Signs and Symptoms of Stretch Marks
Stretch Marks are a form of scarring which occurs as a result of rapid stretching of the skin.
They initially appear as red or purple lines, and then eventually fade to a light pink or white hue. The affected area is
usually very soft to the touch.
While stretch marks can appear anywhere on the body, they usually appear in locations where the body stores
more fat. Common places therefore include the stomach area, breasts, arms and armpits, thighs, hips, and buttocks.
In most cases, stretch marks do not pose any health risk and are mainly an annoyance.
Causes of Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are caused by rapid stretching and tearing of the skin, usually as a result of rapid growth. Common reasons include:
- Puberty
- Pregnancy
- Rapid weight gain or obesity
- Fast muscle growth due to exercise
While the scarring is permanent, a stretch mark can diminish slightly over time. Some home remedies can also be used to reduce the visual appearance of affected skin areas.
Home Remedies and Natural Treatments for Stretch Marks
Cocoa Butter Massages
While it is not known why, many people have found that massaging cocoa butter into skin areas
affected by stretch marks can help reduce the appearance of the scars. This works particularly
well for individuals with darker skin tones. A suggested remedy is to massage cocoa
butter over the stretch marks once a day. The stretch marks should begin to appear lighter in about a month.
Researchers speculate that the massaging of scarred areas helps stimulate blood flow and distributes
collagen evenly in the affected areas. Collagen is a protein responsible for skin strength and elasticity.
Coconut Oil
Many women have found that Coconut Oil is an excellent natural treatment for stretch marks. The oil can be massaged into the affected areas 3 times per day. This can also be combined with the Cocoa Butter remedy listed above.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps reduce scar tissue on both the inside and the outside of your body. Therefore, a simple home remedy is to massage Vitamin E oil onto the stretch marks each day after showering. Many women have found this treatment to work well on stretch marks after a pregnancy, although results vary significantly.
I'm only a teenager and I already have stretch marks and to be honest I feel self conscious about my body now. It's so unfortunate that I can't wear a bikini because it will show the stretch marks on my upper thighs by my hips. I have tried drinking a lot more water, applied raw potatoes and even egg whites. Any advice would be helpful. Thanks so much!
Great tips! I prefer using coconut oil for stretch marks.
I was rather overweight a few years back and have since on a diet which has brought me down to a normal BMI, however, I now find myself having a normal body but it is full of scars and stretch marks! For three weeks, I have been using Somaluxe Firming Lotion and I found that my stretch marks are less red.
Once I found out I was pregnant I began applying the Dr Max Powers Stretch marks Cream to my body everyday. I applied it to my stomach, breasts and hips at least once a day. It kept my body from being dry, itchy & helped build up the elasticity so I wouldn't get stretch marks. I'm due in about two weeks and have yet to have one stretch mark.
As my weight has changed over the years and being pregnant, I have silver lines/stretch marks on my upper legs and abdomen. I have previously used so many creams, but this time I decided to go with the Lady Soma Stretch Marks Cream. I have been applying it on my upper legs and abdomen for just over a week now. The cream absorbs nicely into the skin, leaving no oily residue behind.
My skin instantly felt softer and even though I have not seen drastic results, the stretch marks do appear to be a slight fader. Maybe, after using this product for longer than a week, I may see more of an improvement.
Thanks for the natural treatments. Coconut oil is amazing wonder oil and very beneficial.
Hi. I have stretch marks on my thighs, breasts, hip and on the back of my legs. please help. How do I get rid of them? They make me feel uncomfortable when I'm wearing shorts or small dresses
Khensani, for dark spots or scar marks, organic Apple Cider Vinegar and onion juice mix works well. Take one tablespoon of organic ACV and one tablespoon of onion juice (to get onion juice - grind one onion and squeeze the juice out with a strainer) and store it in an airtight glass container in the fridge. Apply a small amount of this mix on dark spots every night and wash it off in the morning. It will start fading within a month. Hope it helps!
I have marks on my legs because I had sores so I need help. How do I remove them?
After having 4 children early in my marriage and constant up and down with weight issues, my stretch marks had stretch marks. Then out of no where I was pregnant again at the age of 44!!.
The Somaluxe Stretch Mark Treatment worked very well for me with the old stretch marks and the newer ones with the last baby. I figured out the trick with stretch marks is to stay ahead of them, meaning I starting to put the Somaluxe product on before I actually began to really stretch. This product really helped to diminish them and to make the ones I already had less noticeable. It has also provided some slight improvement on an old surgical knee scar I had from years ago.