Stretch marks can be a source of insecurity, especially in summer when swimsuit season arrives. They often appear following a pregnancy or rapid weight gain.
Initially red or purple in colour, they gradually fade into white streaks over time.
While they become harder to diminish at that stage, with a little perseverance all is not lost! Discover our 5 remedies for stretch marks.
Apricot mask
Apricot is a fruit rich in vitamin C and potassium. It helps to tone the skin.
Used as an exfoliant, it leaves skin firmer and softer, while targeting unsightly marks.
Easy to make, the apricot mask is a highly effective stretch mark remedy.
Ingredients:
- 2 or 3 apricots
Preparation:
Cut the apricots in half. Remove the stones, then mash the fruit to obtain a smooth paste.
How to use:
Apply the apricot paste directly onto your stretch marks and leave on for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. Repeat once a day — or twice for more established marks — for at least one month.
Egg white mask
Egg whites contain a wealth of proteins, including collagen, as well as vitamin A.
These nutrients are effective at boosting skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of skin damage.
The egg white mask is therefore a natural remedy to help minimise unsightly streaks.
Ingredients:
- 1 to 2 egg whites
Preparation:
Separate the egg whites and pour them into a bowl. Whisk gently with a fork until a light foam begins to form.
How to use:
First, cleanse the area where your stretch marks are located with water. Then apply a thick layer of egg whites.
A make-up brush can be handy for this step. Leave on until the whites are completely dry (approximately 15 minutes).
Rinse with cold water. Finish by moisturising your skin with a cream. Use this natural remedy daily for a minimum of two weeks.
Sugar and olive oil scrub
Fatty substances have moisturising and nourishing properties. Thanks to these, the skin is better protected against external aggressors and damage.
Olive oil is therefore an excellent stretch mark remedy. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, D and E, it softens the skin and supports healthy regeneration.
Unsightly marks will gradually fade over time. Its anti-inflammatory properties also help prevent future stretch marks from forming.
Opt for a virgin, organic olive oil obtained by cold first pressing.
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Meanwhile, a sugar-based scrub is a natural way to slough away dead skin cells and leave your skin beautifully soft.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
Preparation:
Combine the ingredients in a bowl.
How to use:
Massage the scrub onto your stretch marks. Leave to dry for a few minutes, then rinse with water.
Repeat once a week.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a plant with a wealth of benefits. Rich in plant-based collagen, its gel nourishes the skin and helps repair damaged tissue, which can help reduce the appearance of scars.
Ingredients:
- Aloe vera leaves
Preparation:
Peel a leaf by removing its outer skin and extract the pulp.
How to use:
Gently massage the gel onto the affected area using circular movements until fully absorbed. Leave on for approximately 15 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.
Repeat this massage once a day.
You can also purchase ready-made aloe vera gel. However, results will be more satisfying when using freshly extracted pulp from the leaves.
Rosehip oil and brown sugar
Enriched with fatty acids, vitamin A and antioxidants, rosehip oil is deeply nourishing and helps prevent stretch marks.
It also helps to fade existing marks. A study conducted by a Chilean university in the 1980s demonstrated its excellent healing properties.
180 patients with various types of scarring observed surprisingly positive results.
Choose a pure, virgin oil — preferably organic — to avoid any chemical ingredients, especially if you are pregnant.
A brown sugar scrub is also a great way to exfoliate the skin and help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Making your own at-home peel couldn’t be simpler!
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons of rosehip oil
- 3 tablespoons of brown sugar
Preparation:
Combine the two ingredients until you obtain a smooth, even paste.
How to use:
On clean, damp skin, take a small amount of the scrub and massage it onto the affected area using gentle, circular movements. Avoid pressing too hard, as this may irritate your skin. Leave on for 15 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.
Use this scrub one to three times a week.
With a little patience, these time-honoured tips will help you rediscover beautifully smooth, soft skin. That said, preventing stretch marks from forming in the first place is always easier than treating them once they have set in. Make sure to nourish and moisturise your skin properly every day, so it stays supple and resilient.