Every summer, it’s the same story: the thought of baring your stretch marks feels unbearable. You’d love to get rid of them naturally and quickly, but what are your options? Here’s a look at what stretch marks actually are and what you can (and can’t) expect. We then cover several ways to help fade them: diet, exfoliation, natural products, a targeted routine and, as a last resort, aesthetic medicine.
What are stretch marks?
Stretch marks are linear skin lesions that appear as fine, irregular streaks. They result from the skin being stretched too intensely and too suddenly. The dermis is the layer between the epidermis and the hypodermis, and it holds the skin’s elastic network, made up of collagen and elastin fibres. These two proteins, naturally produced by the body, give skin its strength and elasticity. But when the skin undergoes a sudden, significant stretch, these fibres can tear. The result is stretch marks: tiny tears beneath the skin that show on the surface. They start out cracked and coloured, then turn white over time. It’s worth noting that anyone can develop stretch marks. 80% of women are affected, but so are 40% of men.
How to get rid of stretch marks naturally and quickly?
Completely and permanently eliminating stretch marks is not possible: once the elastic fibres have broken, they cannot be “repaired”. However, you can take action to:
- Care for recent stretch marks that are still red or purple.
- Look after your skin with regular care.
- Smooth skin texture, and therefore the uneven look of stretch marks.
- Keep skin supple by making sure it is well hydrated and nourished.
By working on these different aspects of skin quality, you can help soften the appearance of stretch marks, naturally. Here are a few solutions!
Can you get rid of stretch marks in a few days?
It’s a question that comes up time and again: how can you remove stretch marks in a few days, or even overnight? Unfortunately, no solution, natural or otherwise, can make them disappear that fast.
What you can do is look after your skin. Gentle exfoliation and nourishing products massaged into the skin help tackle the look of your stretch marks. Add a varied diet and plenty of water every day. The key is consistency, and a little patience.
1- Your everyday diet
A varied diet provides vitamins and minerals that often feature in beauty advice. Here’s where to find them:
- Vitamin A, also known as retinol, is found in liver (veal, poultry, cod) and dairy products.
- Pro-vitamins A, better known as beta-carotene and carotenoids, are found in colourful fruit and vegetables. These can be orange (melon, apricot, carrot, sweet potato), red (pink grapefruit, tomato) or green (spinach, broccoli, fresh herbs).
- Vitamin C is found in certain fruits and vegetables, such as peppers, citrus fruits, blackcurrants, parsley and kiwi.
- Vitamin B5 is found in brewer’s yeast, wheat germ, offal and cheese.
- Vitamin E (tocopherol) is found in vegetable oils, nuts and seeds, and seafood.
- As for minerals, copper, silicon and zinc can be found in cocoa, dried fruit, seafood and certain dehydrated foods.
Of course, it’s important to stay well hydrated every day. Water should be your main source, but you can also enjoy green tea, herbal teas, fresh fruit juices and broths.
2- Skin exfoliation
Gently exfoliating areas affected by stretch marks works on several levels:
- Regular scrubs help remove dead skin cells.
- After exfoliating, the skin looks more radiant and even.
- When done gently, the mechanical action of exfoliation can leave the skin’s surface smoother and more even.
When it comes to stretch marks, skin texture can look smoother, which can make them less noticeable.
Several natural options are available. You can use an exfoliating glove made from natural fibres, though a kessa mitt may be a little too rough for stretch marks. A fine-grain scrub is another option, as is a homemade scrub using sugar, baking soda or coffee grounds.
3- The power of nature on stretch marks
Certain natural products are valuable allies for caring for stretch marks, whether they are still inflamed or fully mature.
- Natural plant oils are a top choice. They are often rich in various fatty acids, so their composition is close to that of the skin’s natural sebum. They also tend to be high in vitamin E. Daily massages with macadamia, jojoba, avocado or argan oil can help improve the look of stretch marks.
- Certain plant butters offer the same benefits. Their texture is creamier, and they are just as worthwhile! Think shea butter, cocoa, mango, olive…
- You can also add essential oils to your plant oil. Some are often mentioned for stretch marks, such as spike lavender, rosemary verbenone, rosewood and cistus ladanifer. Essential oils are concentrated products. Ask a healthcare professional for advice before using them, especially if you are pregnant.
- Finally, Aloe Vera gel can complement this natural stretch mark routine. Its fresh texture brings hydration to the skin. If you choose to use it, apply it before your oil.
What about white stretch marks?
White stretch marks are older and can be harder to soften: skincare can only help improve their appearance. Gentle exfoliation (section 2) can leave skin texture smoother, and massages with plant oils and butters (section 3) nourish the skin. A varied diet and good hydration (section 1) round off these habits. If you’d like to go further, aesthetic medicine is still an option, covered below.
4- A targeted stretch mark routine
If you prefer a cosmetic approach, there are natural routines to look after your skin and improve the appearance of your stretch marks, even if getting rid of them completely is out of reach. Our Maxi Stretch Mark Pack brings together several products:
- The Stretch Mark Cream helps keep the skin supple.
- The Stretch Mark Oil (the pack includes 2 bottles!) nourishes the skin as part of your stretch mark prevention routine.
- The massage roller can be used while applying the oil, for a gentle massage.
- The stretch mark coaching programme gives you all the tips you need to care for your stretch marks over 21 days.
Our oil is 100% natural and contains no mineral oils, while our cream is 98% naturally derived and enriched with vitamin B5.
The complete stretch marks routine, from shower to massage, during and after pregnancy
- Instructions for use
- Friendly advice
5- The last resort: aesthetic medicine
Finally, if you are determined to tackle your stretch marks, aesthetic medicine remains an option. It is less natural, not particularly quick (several sessions will be required), and results can vary (as everything depends on how your skin “responds” to the treatment). There are several alternatives:
- Methods aimed at stimulating collagen production, such as laser, radiofrequency, micro-needling, LED therapy or injections (platelet-rich plasma, carboxytherapy).
- Methods aimed at smoothing the epidermis:
- a peel (abrasive chemical exfoliation);
- dermabrasion (mechanical exfoliation using a rotating tool);
- microdermabrasion (mechanical exfoliation by spraying micro-crystals);
- surgery (reserved for very specific cases).
You may wish to explore an aesthetic treatment for your stretch marks. But bear in mind that aesthetic medicine is costly, not without risks, and ultimately cannot work miracles — meaning it cannot make your stretch marks disappear quickly.
Frequently asked questions
How can I care for stretch marks naturally?
Gentle exfoliation, massages with plant oils or butters, and staying well hydrated every day. Each of these ideas is covered in detail in sections 1 to 3 of this article.
What cream should I use on stretch marks?
Choose a product specifically designed for stretch marks, with a naturally derived formula, and massage it in regularly. Our Stretch Mark Cream, enriched with vitamin B5, is part of the Maxi Stretch Mark Pack featured in section 4, alongside the Stretch Mark Oil and a massage roller.
Can stretch marks be removed completely?
Unfortunately not: no solution can make them disappear entirely. Skincare can help soften their appearance, and aesthetic medicine is covered in the final section of this article.
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Useful categories: Stretch Mark Solutions, Stretch Marks.
