7 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Stretch Marks

Natural ways to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

- Lisa Turner

Stretch marks (striae) are indented streaks that often appear on the abdomen, breasts, hips, buttocks and thighs. They’re most common during pregnancy, but can also be caused by significant weight gain or loss, periods of rapid growth (like puberty or weight training), corticosteroids, breast enlargement surgery and certain genetic disordering, including Cushing’s and Marfan syndrome. The body’s levels of cortisone, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, can also increase the likelihood of stretch marks.

Generally, stretch marks look like slightly indented or sometimes raised streaks in the skin, especially around the belly, breasts, hips, and thighs; they may also appear as pink, purple or dark red lines. They’re not painful or dangerous, but they can interfere with how you feel about your appearance in a bikini.

Stretch marks are usually treated with retinoid creams, which help rebuild the skin’s collagen, and can be effective if used very soon—within a few months—after marks appear. Microdermabrasion can remove the top layer of skin and speed new skin growth, and laser therapy can encourage the production of collagen and elastin. But many of these are expensive, can irritate, and if pregnant, can impact baby.

If you’re looking for a more natural way to be bikini-ready, try these seven solutions to smooth stretch marks.

1. STOP THEM IN THEIR TRACKS.