’s important to note that scientific evidence on coconut oil’s effectiveness for stretch marks is limited. If you decide to try it, remember to do a patch test first to check for any allergic reactions.
#5 Sugar
Rubbing sugar on your skin gently removes dead cells and makes stretch marks less noticeable. You can make a scrub at home using sugar and honey, olive oil, or lemon juice. Then, gently massage it onto your skin and rinse off.
#6 Centella Asiatica
Centella Asiatica, also known as gotu kola, has been used for ages in Asian medicine and is known for helping with skin problems. It reduces swelling and boosts collagen production, which is good for the skin. Creams with Centella might prevent stretch marks during pregnancy and make them look better.
#7 Argan Oil
Extracted from the kernels of the argan tree, argan oil contains vitamins and antioxidants beneficial for skin health. Regularly using this best oil for stretch marks might help minimise them and prevent new ones by making your skin more elastic and reducing inflammation. It can be applied topically or taken orally for its skin-improving effects.
#8 Egg Whites
Egg whites can make your skin feel tighter when they dry, which is why they’re used in homemade beauty recipes. They also help your skin heal faster. Put them on your stretch marks, let them dry, wash them off, and the moisturise. Doing this daily can help get rid of the tiger stripes.
#9 Olive Oil
Olive oil has vitamins and nutrients that protect your skin and make stretch marks less noticeable. Just clean your skin, add olive oil, and leave it on before washing it off. Heating the oil before you use it might make it work even better.
#10 Rosehip Oil
Rosehip oil contains vitamins A and C, suitable for your skin. Vitamin C can make your skin brighter and improve its appearance. Moisturisers with rosehip oil might reduce stretch marks after pregnancy and prevent new ones.
Final Thoughts
When you’re pregnant, your skin stretches to make room for the little one, and that’s when stretch marks can appear. If you’re looking for solutions to getting rid of stretch marks during pregnancy, you’ll find various options above.
Remember to keep your skin hydrated, as this helps it heal. And to minimise stretch marks before they start, eat healthy, stay active, and keep your hormones balanced.
