This article explains how aloe vera may help prevent and fade stretch marks, its side effects, and 13 easy ways to use aloe vera. Scroll down.
Does Aloe Vera Treat Stretch Marks?
There is no evidence of aloe vera being a potent treatment option for stretch marks. However, aloe vera has skin healing properties, which may help in treating stretch marks. Here’s why:
Aloe Vera Promotes Collagen Synthesis: Collagen production is essential for the healing of scars and wounds. Aloe vera (both topical and oral) increases collagen production and also boosts collagen cross-linking (1).
Aloe Vera Moisturizes The Skin: Moisturization is critical in healing stretch marks (2). Aloe vera contains mucopolysaccharidesi XLong chains of sugar molecules found in plants and the human body. that bind moisture to your skin. The plant also helps keep the skin soft and improves skin integrity (1).
Aloe Vera Prevents UV-induced Hypersensitivity: UV rays may often cause itching, redness, and rashes. Aloe vera helps prevent these issues and protects the skin from UV damage (1). UV protection is also critical to healing stretch marks.
If you want to use aloe vera for treating stretch marks, here are some easy DIY recipes you can try.
How To Use Aloe Vera For Treating Stretch Marks
1. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera keeps the skin moisturized and soft. This may help in faster healing. You Will Need
1 tablespoon of freshly scooped aloe vera gel
Method
2. Aloe Vera And Virgin Coconut Oil
Virgin coconut oil has moisturizing effects on the skin. It also improves the skin barrier and stimulates the fibroblasts (cells that produce collagen and elastin) (3). You Will Need
A tablespoon of virgin coconut oil A tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel
Method
3. Aloe Vera And Vitamin E Oil (Softgels)
Although studies have not found topical vitamin E to be effective in treating scars and wounds, it is used as a popular home remedy. It has antioxidant properties that may keep skin healthy (4). You Will Need
2 vitamin E softgels A tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel
Method
4. Aloe Vera And Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds can help in scrubbing dead skin cells. There is no evidence that scrubbing can treat stretch marks, but anecdotal evidence suggests that scrubbing can make skin soft. You Will Need
A tablespoon of coffee grounds 1-2 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel
Method Note: This mixture can be harsh. Hence, ensure you do not use it on your face.
5. Aloe Vera And Lemon Juice
Anecdotal evidence suggests that lemon may help fade stretch marks to some extent. However, if you have sensitive skin, avoid lemon (or lime) juice as it may cause irritation. Also, it can make the skin photosensitivei XHeightened skin sensitivity when exposed to UV rays. (5). Hence, ensure you apply sunscreen before stepping out. You Will Need
½ teaspoon of lemon juice A tablespoon of fresh aloe vera juice
Method
6. Aloe Vera And Castor Oil
Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, which has a skin conditioning effect. It may also help keep your skin moisturized (6). You Will Need
½ teaspoon of castor oil A tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel
Method
7. Aloe Vera And Olive Oil
Olive oil may not always be effective in reducing stretch marks (7). It was found to aid wound healing in mice (8). The oil is widely used in DIY remedies. If you want to use olive oil, you can use it with any hydrating ingredient like aloe vera (as the oil may also cause skin moisture loss in some cases). You Will Need
½ teaspoon of cold-pressed olive oil A tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel
Method
8. Aloe Vera And Honey
Honey is a humectanti XA substance that aids in retaining moisture content of the skin. . It improves transepidermal water lossi XA process where the water passes from the dermis to the top layer of the skin and evaporates. by enhancing moisture absorption from the dermisi XThe second layer of the skin that aids in thermoregulation and sensation. into the epidermis (topmost layer of skin) (9). You Will Need
A tablespoon of raw honey A tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel
Method
9. Aloe Vera And Cocoa Butter
There is no study to prove the moisturizing benefits of cocoa butter. However, it is widely used in skin care products and DIY recipes. It is believed to keep the skin moisturized and supple. You Will Need
A tablespoon of cocoa butter A tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel
Method
10. Aloe Vera And Avocado
Eating avocado has health benefits, but there is no proof that applying it to the skin can help. Avocado serves as an excellent base in any DIY remedy for mixing other ingredients. You Will Need
A tablespoon of mashed avocado A tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel
Method
11. Aloe Vera and Glycerin
In a study, a cream containing 20% glycerini XA natural, colorless, odorless fat-derived compound that binds moisture to the skin. was found to improve skin hydration levels (10). You Will Need
A teaspoon of glycerin A tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel
Method
12. Aloe Vera and Yogurt
Yogurt may not help fade stretch marks. However, it is thought to have a cooling effect on the skin. It may also keep the skin moisturized. You Will Need
A tablespoon of yogurt A tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel
Method
13. Aloe Vera And Rosewater
Traditionally, rosewater is used for wound healing and maintaining skin health (11). Rosewater may not fade your stretch marks, but it can help keep the skin healthy. However, you have to use a chemical-free and steam distilled rosewater (if you are buying it). Else, you can also prepare rosewater at home. You Will Need
2 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera A tablespoon of rosewater
Method Although aloe vera may seem to be a harmless herb with immense skin and health benefits, it may also cause adverse reactions. Hence, be aware of the following before using aloe vera for stretch marks.
Side Effects Of Using Aloe Vera For Stretch Marks
Before using aloe vera, do a patch test or consult a doctor (especially if you are pregnant). You can be allergic to aloe vera. The plant may cause:
Redness Burning sensation Dermatitis (rarely in people with sensitive skin)
The allergic reactions of aloe vera on the skin can be attributed to the presence of anthraquinones, such as aloin and barbaloin (1). Moreover, the plant may also interact with steroid drugs. Applying aloe vera to the skin may increase the absorption of steroid creams such as hydrocortisone. This may lower your potassium levels and increase the adverse effects of digoxin and digitoxin (1). Hence, consult a doctor before using aloe vera, especially if you are on medication or are pregnant. How long does aloe vera take to reduce stretch marks? As per anecdotal evidence, aloe vera may help fade stretch marks in 2-3 months. Is aloe vera good for reducing pregnancy stretch marks? You may use it for massaging. However, consult a doctor before using it. Fresh aloe vera gel (directly scooped from the plant) may cause skin irritation. Can coconut oil and aloe vera remove stretch marks? It may not remove the marks but can help fade the stretch marks with regular use. Can I mix aloe vera with my body cream? Yes, aloe vera has many skin-soothing properties, and adding it to your body cream will further keep the skin moisturized. How many days does aloe vera take to lighten skin? In most people, the results may take 3 weeks to 2 months to show when aloe vera is applied to the skin twice daily. However, the results also depend on one’s diet, water intake, and lifestyle. Can I apply aloe vera to my belly when pregnant? Yes, you can. In fact, itching on the abdomen is common during pregnancy – and you can relieve this by applying aloe vera gel to your belly.
