How-to: get rid of stretch marks

Spring is here and it’s a fantastic feeling! For once you’ve managed not to overdo it with the hot chocolates and you may have even stayed on top of your exercise routine all winter. But there’s still one thing that’s left you dreading the impending bikini season: stretch marks. Now is the time to start working away at those cheeky red, purple and white lines, as they are a stubborn imperfection that takes time and consistency to improve. Lucky for you (and me) we have a few home remedies, as well as some wonderful advice and product recommendations from our bh members, so that you can start saying goodbye to your stretch marks. 

HOME REMEDIES

Potato juice

The following method is best for new, red stretch marks. Simply cut a thick slice of potato and gently rub it on your stretch marks for 2-3 minutes, making sure the juice from the potato covers the affected area. Allow the juice to dry and then wash it off with water. Repeat twice a day, once in the morning and once at night for the best results.

“Potato juice contains vitamins and minerals which help a lot in the growth and restoration of the skin. It also helps to deal with stretch marks.” –barbara281

Olive oil

Olive oil is excellent for moisturising your skin and keeping it supple. It also contains lots of nutrients and antioxidants that help improve various skin problems. If you’re pregnant or going through puberty (two of the most common causes of stretch marks) rubbing olive oil onto the affected areas (hips, thighs, tummy), will help prevent the marks from becoming more permanent.

“My mother used olive oil on her skin with all pregnancies and never got a single stretch mark.” –plonk

Alfalfa

Alfalfa leaves are enriched with eight essential amino acids and vitamins E and K, which help to restore and increase body tone, while aiding overall skin health. They also contain an anti-fungal to alkalise and detoxify the skin, which helps minimise both scars and stretch marks. To utilise the benefits on your stretch marks, mix some alfalfa powder with a few drops of chamomile oil to form a smooth paste. Massage the paste into the effected area twice a day and repeat daily for a few weeks to notice an improvement.

PRODUCTS

BioElixia® BodyShaper Cellulite Contour Crème

“I have been using this product and I find even though I have not got a great deal of cellulite I do have a few stretch marks. I found this product to tone my skin and I use it a prevention so my skin isn't looking as neglected.” – Platinum Ms 

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil

“This product really has improved my stretch marks!! A little bit goes a long way, the fragrance is really pleasant, smells like roses! The price and size is great but it does come out very quickly out of the small hole in the top!!” –angelgun

Innoxa SOS Skin Tissue Oil

 “I have horrific stretch marks due to a massive baby and absolutely hate my tummy so I thought I would give this a try and within a week my skin looks noticeably better my scars have faded quiet noticeably and I am truly stunned by the results as I have tried so many different products the aerosol makes it so easy to use and I just give myself a quick spray after the shower”- Nickyfraser

Lush Buffy (Vegan)

“I used the Buffy every 2nd day for 2 weeks and I have seen a drastic change in my stretch marks! they are more even and smoothed out... unfortunately they still are there as nothing but a tummy tuck would rid me of them... But the Buffy has definitely made them less noticeable, they are not as red and not as deep as they were. Which I am very please with!” - Natalie123

Trilogy Rose Hip Oil

“My stretch marks are quite old and have already turned white, and I know nothing will get rid of them completely, but I found Trilogy’s rose-hip oil really improved their appearance in a short amount of time.” – Tegan734

EXCELLENT ADVICE

Target your problem areas

“I think what works best is exercise – bike riding, elliptical machine, stairs, walking, squats – anything that really works out the thighs and butt.” –Chicklet

Use tan to cover them up 

“I do feel slimmer and healthier when tanned up. In winter my skin looks so pasty and gloomy, I like to get a spray tan to give that extra glow and healthy look. In summer I tan naturally and quite dark, it definitely hides my stretch marks and lumps and bumps ;)” – Yvette Rose

Moisturise

“I think of skin as an elastic band & figure if I keep it moisturised & hydrated then I’m giving it the best chance at snapping back & forwards with growth to minimise stretch marks.” – GoddessMagik

What are your tips for reducing the appearance of stretch marks? How do you like to stay body confident?