How to Get Rid of Red Stretch Marks Effectively

Stretch marks are the bane of a woman’s existence. Most females cringe at the sight of those white lines extending over their skin. If you have them, you are not alone. Although nothing can totally remove your stretch marks, there are ways to make them less visible.

Many women are constantly looking for tips on how to get rid of red stretch marks. Patience and time are still the best remedies. There are also some creams and natural solutions to help speed up the process. While these products can help, they cannot work miracles.

There is one dermatologist who has revealed the harsh truth about stretch marks. According to Dr. Oscar Hevia, stretch marks improve over time, even without treatment. Hevia emphasized one thing, though: Stretch marks are scars that happen from the inside out, so there is no treatment that makes them disappear completely.

While no treatment is necessary, there are some ways to make your white, silver or red marks less pronounced. Stretch marks can be the ultimate confidence stealer, but you can make them fade quicker with the following 17 tips on how to get rid of red stretch marks fast.

1. An Essential Oil Massage Can Remove Stretch Marks

Are you interested in how to get rid of red stretch marks while pregnant? An essential oil massage is an ideal remedy because it is natural. If you ask your doctor first and wait until after your first trimester, it won’t harm your unborn child in any way.

Jasmine and lavender are just two essential oils with restorative properties. You can combine these oils with jojoba, apricot or almond oil. Massaging your skin with these oils can improve skin hydration. Since dehydrated skin can make stretch marks worse, a massage could prevent your stretch marks from growing bigger.

Warning: While these oils are safe to use, always ask for your doctor’s advice before using them. Remember, do not use them in the first trimester.

Once you have the essential oil mixture of your choice, you can apply it directly on your skin. For best results, apply the oil on the affected area twice a day.

2. Retin-A Creams Reduce Length and Width of Stretch Marks

If you are not pregnant or breastfeeding, this vitamin A derivative known as retinoic acid or retinol is an effective solution for stretch marks. Creams containing these ingredients can decrease the size of red stretch marks. It would be best to use retinol in the first few months after the appearance of the marks. This is a helpful remedy for red or pink marks.

Retin-A should not be confused with retinol, although both ingredients contain vitamin A. Of the two, Retin-A is more effective. The side effects of using this product includes skin peeling and redness. It also takes about six months before you can see the results. While the cream can work on new stretch marks, it does not yield the same effects on older stretch marks and scars.

Warning: Both Retin-A and Retinol can be harmful to pregnant and nursing women. Using these creams can also make your skin more sensitive to the UV rays of the sun. You should consult your doctor first before you try this cream for stretch mark removal.

3. An Oatmeal Scrub is an Affordable Yet Effective Scar Remedy

You may know oatmeal is a heart healthy food, but that’s not all. This grain could also help you if you are sick of seeing stretch marks all over your skin. Known for its exfoliating abilities, oatmeal scrubs are affordable DIY solutions for ugly scars.

Oatmeal helps remove dead skin cells. It would be ideal to choose rolled oats and not instant oatmeal for this beauty recipe. All you need to do is grind the oats using a food processor or blender. Just mix the grounded oatmeal with a small about of water to create a paste.

Use this scrub at least three times a week. You can also add lemon juice to the paste for brighter and more toned skin.

Warning: Rinse this scrub off thoroughly. If you are going outdoors, be sure to apply some sunscreen afterwards. Also, if you add lemon, don’t leave this oatmeal scrub on your skin longer than five minutes. Lemon is highly acidic, so it can burn you when you leave it sitting on your skin too long.

4. Exercise is The Go-To Option for Teens

Doing a bit of exercise can never hurt you. When you have problems with stretch marks, a bit of exercise could help make them less noticeable. Teens often develop stretch marks during puberty. If you have had any growth spurts, you’ve probably noticed how they can cause your skin to grow too fast, leading to the appearance of ugly stretch marks.

One way to prevent stretch marks is to exercise regularly. You can engage in any kind of exercise you enjoy, including yoga, swimming or even walking around your neighborhood. Yoga is an effective choice because it helps you relax and control your weight. Yoga can also help you look toned and healthy.

Whatever you choose, change it up to keep things interesting. To keep at it for the long haul, make sure you have fun while doing it.

5. Onion Creams Work Well on Stretch Marks

Onion is not just an ingredient for improving the taste of food. It can also help women who want to learn how to get rid of red stretch marks on arms and other prominent areas in the body. In just a few weeks, an onion cream can make those stretch marks fade and your skin feel better.

Duke University Medical Center’s study on using onion cream on stretch marks had positive results. The stretch marks were not erased miraculously, but they improved a lot. The sulfur and antibacterial properties of onion are effective stretch mark busters.

The study involved 54 women and lasted for 12 weeks. Starting on the second week, the stretch marks treated with onion cream looked better than untreated ones. You can find onion cream commercially available as Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy.

6. Glycolic Acid is the Answer on How to Remove Stretch Marks

Glycolic acid helps in making scars, acne and other skin problems disappear. This alpha hydroxy acid helps you achieve healthier skin through the process of skin peeling. By applying glycolic acid on your skin, you can remove dead skin cells. This allows fresh, glowing skin to come to the surface.

Glycolic acid is safe for use. It improves the appearance of your skin’s top layer. This solution is often used together with other remedies. It may not remove stretch marks fully, since it can only solve problems on your skin’s outermost layer.

One study using 20 percent glycolic acid had positive results. There were visible improvements in the appearance of the participant’s stretch marks after 12 weeks.

7. Pulsed Dye Laser is an Optimal Solution to Red and Angry Stretch Marks

The pulsed dye laser is one of the best solutions on how to get rid of red stretch marks on thighs and other parts of the body. A study using a 585-nm pulsed dye laser in Korea had promising results. Pulsed dye laser was combined with radiofrequency treatment.

Of the nine test subjects, 89.2 percent considered the results “good” and “very good” based on their subjective evaluation. Researchers observed an increase in collagen fibers and elastic fibers in all nine subjects.

The risks of pulsed dye laser treatments are minimal. When treatments start early, the results are also more effective. Adding radiofrequency as detailed in the study above is also an effective choice for women who want optimal results.

8. Consistent Chemical Peel Sessions Fades Stretch Marks

Chemical peels are becoming more popular these days. This is one solution to use when you want to get rid of freckles, age spots, acne scars and stretch marks. Since it removes the damaged skin layer on top, you can say hello to healthier skin afterward. This is one effective way on how to get rid of red stretch marks on your skin.

The type of chemical peel depends on your skin problem. Chemical peels may not burn away stretch marks, but they can make them less visible. Results differ from one person to another. They also depend on how old the stretch mark is, as well as the size.

The main disadvantage of chemical peels is a longer recovery period. Using strong chemicals can also lead to bigger issues, such as permanent scarring.

9. Vitamin C Helps Shrink Stretch Marks

There is no guarantee that vitamin C will erase every stretch mark on your body. Even so, health authorities recommend this vitamin since it is vital in keeping your skin healthy. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and it inhibits the formation of scars. Aside from that, it fights free radicals that can lead to skin damage.

With these combined qualities, vitamin C can help prevent stretching. Keeping your skin healthy decreases your chances of developing stretch marks. In addition, your body will also be stronger. Improving your consumption of foods rich in vitamin C could help you with this problem.

At the same time, you can apply topical vitamin C directly on your skin. This method on how to remove stretch marks is safe, too.

10. Microdermabrasion is a Non-Invasive Solution for Stretch Marks

Microdermabrasion is not just an acne scar solution. It also works on stretch marks. This procedure is noninvasive and only involves the surface of your skin.

The practitioner uses a hand piece to apply micro aluminum oxide crystals on your skin. This exfoliant can remove the topmost skin layer. This results in better-looking skin with less visible marks and scars. Each session takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

Microdermabrasion is safer since it is noninvasive. Although patients feel the sanding sensation, treatments are not painful.

11. Aloe Vera is Nature’s Remedy to Stretch Marks

Whether you have burns or scars, aloe vera can help. When you notice red stretch marks lining your skin, applying aloe vera gel directly on your skin can help diminish the appearance of the marks. The best time to apply aloe vera gel is when the marks are still red and fresh. Your chances of removing white stretch marks completely are lower.

Aloe vera is your skin’s best friend. The enzymes and fatty acids in the gel can resolve a lot of skin issues. The collagen in this plant can also help improve your skin’s elasticity.

12. A  Sugar and Lemon Solution is How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks Naturally

Lemon is a handy home remedy, whether you are dealing with scars or acne. This is because lemon contains alpha hydroxy acids. This acid helps increase your body’s production of collagen to make your skin more elastic. This acid also exfoliates your skin and promotes the growth of new skin cells.

The citric acid in lemons can make your skin lighter, which reduces the redness of stretch marks. When used correctly, lemons can keep your skin hydrated. However, caution must be practiced when using this natural remedy since it can lead to skin dryness.

You can apply fresh lemon juice directly on your skin. Leave it on for just a few minutes. You can also mix lemon juice with sugar and almond oil to create a scrub. A teaspoon of sugar and lemon juice and half a teaspoon of almond oil can do the trick. It can take about a month to see results.

13. Coffee Scrubs: How to Get Rid of Red Stretch Marks with Caffeine

If you thought that coffee is only good for kick starting your day, you are wrong. This popular beverage is also a helpful solution for stretch marks. Coffee scrubs are becoming a trend because caffeine can bring some positive effects to your skin.

The scent of a coffee scrub can wake you up. All you need is ground coffee directly from your machine. You just need to add warm water to moisten the beans.

You will also need olive oil to create a paste. The olive oil and ground coffee combination makes a soothing scrub. Massage the paste into your skin from three to five minutes. Leave it on for another 20 minutes. Wipe away the mixture or rinse it afterward.

You can use this scrub daily. Be sure to apply moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.

14. Cocoa Butter Repairs Unsightly Marks

This hydrated vegetable fat is present in many cosmetics because it is an ages-old remedy for scars and dry skin. When applied topically, it could help fade your stretch marks.

Apply the cocoa butter directly on your skin and gently rub it in for 30 to 60 seconds. Wrap the area to encourage all the moisture to seep into your skin. Allow the cocoa butter to sit on your skin for five to 10 minutes. Massage the area twice a day with cocoa butter to yield visible results.

It could take some time before you can see results with this treatment. Although it may take up to a month before you see a difference in the appearance of your skin, the results are long lasting.

15. The Right Swimwear Makes Stretch Marks Invisible

When you are struggling with stretch marks, finding the right type of beachwear can be a pain. Revealing pieces could highlight those stretch marks, so you probably will want to skip them. If you have tried all your options on how to get rid of red stretch marks on bum, abdomen and upper thighs, don’t fret. The right clothes could still help you.

It could be better to wear a monokini or one-piece swimwear. If you want to wear a two-piece anyway, wearing a wrap is an option, too.

With all the cool swimwear options on the market, stretch marks should not stop you from showing off your body. The right wrap can go with any piece and could conceal those marks effectively. Choosing the right swimwear could hide stretch marks until they have time to fade away.

16. CO2 Laser Therapy Reduces Stretch Marks Through Skin Renewal

CO2 Laser therapy is another option for how to get rid of red stretch marks on legs without feeling a lot of pain. Just like chemical peels and microdermabrasion, this procedure gets rid of the skin’s top layer.

Laser therapy using CO2 is a controversial procedure. Although it boosts your body’s collagen production, some doctors believe it does more harm than good. Talk to your doctor about the side effects before opting for this type of stretch mark treatment.

17. A Tummy Tuck Helps Solve Post Pregnancy Belly Fat and Stretch Marks

For women who just gave birth, one option is to go for a tummy tuck. After giving birth, most women often struggle with abdominal fat, aside from the stretch marks.

One way to get rid of the kangaroo pooch and stretch marks on your stomach is to get a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck requires surgery where the doctor tightens your abdominal fat to contour your waist.

When you are at a healthy weight and don’t have excess tummy fat, this surgical operation is an option. Aside from improving the shape of your body, it also helps conceal stretch marks on the surgical area. The surgery often lasts from two to three hours. You will need a clean bill of health to undergo this procedure.

As mentioned above, getting rid of stretch marks completely is impossible. Since red stretch marks are the freshest type, you have a greater chance of getting rid of them. Red stretch marks are new, so this is the best time to make those scars go away.

If you are wondering how to get rid of red stretch marks, just pick one of these 17 tips to try today. You have several options, so don’t let your stretch marks mess with your self-esteem. There is always something you can do to make those unsightly marks disappear besides waiting.