Home Remedies Web

Stretch Marks Home Remedy

Find home remedies for stretch marks using natural cures and treatments.

Jawairia Zafar, OCT
2–3 minutes
Stretch Marks Home Remedy

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.

Medical disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. Talk to your doctor before trying a new remedy, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a health condition.

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153 responses

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  1. Bobbi B

    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.

    Reply
  2. Venus

    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.

    Reply
  3. Smolie

    Thanks for the natural treatments. Coconut oil is amazing wonder oil and very beneficial.

    Reply
  4. Nalecious

    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

    Reply
  5. Julia

    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!

    Reply
  6. Khensani

    I have marks on my legs because I had sores so I need help. How do I remove them?

    Reply
  7. Ronni

    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.

    Reply
  8. Khanyisile Phumla

    I have got stretch marks on my legs, thighs, and stomach what should I do?

    Reply
  9. Grace

    Hello, I’m Grace, I live in Lagos, Nigeria, and have been trying to find Derm Elastic Serum. Can anyone tell me where can I find it here and how much does it cost.
    Thanks.

    Reply
  10. Precious

    I have stretch marks on my legs. What should I use?

    Reply
  11. Noma

    Hi, please help where do I buy cocoa butter?

    Reply
  12. lena

    Thandi, cocoa butter helps with stretch marks and it doesn’t matter how old or new they are. Just be persistent and apply it very regularly.

    Reply
  13. Thandi

    Hi, I just want to know if this works on an old stretch mark or works on just fresh ones?

    Reply
  14. Mary Wonna

    I have stretch marks on my arm and I don’t know what to use to clear the marks. Please can you help me because I dont like them.

    Reply
  15. Talia Henry

    I’ve been using dermelastic serum for the past week or so and can already see the difference in my skin and marks. It smells amazing. So far I’m amazed at the results I’m getting and would recommend it to anybody who is looking to help rid of those stubborn scars and marks.

    Reply
  16. Snothando

    You have to try celltone tissue oil, I’ve been using it for some time now and it is working.

    Reply
  17. Phumlile

    Hi, I have strechmarks on my bum, and stomach. What should I do?

    Reply
  18. Zoey

    Hi Shweta, You can use dermalmd stretch marks serum. No matter where the stretch mark are, if you apply this serum on stretch marks anywhere on the body – with in 3-4 weeks all marks will disappear.

    Reply
  19. Ope

    I have stretch marks on my boobs, hips, waist and under my arms. What should I do?

    Reply
  20. Candice Aphane

    You should try Vaseline with Vitamin E and mix it with even tone lotion. It fades the appearance of stretch marks.

    Reply
  21. LilyKylie

    I am a mother of two kids and I feel uncomfortable with my pregnancy stretch marks. I have tried a lot of creams to improve my stretch marks. Not happy with the results. Suddenly I met one of my college friends and we discussed this stretch mark issue. She already used Dermelastic Serum. So I bought this product via online and started using this. Initially for a few days I was not happy with the results. I thought its waste of money. But I continued the usage and after a few weeks I can see the improvement. Feeling excited. Lol.

    Reply
  22. thandeka

    Hi guys, I have big black marks on my bum. What can I use to lighten these marks?

    Reply
  23. Genelia

    How long does it take to see effects if I use coconut oil on my old stretch marks? I have tried so many other remedies like Bio oil and Vitamin E but don’t see any difference.

    Reply
  24. Steph

    @ Waithira, try applying coconut oil or grape seed oil onto the marks. I use coconut oil at night and grape seed oil during the day. I find that they are helping me.

    Reply
  25. Waithira

    I have stretch marks on my bum and boobs and this is quite uncomfortable. Please help.

    Reply
  26. Olia

    Keryl Lyngdoh – Applying Coconut oil, Argan oil, and Grape Seed oil onto the stretch marks keep the skin moisturized and minimize the appearance of scars and stretch marks. Also applying fresh lemon juice onto the scars/stretch marks for about 30 minutes or longer (even for overnight if you like) lightens the scars, dark spots, and stretch marks. To avoid itchy skin, keep your skin well moisturized with coconut, Argan or Grape Seed oil and you won’t get any more stretch marks!

    Reply
  27. Keryl Lyngdoh

    Hi, I have stretch marks on my legs, bum, boobs, and thighs. It realy embarrasses me. I have these marks because I feel itchy snd scratch when I’m on my period so please help me.

    Reply
  28. Jabulile

    Hi, I am 22 and I have never enjoyed wearing short pants or dresses since my stretch marks are all over my bum, and thighs. I’m always embarrassed when it comes to taking my clothes off in front of people. What do I use?

    Reply
  29. Shweta

    I’m 21 years old. I’m upset for having many stretch marks. They are on my arms, breasts, and thighs. Please advise me on what I can do?

    Reply
  30. Berni

    Hi, did your stretch marks get better? I mean since your post. I really hate them on my boobs, the other parts I can live with but up there – I just can’t. I don’t live in the USA and I hope I can get this serum you mentioned where I live.

    Reply
  31. Lebo

    Apply fresh lemon juice to your stretch marks every morning and let it soak 4 about 15min. Then rinse it off and pat dry. Mix cocoa butter solid formula, coconut oil and olive oil in a pan on medium heat. Once all mixed well. Let the mixture cool and refrigerate the mixture. Apply it to stretch marks daily. Hope it helps!

    Reply
  32. Stephenie

    I hate stretch marks. It is changing my skin to a darker tone.

    Reply
  33. itumeleng

    I’m18 years old. I’m soo embarrassed with my body because I have stretch marks on my hips, thighs and bum. I have never been able to wear bikini for the past 3 years. Please help me because tissue oil is not helping at all.

    Reply
  34. Mercy shelaz

    Guys, I’m 18 and I have black stretch marks. I have them on my waist, sides, thighs, boobs and legs. I am worried and I hate them. Please help!

    Reply
  35. sanjay

    Same here! I was obese when I was young. Now I am 25 but I have reduced almost 30 Kgs. I still have bad stretch marks all over my body. I cannot take off my shirt in the gym or on the beach. I feel very bad, please help!

    Reply
  36. deepija

    I have stretch marks on my tummy, legs, thighs and arms. Please suggest something?

    Reply
  37. Funbi

    Hi, I have stretch marks on my hands and legs. I’ve used different types of creams, and lotions and I can’t see the difference. Presently I am using palmer’s cocoa butter cream but still can’t spot the difference. What can I use which can help me!

    Reply
  38. Becky

    Hi, I am 18 and I have strech marks on my hips and boobs. They are darker than my body. What can I do about them?

    Reply
  39. tshiamo

    Hi guys I also have stretch marks on my thighs and hips due to weight gain. I cannot wear shorts and mini dress. I find them so annoying. I’ve tried skin so soft tissue oil, bio oil but they didn’t work. One of my friends told me to try Nivea Q10 firming oil and I did. I can now spot the difference!

    Reply
  40. Doreen Becker

    I started using dermelastic Serum just three weeks ago and I am already seeing a difference. Finally something that works now my strechmark completey gone!

    Reply
  41. canethia

    I have had stretch marks since I was 11! I am 18 now, and now they’re on my tummy, legs, and breast so I can’t wear short dresses. I have been using celltone tissue oil but it does not work. Need help please!

    Reply
  42. sherlene marion King

    Please help. If you have a chance I have stretch marks too. How can I get rid of it?

    Reply
  43. sarah

    I’m Sarah, and I have stretch marks on my tummy. I’ve been using bio oil for about 6 months but it doesn’t work for me. I feel so uncomfortable about it so please help!

    Reply
  44. Manapo Rathebe

    Hey I have a very terrible tummy with stretch marks all over it and also on my thighs, my legs, and my breasts. Every position where they could be situated and this makes me lose my confidence because I can’t even wear short dresses. Please help!

    Reply
  45. sadmanyasir

    I’m 19..i have very dangerious strech mark on my whole body in about 1-1/2 years…how can i get rid of this..

    Reply
  46. Michelle

    @ precious, I know how much a menace these stretch marks could be. I think the best way to et rid of them is laser. Try looking around for laser treatment if you can find some good place. Otherwise, organic Cocoa Butter and coconut oil help fading the appearance of stretch marks. It sure works but takes forever to show any significant difference.

    Reply
  47. precious.

    hi guyz ive bn having stretch marks since i waz 11 and nw im 19,i lost ma confidence agez ago. I want 2 get rid of them ,they r so annoying.

    Reply
  48. Kim

    Numbers didn’t appear in my last post! So Estée Lauder Maximum Cover is around Thirty Dollars and Colortration foundation is around Forty dollars! Good luck!

    Reply
  49. Kim

    Hey guys, I had a lot of stretch marks and I started applying liberally organic cocoa butter and organic cold pressed coconut oil. It has soften and lessen the appearance of stretch marks but couldn’t fully get rid of them. I checked around and found that laser can help fully get rid of them. So I don’t want to go for laser, I went for another option that helps me hide them well – a good well matched, waterproof foundation which stays put for a long time. I found that waterproof foundations that work are hard to find. But after trying many I’ve found that Estée Lauder Maximum Cover () and Colortration Foundation () are the best. The Colortration can even stay after swimming. The key is to keep applying coca butter and coconut oil. I hope it helps you all looking for help!

    Reply
  50. Cammy

    ive had strech marks since i was 9 and i hit puberty im a currently 13 and i cant go out in a strapless dress because of my strech mark plz help

    Reply