6 Homemade Recipes To Reduce Stretch Marks

Take the opportunity to apply these treatments when stretch marks are still purple. When they acquire a white hue, they are more difficult to remove, since they have already formed a scar.

First of all, it is important to make it clear that it is very difficult to eliminate stretch marks 100%. Although there are currently techniques to improve your appearance, these can reappear, that is, they do not disappear completely. However, it is worth trying some alternative recommendations that, applied constantly, can help to reduce stretch marks. Discover them below.

Recipes to reduce stretch marks

To understand why it is difficult to remove stretch marks, it is important to know what they are about. Stretch marks are cutaneous atrophies in the form of whitish or purple sinuous lines that, located in the connective tissue, are observed by transparency through the epidermis.

In general, they tend to form in areas such as the buttocks, thighs and abdomen and usually occur for reasons such as: sudden weight changes, hormonal uncontrols and / or pregnancy.

In turn, its development occurs in two phases: the reddish, which is the most recent and, later, the pearly, which is when the scar forms.

Scar-like stretch marks are often more difficult to reduce as they lack blood circulation and there is an absence of fibroblasts.

Therefore, the best time to try to reduce stretch marks is when they are still reddish,  so they could be greatly reduced. To achieve this, it is important to be constant with the application of treatments and, above all, to complement them with healthy habits.

Currently there are several professional procedures that give good results in a short time. Some alternatives of natural origin are also still being used, although they lack scientific support.

If you decide to try the latter, we give you some recipes. Aim!

1. Rosehip and almond oil

There are no studies to support the effectiveness of this treatment. However, in research published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing, almond oil helped reduce stretch marks caused by pregnancy. Its effects are attributed to its content of vitamin E and fatty acids that nourish the skin.

What is to be done?

• First, mix equal parts of rosehip oil and almond oil.
• Then the mixture should only be applied to the areas where the stretch marks are found.
• It is recommended to do it with gentle massages in the affected areas.
• Important: let the mixture act on the skin for a long time.
• It is suggested to apply in the morning before going out or at night, before going to sleep.

2. Avocado

Another product that spread in popular culture as a possible adjuvant against stretch marks is avocado. This fruit is rich in healthy fats, protein, and other nutrients that benefit the skin. In this case, we combine it with honey and lemon.

What is to be done?

• The first thing is to crush the pulp of an avocado in a clean container.
• Then, it should be mixed with 1 tablespoon (5 ml) of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon (10 g) of honey until it forms a homogeneous paste.
• It is recommended to apply the mixture every day on the affected areas, leaving it to act for a period of 10 to 15 minutes.
• Finally you can take a shower or wash off the mixture with plenty of warm water.

3. Horsetail

According to a publication in Dermatologic Surgery , horsetail extracts, which are prescribed to care for tissues, including cartilage, have also been used in various treatments to reduce stretch marks.

However, there is no evidence to support these effects. In any case, if you want to try it in its natural state, opt for the following alternative, which despite taking a considerable time to use it, would be worth it, thanks to the properties of this shrub.

What is to be done?

• Mix 100 g of horsetail with 8 drops of lemon in 1 liter of 40º alcohol for 20 or 30 days.

• After this recommended time, you must dilute it in 50% of drinking water.
• The next thing would be to apply it to the affected areas.
• Use your hands to gently massage in a circle.
• Try to do it daily for greater effectiveness.

4. Carrot paste

The topical application of carrot has been used to hydrate, enhance tanning and reduce the presence of stretch marks. Although there is no evidence to support its effects, its constant application can give interesting effects, according to popular belief.

What is to be done?

• The first step would be to place a couple of steamed carrots and wait until they get soft.
• The second step is, when they are ready, mash them until you get a uniform paste.
• Next, you should add a couple of tablespoons of coconut oil.

• The last thing to do is apply the mixture obtained in the affected areas with gentle circular massages.
• Let it act for a time of 15 to 20 minutes and finally rinse with plenty of warm water.

 5. Aloe vera

This plant can  hydrate, protect and stimulate the healing of the skin. In research published in the Journal of Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine , aloe vera, like almond oil, showed positive effects by reducing the itchiness of stretch marks and preventing their progression.

What is to be done?

• Extract half a cup (200 g) of aloe vera gel directly from the plant.
• Mix it with 1 tablespoon (10 g) of olive oil, until it has a uniform appearance.
• Apply it on the parts of the body affected by stretch marks.
• Leave it to act for 30 minutes, and rinse with plenty of warm water.
• The process can be repeated 1 to 2 times a week.

6. Cocoa butter

Cocoa butter is one of the products traditionally used for the prevention and treatment of stretch marks. Contains polyphenols, theobromine, caffeine and minerals that help nourish the skin. However, to date its effectiveness against stretch marks has not been proven.

What is to be done?

• It is something as simple as getting pure cocoa butter and applying it to areas of the body that have stretch marks.
• It is suggested to apply this butter between 2 and 3 times a day.
• Then, like the previous alternatives, it should only be rinsed with warm water.

A brief summary

We can try some natural alternatives that can help reduce stretch marks. However, we must be aware that there is no evidence to prove its effectiveness and, furthermore, it is difficult to eliminate. Therefore, its application must be constant and must be complemented with other cares.