Honey and stretch marks: what to know

If you swear by natural ingredients and are looking for a gentle ingredient to care for skin marked by stretch marks, honey might well appeal to you. It is renowned for its dermatological properties. Let’s take a closer look at this golden gift from bees: its qualities, which honey to choose for your stretch marks, two homemade recipes and the products that can complement your routine.

Honey, an ingredient with many uses

Honey is a sweet substance produced by bees from flower nectar or honeydew (secretions from sap-sucking insects). We all know it as a food, and a delicious one at that! But it can also be found in the bathroom: used since Antiquity, it is now included in many skincare products and ointments. Its extremely complex chemical composition has led to it being studied for its antibacterial, healing and antioxidant properties.

1- And what about stretch marks?

When it comes to stretch marks, honey may be worth considering as a way to care for the skin. Why? Because studies suggest that it could stimulate tissue growth, promote epithelialisation (epithelia are the cellular tissues of the skin) and minimise scar formation⁽¹⁾. It should be noted that this research concerns wounds, not stretch marks specifically. Stretch marks are caused by a rupture of the skin’s elastic fibres, triggered by rapid and intense stretching (typically during growth spurts, pregnancy, sudden muscle gain or weight fluctuations). Honey can therefore have a place in a gentle routine for caring for skin marked by stretch marks.

2- Which honey should you choose?

One important caveat: not all honeys are created equal. Honey contains, among other things, amino acids (such as methionine, lysine and arginine), trace elements (including copper and zinc) and vitamins (A, C and B group). However, concentrations vary depending on the botanical source⁽²⁾. For your homemade skincare preparations, the following are often recommended:

• acacia honey, reputed to be very gentle, for new stretch marks (red or purple);
• fir or chestnut honey, for older stretch marks (white);
• Manuka honey, highly prized in cosmetics;
• heather honey, if you want to care for your skin before stretch marks appear.

Finally, it goes without saying that you should always choose a 100% pure honey product. Too many products diluted with sugar syrup (glucose, fructose, caramel) claim to be honey without really being so…

How do I use honey on my stretch marks?

Now that you know almost everything there is to know about honey, you may be wondering how to use it. Here are two homemade skincare recipes.

1- Gentle honey and sugar scrub

When dealing with stretch marks, exfoliation can be a useful step. It removes dead cells from the epidermis, making it more receptive to skincare products. You can prepare a DIY honey scrub by mixing 1 tsp of sugar, 1 tsp of sweet almond oil, 3 tsp of your chosen honey and 1 tsp of lemon juice. Gently massage the mixture onto your stretch marks, leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse with clean water. A moment of gentleness for your skin! Test it on a small area first, and avoid sun exposure after using it because of the lemon.

2- Avocado and honey body mask

You can also make a body mask that will help nourish and soften the skin. To prepare it, simply blend half an avocado mashed to a purée, 1 tsp of lemon juice and 1 tbsp of honey. Once the mixture is smooth, apply it to the areas affected by stretch marks (thighs, hips, stomach or even bust) and leave on for 15–20 minutes. Rinse off with water. This mask combines the gentleness of honey with nourishing, softening avocado.

What can I use alongside honey for my stretch marks?

You can complement your at-home skincare routine with conventional products. Your honey scrub and mask can be followed by the application of shop-bought treatments. At Cellublue, we offer two products formulated with plant-based oils to round out your routine. They are also a great alternative to DIY skincare (if mixing up home remedies isn’t really your thing):

• our Stretch Mark Prevention Oil, a synergy of natural plant-based oils (including protective jojoba oil, as well as avocado, sunflower, sesame and olive oils), which softens and nourishes the skin;
• our Repairing Stretch Mark Cream, formulated with a high content of macadamia oil and cocoa butter (98% naturally derived ingredients).

References

(1) 2011, Goette, Honey for Wound Healing, Ulcers, and Burns; Data Supporting Its Use in Clinical Practice

(2) 2013, Burlando, Cornara, Honey in dermatology and skin care: a review

Related articles

• Coconut oil and stretch marks: composition and use

Useful categories: Stretch Mark Care, Stretch Mark Solutions.