So you have recently lost a significant amount of weight, and you look amazing! But now you noticed that you developed stretch marks after losing weight.
My experience is 100% similar to yours.
When I lost 60 pounds, I was so excited to see my progress – until I looked in the mirror and saw stretch marks after losing weight! I was so proud of myself, but the stretch marks on my body made me feel insecure and uncomfortable.
After all that hard work I had put in to lose weight, these stretch marks were an unwelcome surprise. I eventually learned to accept them, but I still wanted to find a way to reduce their appearance without dishing out cash for a cosmetic procedure.
After intensive research, I stumped upon the most effective natural ways to get rid of stretch marks. In this post, I will discuss 7 ways to reduce the appearance of stretch marks so you can sport that crop top you’ve been hiding in the back of the closet!
Natural Ways to Remove Stretch Marks After Weight Loss
There is no need to turn to expensive, invasive procedures when you want to get rid of the stretch marks left after losing weight. The best way to do it is to use natural remedies that are easy to find and won’t cost a fortune.
Natural remedies are gentle on your skin, provide fantastic results, and are much safer than any other option.
So, if you want to improve the appearance of your stretch marks, try these natural remedies, and you won’t regret it!
Coconut Oil for Stretch Marks
Coconut oil has antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties that can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
You can apply coconut oil directly to the affected area or mix it with other ingredients like aloe vera or essential oils for added benefits. When using coconut oil, gently massage it into your skin in circular motions for the best results.
The fatty acids in coconut oil will help to soften the skin, promoting better elasticity and reducing the visibility of stretch marks.
Shea Butter for Stretch Marks
Shea butter is one of the best natural remedies for stretch marks, and it has been used by many cultures for centuries. Not only is it incredibly hydrating and nourishing, but it also has incredible healing powers when applied topically to skin that has been damaged.
Shea butter contains essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants that help to promote collagen production, which in turn helps to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Plus, its moisturizing properties can help keep your skin soft, smooth, and hydrated resulting in a healthier complexion.
To get the most out of shea butter, gently massage it into your affected areas using circular motions twice a day. You should start seeing a difference after a few weeks. Alternatively, you can use a ready-made cream with shea butter as an ingredient.
Microneedling for Stretch Marks
Microneedling involves using tiny needles to puncture the top layers of skin, which encourages your body to produce collagen and elastin, helping to reduce the visibility of stretch marks.
Additionally, this treatment is relatively painless, with only a mild prickling sensation in the treated area. Not only does microneedling help diminish the look of stretch marks, but it can also improve the overall texture of your skin and make it look more radiant.
Cocoa Butter for Stretch Marks
Cocoa butter has long been hailed as a miracle worker for a variety of skin problems, and it can be a great solution to stretch marks, too! This natural, creamy butter is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants that can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks by plumping up the skin and improving its elasticity.
It also provides intense hydration to keep the skin soft and supple. Simply massage cocoa butter into the affected area daily and let the cocoa butter work its magic. With regular use, you’ll soon see your stretch marks fading away!
Hyaluronic Acid for Stretch Marks
Hyaluronic acid is an amazing product that can help reduce the visibility of stretch marks by providing deep hydration. This remarkable acid is known to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. When applied directly to the skin, hyaluronic acid can help moisturize and plump the skin, reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
Additionally, using hyaluronic acid can help improve skin elasticity and stimulate collagen production, both of which are important for fading stretch marks.
As a bonus, hyaluronic acid is non-toxic, so you don’t have to worry about any side effects! To reap the maximum benefits, apply hyaluronic acid directly to the affected area twice a day. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your stretch marks can vanish!
Silicone Gel for Stretch Marks
Silicone gel is a great option for removing stretch marks after losing weight. It works by forming a protective barrier over the affected area, helping to lock in moisture and promote healing.
The gel also helps to fill in any indented areas on the skin caused by stretch marks, making them less visible.
Best of all, silicone gel is safe, non-toxic, and easy to use. Simply apply a thin layer of the gel onto the affected area twice a day for several weeks, and you should start seeing results.
Vitamin E for Stretch Marks
When it comes to removing stretch marks after weight loss, vitamin E is a great place to start. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from damage.
In addition to applying a topical solution that contains vitamin E, you can also take vitamin E supplements orally to help promote healthy skin.
Vitamin E is especially beneficial when combined with other natural remedies like coconut oil or shea butter.
So experiment with them, and you will create a perfect blend for your skincare needs.
FAQ’s
Do stretch marks go away when you lose weight?
If your stretch marks are newer and red in color, then they are more likely to fade over time. On the other hand, if they are white or silvery in color, then they are less likely to go away as they are older stretch marks that are more deeply embedded in your skin.
Losing weight too quickly can also cause new stretch marks and loose skin to form. So, while it is possible for existing stretch marks to fade with weight loss, it’s not a guarantee. However, the natural treatments mentioned above can help reduce the appearance of existing stretch marks.
Are stretch marks permanent?
Newer stretch marks may go away with a proper skincare routine, but older scars are permanent and harder to treat.
Depending on your individual situation, you may find that the appearance of stretch marks can be greatly reduced with regular skincare and treatments.For instance, consistent moisturizing, exfoliation, and proper hydration can all help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks over time.
Ultimately, it’s important to remember that everyone’s body is unique – so what works for one person may not work for another. With that said, don’t let stretch marks discourage you – there are plenty of ways to minimize them!
What are red vs. white stretch marks?
When it comes to stretch marks, not all marks are created equal! Red stretch marks are newly formed and can appear as raised, red or purple lines on the skin.
These marks generally occur due to rapid weight gain or loss, hormonal changes, pregnancy, or periods of intense growth or development.
Over time, these red marks may become silvery white or faded in color and appear flat against the skin. This is because the redness is caused by inflammation in the dermis, which eventually calms down.
On the other hand, white stretch marks are simply old, faded scars from where the dermis has been stretched beyond its capacity and has lost its color. While they might not be as vibrant as the red ones, they’re still very much visible.
Also Worth Checking Out:
- Top 10 Best Stretch Mark Creams Reviews – Prevent and Fade Stretch Marks
- Microneedling for Stretch Marks: Everything You Should Know
- 4 Reasons Why You Should Use Coconut Oil for Stretch Marks
- Hyaluronic Acid for Stretch Marks – The Secret to Reducing Their Appearance
FAQs
How to get rid of stretch marks on stomach after losing weight? ›
Laser treatment, based on procedures like collagen remodelling, is widely considered the most effective and comprehensive way of getting rid of stubborn stretch marks.
How to get rid of stretch marks naturally after losing weight? ›- Vitamin A. Vitamin A in skin care products is referred to as a retinoid. ...
- Hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a powerful ingredient for moisturizing and skin healing. ...
- Centella. ...
- Sugar. ...
- Aloe vera. ...
- Coconut oil.
Do stretch marks go away when you lose weight? Stretch marks from gaining too much weight are not likely to go away, even if you lose the weight. That said, stretch marks can heal if they're still red (indicating new stretch marks). Older stretch marks that are translucent are the most difficult to address.
What removes stretch marks quickly? ›In two large studies, applying hyaluronic acid to early stretch marks made the stretch marks less noticeable. Tretinoin is a retinoid, which may also make early stretch marks less noticeable. In one study, people who applied this prescription cream every night for 24 weeks had less noticeable stretch marks.
Why are my stretch marks worse after losing weight? ›If you've lost a significant amount of weight and have excess skin because of your weight loss, that excess skin can cause stretch marks because it weighs down other areas of skin. The excess skin pulls on healthy skin and can cause stretching, tearing, and scarring.
How to get rid of stretch marks and loose skin after weight loss? ›Regular exercise, including cardio and strength training, will help you maintain your weight and tone your body. It also may help your skin look tighter. Talk to your doctor if you're concerned about extra skin.
What color are stretch marks when you lose weight? ›Weight loss or weight gain
A disruption to the collagen and connective tissues can cause stretch marks after weight loss and weight gain. And, as a result, stretch marks typically appear purple and blue [5]. These stretch marks tend to fade over time to a lighter skin colour.
Bio-Oil helps to improve the appearance of existing stretch marks formed during pregnancy, teenage growth spurts or periods of rapid weight gain. Although it is more effective on newer stretch marks, older stretch marks will also show some improvement with regular use of Bio-Oil.
How long does it take for stretch marks to fade after weight loss? ›Permitting that rapid weight gain stops and prevents your skin from stretching more, you'll notice your marks will fade from deep red or purple to a silvery or white color. With time, they may also become smoother and less deep in appearance. This fading process can take as little as several months to several years.
What do purple stretch marks mean? ›Stretch marks are also associated with long-term application of corticosteroids and with certain health conditions, such as Cushing's disease and Marfan syndrome. Darker colored stretch marks, such as purple ones, are typically newer. Without treatment, they'll usually fade to white or silver over time.
How do celebrities prevent stretch marks during pregnancy? ›
Bio-Oil Skin Care Oil
Kim Kardashian and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (aka Duchess Kate) are both fans of Bio-Oil for keeping skin soft and stretch mark-free during pregnancy. According to the Bio-Oil website, this product has won 349 skincare awards and has become the No.
How long do stretch marks take to fade? In general, stretch marks take between six and 12 months to fade. With treatment, they often fade faster.
Can you 100% get rid of stretch marks? ›Yes and no. Stretch marks are truly a permanent skin condition, but sometimes the appearance of these scars can fade over several years. Depending on your skin type and your lifestyle, as well as how well you take care of your skin, some stretch marks can start to fade in as little as one to two years.
Can coconut oil remove stretch marks? ›While coconut oil cannot completely eliminate stretch marks once they've occurred, it may be used to reduce healing time and improve their appearance.
Which medicine is best for stretch marks? ›Retinoid cream.
Derived from vitamin A, retinoids — such as tretinoin (Retin-A, Renova, Avita) — that you apply to your skin may improve the appearance of stretch marks less than a few months old.
Red stretch marks, or striae rubrae, are breaks or lesions that happen when a person's skin stretches rapidly to keep up with underlying growth. According to a 2016 review of studies , red stretch marks occur during the acute phase of this stretching, while white stretch marks are characteristic of the chronic phase.
How do you tighten skin after stretch marks? ›- Laser Treatments. Laser technology can be used to treat the upper layer of skin and begin the body's natural healing process. ...
- Radiofrequency Energy. ...
- Combination Treatments.
- Using Resistance Training. Some natural remedies can tighten loose skin after weight loss. ...
- Using Nutrition and Hydration. ...
- Taking Collagen. ...
- Use of Firming Creams. ...
- Body Contouring Surgery.
Deadlift
The deadlift is a challenging workout that increases muscle mass and reduces the look of loose skin, especially if the loose skin is the result of weight loss. Additionally, it deals with muscle weakness and improves posture.
Stretch marks (striae) result from rapid stretching of the skin which may occur with obesity, pubertal growth spurts, pregnancy, or from other influences such as Cushing syndrome. Stretch marks (striae) can appear when there is rapid stretching of the skin.
Do stretch marks get darker or lighter? ›
Stretch marks look like lines or streaks across the skin. Stretch marks can be pink, red, brown, black, silver or purple. They usually start off darker and fade over time. Stretch marks are most common on the tummy, breasts, chest, upper arms, legs, bottom, hips or back.
Why do my stretch marks itch when losing weight? ›Most stretch marks run vertically along your body, though they can sometimes be horizontal, too. Healing skin tends to be itchy. With dermal tearing, your nerves respond by creating the itchy sensations. This is also why your stretch marks might itch after you've lost weight.
How long does Bio-Oil take to fade stretch marks? ›According to some studies, Bio-Oil can be effective in helping to improve the appearance of stretch marks. It is said to take three months before you start noticing a difference, but some people report visible results after four weeks of consistent use.
Does Bio-Oil tighten skin? ›After you heal, you'll see tightening and fewer wrinkles within 2 weeks. Bio Oil Reviews. The consumer Bio Oil reviews are largely positive, with many customers claiming that the product helped them achieve significant improvement in the appearance and texture of their skin.
Does Bio-Oil work on purple stretch marks? ›Does Bio-Oil Skincare Oil Help With Stretch Marks? While stretch marks are permanent, Bio-Oil Skincare Oil is formulated to help improve their appearance. A product — such as Bio-Oil Skincare Oil — specifically formulated to help keep the skin supple and moist may help reduce the possibility of stretch marks forming.
How many sessions does it take to get rid of stretch marks? ›Reducing the appearance of stretch marks is fast, with most treatment sessions lasting about 30 minutes. Three to five sessions are typically recommended to achieve the best results.
Why am I getting stretch marks if I'm not gaining weight? ›Underlying Health Conditions (Marfan Syndrome)
Marfan Syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the body's connective tissue; causing the tissue in the body to not grow and develop properly, this can cause stretch marks to appear without any visible reason (i.e. weight gain/pregnancy).
Early stretch marks are usually red or purple. Over time, stretch marks lose their colour and become white or silvery in appearance.
How do you cover up stretch marks on your stomach? ›Apply Self-Tanner
While not makeup, self-tanner is a holy grail beauty product that can help disguise the look of stretch marks. Not to mention, you'll get the appearance of beautifully bronzed skin in the process.
"The Coolbeam lasers are the best for removing scars, stretch marks and skin imperfections. They treat stretch marks by resurfacing the top layer of skin, which increases collagen regeneration. The best part is that there's very little pain and downtime!"
How did Kim Kardashian not get stretch marks? ›
According to E!, Ourian first cooled Kim's skin and then used a CoolBeam laser to vaporize superficial cells, removing miniscule fractions of skin tissue at a time. As you can expect, it's not cheap: The whole procedure costs anywhere between $2,900 and $4,900 per area.
Did Jennifer Lopez get stretch marks? ›Yes, even the stars get them. Leann Rimes recently tweeted about her stretch marks and how she's had them for years, and pop diva Jennifer Lopez even showed off a pre-airbrushed image from a recent photo shoot that bared her stretch marks. But what exactly are stretch marks and how do they form on your skin?
How long do stretch marks last after losing weight? ›Permitting that rapid weight gain stops and prevents your skin from stretching more, you'll notice your marks will fade from deep red or purple to a silvery or white color. With time, they may also become smoother and less deep in appearance. This fading process can take as little as several months to several years.
How do you get rid of loose skin after weight loss? ›- Using Resistance Training. Some natural remedies can tighten loose skin after weight loss. ...
- Using Nutrition and Hydration. ...
- Taking Collagen. ...
- Use of Firming Creams. ...
- Body Contouring Surgery.
How Long Does it Take for Shea Butter to Work on Stretch Marks? In about three months, your skin should feel softer and smoother. Softening your skin and reducing stretch marks requires a combination of nutrition, moisture (from shea butter and your food), and other factors.
How to remove stretch marks naturally? ›- Aloe vera: The outer layer of the aloe vera leaf is removed and the inner gel is sliced out to be applied on the stretch marks. ...
- Coconut oil: ...
- Centella: ...
- Hyaluronic acid: ...
- Vitamin A: ...
- Olive oil: ...
- Black tea: ...
- Potatoes juice:
Bio-Oil has been proven to help reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks. Some of its ingredients can also help with the appearance of wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, and possibly in the treatment of acne. As long as you're not allergic to its ingredients, Bio-Oil is considered generally safe to use.
How can I tighten my loose skin on my stomach? ›Resistance and strength training exercises such as squats, planks, leg raises, deadlifts, and bicycle crunches help you create a defined belly area. Tighten your belly skin with massages and scrubs. Regularly massage the skin on your stomach with oils that promote the formation of new collagen in your body.
How do I get rid of saggy lower belly? ›- Cut your calories. ...
- And maybe cut your carbs too. ...
- Bump up your protein. ...
- Stop drinking your calories. ...
- Try intermittent fasting. ...
- Go for high intensity intervals. ...
- Try resistance training. ...
- Get enough sleep.
You should include foods that are rich in collagen and elastin to your diet. Milk, legumes, cottage cheese, beans, nuts and fish are examples of foods that contain elastin and collagen. They help with skin firmness, strength and elasticity.
Why am I skinny but still have stretch marks? ›
The marks occur when a person experiences a significant amount of growth or weight gain in a short period of time, such as during puberty. Getting stretch marks does not necessarily mean a person is overweight. Thin people can get the marks too, especially when experiencing a rapid growth spurt.