Your grandmother always swore by the virtues of baking soda, using it for all kinds of remedies. And today, you’ll find it everywhere: in the kitchen, for cleaning, for making homemade cosmetics… But is it truly effective for everything? And more importantly, can it be used on stretch marks?
What is baking soda?
Also known as sodium bicarbonate or sodium hydrogen carbonate, baking soda is a white, powdery ionic compound. It is an acid salt that reacts when it comes into contact with other chemical substances. This is why it is used in so many different products. There are three types of baking soda:
- the kind used in the manufacture of cleaning products and detergents, known as “technical grade“;
- food-grade baking soda, typically the “baking soda” used in baking as a leavening agent;
- the pharmaceutical-grade version, finer and purer, used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes.
It is this last version, available at pharmacies and parapharmacies, that is recommended for making DIY cosmetics.
Baking soda: an ally against stretch marks?
But how can this white powder have any effect on stretch marks? On its own, baking soda won’t “repair” stretch marks, which are caused by the breaking of certain elastic fibres that make up the dermis.
Under intense and sudden skin stretching, following significant weight loss or weight gain, pregnancy or rapid growth (typically during puberty), the skin’s support fibres can give way under the pressure. This leads to the appearance of small streaks on the skin’s surface, initially coloured, then fading to a pearly white. These are stretch marks. They can be prevented with the daily application of a rich cream or an oil. But once they appear, it is impossible to make them disappear entirely. However, by taking good care of your skin, you can fade them and restore a more even, firm, and resilient complexion.
To do this, two steps are key:
- exfoliating the skin, to refine its texture, but also to stimulate subcutaneous collagen production through mechanical action. This encourages the dermis to “create” new elastic support fibres, for a plumper effect and partial filling of the streaks;
- nourishing it, to prevent new stretch marks from forming. Dehydrated, dry, and neglected skin is far more likely to “crack” than supple, well-hydrated, and nourished skin.
This is where baking soda comes in at the first step, as it can be used as a natural exfoliant. Its very fine grains and gentle formulation make it a highly appreciated scrub. Safe for the skin, it can be used on stretch marks without risk, with gentle circular massage movements.
How do I use baking soda on my stretch marks?
It couldn’t be simpler! Here are three homemade scrub recipes using baking soda.
The first, a basic recipe, involves mixing 2 tbsp of baking soda with 2 tbsp of water, massaging the affected areas with small circular movements, then rinsing with water. Use twice a week, no more. And most importantly, remember to apply an oil or moisturising cream to your skin after exfoliating.
The second, a more nourishing option, involves mixing 2 tsp of baking soda, 1 tsp of liquid honey, and a little water, then gently massaging the stretch marks with this homemade balm. The benefit of honey: it naturally regenerates the skin. You can even leave the mixture on for a few moments to let the active molecules in the honey work their magic. Rinse off with clean water.
The last, a more fluid version, involves mixing a little baking soda with a natural plant-based oil of your choice and following the same massage technique described above. When it comes to the oil, the choice is yours: coconut, avocado, or sweet almond — it all depends on the texture you prefer, as some oils are richer and/or thicker than others.
Are there alternatives to baking soda for treating stretch marks?
Of course! If you’re looking for a simpler alternative, or want to complement this routine, don’t hesitate to turn to conventional skincare. That said, anti-stretch mark products should be chosen carefully… Our stretch mark range, ultra-natural (Yuka score 100/100), is the perfect companion! It includes:
- our Preventive Anti-Stretch Mark Oil, a blend of 6 natural plant-based oils, bringing together all the benefits of nature in one bottle! A light, fast-absorbing texture, a 100% natural formula (no additives or mineral oils), and suitable for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, to help prevent stretch marks from forming;
- our Repairing Cream, enriched with macadamia oil, cocoa butter and vitamin B5, helps restore the skin’s natural properties (suppleness, resilience) while boosting deep regeneration.
Daily application helps to prevent stretch marks from appearing or to visibly fade existing ones. Just 14 days are enough to see them diminish — even the oldest, white and indented ones.