They say beauty is fleeting, and stretch marks are just one of the reasons why.

Many pregnant ladies go to great lengths to hide the indented, pinkish-red streaks on their bodies. And they’re not the only ones at risk, even though it’s more common among them especially during the last trimester. 

Heck, if you’re female, you’re already at risk of developing stretch marks. The good news is that they don’t pose a danger to your life and cause zero pain.

How are stretch marks formed?

Stretch marks are caused by the stretching of the skin and jump in cortisone levels, which is a hormone that weakens the elasticity in your skin. Teenagers who have seen a rapid loss or gain in weight and women who have genetic disorders such as Cushing’s syndrome and Marfan syndrome also chance upon stretch marks.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to look good and the thought of having to cover up in sunny Singapore is already sweat-inducing. But never fear, we’ve got you covered! We’re back to bust the myth that beauty fades by making your stretch marks go instead!

Home Remedies for Stretch Marks

Cucumber & Lemon Juice, the natural healer

Hiding within plain sight in your kitchen are a dozen home remedies waiting to be experimented with all in the name of beauty. A power couple that leaves no pain behind is cucumber and lemon juice.

1. Mix equal portions of lime juice and cucumber juice, and apply the mixture onto the stretch marks and its surrounding areas
2. Allow it to soak into your skin for approximately 10 minutes
3. Wash it off with warm water.

The natural acidity in the lemon juice helps heal and reduce scars while the cucumber juice is the soothing balm that leaves your skin cool and fresh.

Coconut oil & Olive oil, your all-rounded beauty remedy

There’s also the option of using the mother of all homemade beauty remedies: coconut oil. You can either choose between using it plain by massaging a few drops of it onto affected areas and letting them soak in or adding a few drops of olive oil and mixing it before application.

However, if you can’t find the time to find these ingredients and prefer an easier alternative via the click of a button, Expressions presents the Rose Body Cream made from a natural blend of Shea butter oil, avocado, and rose extract.

This heavenly combination is said to “feel like rose satin gliding across your skin” and smooths out the fine lines on rough, dry skin, leaving behind a soft suppleness that will make you feel young again.

And because two is better than one, another contender in the rose collection is the Rose Organic Oil, packaged into a sleek bottle and radiating elegance in both looks and scent.

The power combo of rose oil and Vitamin A will not only act as a lightweight moisturizer on regular days but is also designed to reduce scars and wrinkles. The antioxidants work to lighten stretch marks and slowly nudge your skin into regaining its natural color and tone.

All these applications need to be worked into your skin daily, so diligence is key!

Salt as a Natural Exfoliator

Microdermabrasion is a procedure that renews overall skin tone and texture and one of the few clinically proven ways of making stretch marks fade. But it might seem a little scary as it’s minimally invasive so we once again bring you homemade remedies in the form of exfoliation concoctions as a naturopathic method.

Salt scrubs are an easy way to use as an exfoliator. Natural sea salt contains minerals that encourage detoxification by stimulating the lymphatic system.  

Add one cup of sea salt with 1/3 cup of a softening agent like coconut oil and mix well. Scrub the finished product onto the areas with stretch marks before rinsing it off.

While most choose to opt for sea salt, some aren’t aware that the Himalayan Salt has many more benefits to its name in comparison.

Expressions’ Organic Himalayan Pink Crystal Salt is high in iron level and has 84 materials retained in its composition. The latter boasts many favorable results such as enhanced absorption of nutrients, regulated blood pressure, and of course, thorough exfoliation that will help in removing stretch marks. 

If you’re seeking a different softening agent with added benefits, Expressions’ Lavender Slimming Oil is paired ideally well with the salt scrub. This therapeutic oil has detoxification and slimming properties that can aid in the ridding of excess fat cells. Not to mention it can also help with stretch marks reduction!  For those who love the scent of lavender, it can be incredibly stress-relieving.

Exfoliation, like the use of home remedies mentioned above, needs to be done regularly. We recommend doing it weekly.

However, if you’re looking for a quicker and sure-fire way, keep reading below!

Overcoming Stretch marks: Consistency is key

To round this up, we bring to attention nature’s very own vaccine against harmful toxins in the body, which is plain diet and exercise. It might seem so simple but requires paying a lot of attention and, if need be, changes in lifestyle that will ultimately improve your way of living in the long run. Make sure you hydrate yourself with plenty of water as this helps with improving the elasticity of your skin.

Consume foods high in zinc and protein such as meat, poultry, and eggs. Carrots, spinach, and fresh food, all of which are high in Vitamins A and C, are also food groups that will minimize the appearance of stretch marks. Please note, however, that some vitamins such as Vitamin A can be dangerous if consumed in high doses, particularly to pregnant women.

You might think stretch marks can never be 100% gone but that’s where you come in. Make sure you religiously treat your skin with the right remedy that you are compatible with daily over a course of 6 months. However, if you are lazy and looking for a faster action to completely remove stretch marks within 2 to 3 months, check out this alternative treatment here!

Still not convinced with DIY remedies? We’ve also provided you with alternatives – learn about the 3 treatments to effectively remove your stubborn stretch marks.