Stretch marks, which are also called striae, occur whenever your skin changes shape in a short time. This can happen due to weight gain or growth and doesn t mean that there is something wrong with your health. Although both men and women can get these stretch marks, it is more common among women. Pregnancy and puberty are two of the biggest causes of stretch marks.

Stretch marks rarely go away on their own since they are a type of scarring on your skin. So you probably won t be able to get rid of them completely without the help of a dermatologist, you can however try remedies that will minimize their appearance and help them to fade more quickly. Here are five ingredients to try, to do just that:

1. Vitamin A

Vitamin A, commonly referred to as a retinoid, which helps to make our skin appear smoother and more youthful. Lots of topical cosmetic creams use them. Taking vitamin A orally or using a topical extract can help with your skin s health and overall appearance.

2. Sugar

Some people claim that sugar can be used as a homeopathic microdermabrasion method. Microdermabrasion is one of the methods used by some dermatologists to make stretch marks fade. Simply mix one cup of sugar with a cup of a softening agent, like coconut or almond oil. Add a little lemon juice and scrub the mixture on your stretch marks.

3. Aloe Vera

Although there is little clinical evidence to support aloe vera as a stretch mark cure, it still makes sense. It s a natural healing agent and skin softener which makes it an ideal remedy to try at home. After showering, apply pure aloe vera from a plant to your stretch marks.

4. Hyaluronic Acid

Your skin has a protein called collagen that helps it to appear healthy and keep its shape. Unfortunately collagen decreases in our face and bodies as we age. One way to stimulate production of collagen is by use of hyaluronic acid. It is available in many health food stores and can be in a form of a capsule or extract.

5. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has healing properties which help to reduce the time it takes for skin wounds to heal. By applying virgin coconut oil to your stretch marks daily, you can reduce their red appearance.

Outlook

Prevention is the best treatment method for stretch marks. In order to prevent your skin from scarring, you need to keep it hydrated. Topical creams and other ingredients we discussed above will keep your skin moisturized and reduce the chance for stretch marks appearing. Overtime, most stretch marks will fade even without treatment.