Aloe Vera For Stretch Marks: Uses, Benefits, And Treatments

Show your body some TLC with this organic ingredient to eliminate those pesky lines.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Vindhya L Veerula, MD, FAAD Dr. Vindhya L Veerula Dr. Vindhya L VeerulaMD, FAAD facebook_icontwitter_iconinsta_icon
Written by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature) Ramona Sinha MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 11 years
Edited by Eshna Das, BA, MSc Eshna Das BA, MSc linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Fact-checked by Shiboli Chakraborti, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Shiboli Chakraborti MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 4 years
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Tips To Use Aloe Vera FOr Stretch Marks

Image: Shutterstock

Stretch marks, or striae, are thin, elongated lines that form on stretched or saggy skin. They commonly occur as a result of weight gain, sudden weight loss, hormonal changes, or pregnancy, often appearing as subtle silver lines on the skin (1). You cannot completely get rid of stretch marks, but you can significantly fade them. Moisturizing and hydrating the skin can help reduce their appearance, which is why many people turn to aloe vera. Although there is no scientific evidence proving its effectiveness in managing stretch marks, aloe vera’s skin-healing properties may still offer some positive results.

protip_icon Did You Know?

Natural bodily changes, such as weight gain, pregnancy, or growth causes the skin to change its shape rapidly. This leads to stretch marks commonly seen on waist, hips, breasts, thighs, arms and the back (in both men and women).


This article explains how aloe vera may help prevent and fade stretch marks, its side effects, and 14 easy ways to use aloe vera. Scroll down.

Does Aloe Vera Treat Stretch Marks?

Pregnant woman applying aloe vera gel on her stretch marks
Image: Shutterstock

For one to understand how to prevent stretch marks, it is important to maintain skin hydration and incorporate a healthy diet rich in vitamins to keep your skin supple and less prone to stretching. There is no evidence of aloe vera being a potent treatment option for stretch marks. However, aloe vera has skin healing properties, which may help in treating stretch marks. Here’s why:

  • Aloe Vera Promotes Collagen Synthesis: Collagen production is essential for the healing of scars and wounds. Aloe vera (both topical and oral) may help increase collagen production and boost collagen cross-linking (2).
  • Aloe Vera Moisturizes The Skin: Moisturization may help effectively diminish stretch marks (3). Aloe vera contains mucopolysaccharidesi  Long chains of sugar molecules found in plants and the human body. that bind moisture to your skin. The plant also helps keep the skin soft and improves skin integrity (2).
  • Aloe Vera Prevents UV-induced Hypersensitivity: UV rays may often cause itching, redness, and rashes. Aloe vera helps prevent these issues and protects the skin from UV damage (2). UV protection is also critical to healing stretch marks.

If you want to use aloe vera for treating stretch marks, here are some easy DIY recipes you can try.

Key Takeaways

  • Aloe vera fights aging by boosting collagen production and speeding the healing process.
  • It improves skin hydration, reducing the appearance of stretch marks and fine lines.
  • Pair aloe vera with vitamin E that has antioxidant properties to treat scars and wounds.
  • The ricinoleic acid in castor oil moisturizes the skin and helps reduce stretch marks.
  • Consult a doctor if you notice inflammation or irritation on the skin after using aloe vera.

How To Use Aloe Vera For Treating Stretch Marks

1. Aloe Vera Gel

A bowl of aloe vera gel for stretch marks
Image: Shutterstock

Aloe vera keeps the skin moisturized and soft. This may help in faster healing.

You Will Need

  • 1 tablespoon of freshly scooped aloe vera gel

Method

  1. Apply the gel to the affected area.
  2. Massage for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Let it stay. Do not wash it off.
  4. Apply twice daily.

2. Aloe Vera And Virgin Coconut Oil

Virgin coconut oil has moisturizing effects on the skin. It may also improve the skin barrier and skin elasticity and stimulate the fibroblasts (cells that produce collagen and elastin) (4).

You Will Need

  • A tablespoon of virgin coconut oil
  • A tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel

Method

  1. Mix the coconut oil and aloe vera gel.
  2. Massage it onto the stretch marks.
  3. Leave it overnight.
  4. Apply once or twice daily.
protip_icon Quick Tip
You can also add sugar to this, as it is a good exfoliator and can help scrub the dead skin away. Microdermabrasion is another method used by doctors to fade stretch marks.

3. Aloe Vera And Vitamin E Oil (Softgels)

Although studies have not found topical vitamin E to be effective in treating scars and wounds, it is used as a popular home remedy. Additionally, it has antioxidant properties that may keep skin healthy (5).

You Will Need

  • 2 vitamin E softgels
  • A tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel

Method

  1. Squeeze the liquid from the soft gels.
  2. Mix it with the aloe vera gel.
  3. Massage it on the skin and leave it on.
  4. Repeat twice daily.

4. Aloe Vera And Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds can help in scrubbing dead skin cells. There is no evidence that scrubbing can treat stretch marks, but anecdotal evidence suggests that scrubbing can make skin soft.

You Will Need

  • A tablespoon of coffee grounds
  • 1-2 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera gel

Method

  1. Mix the coffee grounds and aloe vera gel.
  2. Massage the stretch marks with the mixture for 5 minutes.
  3. Leave it on for another 10 minutes.
  4. Wash off.
  5. Repeat thrice a week.

Note:

This mixture can be harsh. Hence, ensure you do not use it on your face.

5. Aloe Vera And Lemon Juice

Aloe vera leaves and sliced lemons for stretch marks
Image: Shutterstock

Anecdotal evidence suggests that lemon may help fade stretch marks to some extent. However, if you have sensitive skin, avoid lemon (or lime) juice as it may cause irritation. Also, it can make the skin photosensitivei  Heightened skin sensitivity when exposed to UV rays. (6). Hence, ensure you apply sunscreen before stepping out.

You Will Need

  • ½ teaspoon of lemon juice
  • A tablespoon of fresh aloe vera juice

Method

  1. Dilute the lemon juice with half a teaspoon of water.
  2. Mix the aloe vera gel and the lemon juice.
  3. Apply it to the stretch marks. Let it dry.
  4. Wash it off after 15 minutes.
  5. Apply a moisturizer.
  6. Do this once every day.

6. Aloe Vera And Castor Oil

Castor oil contains ricinoleic acid, which has a skin conditioning effect. It may also help keep your skin moisturized (7).

You Will Need

  • ½ teaspoon of castor oil
  • A tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel

Method

  1. Mix the castor oil and aloe vera gel.
  2. Massage it onto the stretch marks.
  3. Leave it on for 30 minutes (or overnight).
  4. Wash it off and apply a moisturizer.
  5. Repeat once or twice daily.

7. Aloe Vera And Olive Oil

There is some debate about using olive for reducing stretch marks, as it may not reduce their appearance entirely (8). However. it was found to aid wound healing in mice (9). The oil is widely used in DIY remedies. If you want to use olive oil, you can use it with any hydrating ingredient like aloe vera (as the oil may also cause skin moisture loss in some cases).

You Will Need

  • ½ teaspoon of cold-pressed olive oil
  • A tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel

Method

  1. Mix the oil and aloe vera gel.
  2. Massage the affected area with the mixture.
  3. Leave it on for 30 minutes.
  4. Wash it off and apply a moisturizer.
  5. Repeat once every day.

8. Aloe Vera And Honey

Aloe vera leaves and a jar of honey for stretch marks.
Image: Shutterstock

Honey is a humectanti  A substance that aids in retaining moisture content of the skin. . It improves transepidermal water lossi  A process where the water passes from the dermis to the top layer of the skin and evaporates. by enhancing moisture absorption from the dermisi  The second layer of the skin that aids in thermoregulation and sensation. into the epidermis (topmost layer of skin) (10).

You Will Need

  • A tablespoon of raw honey
  • A tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel

Method

  1. Mix the honey and aloe vera gel.
  2. Massage it on the affected area.
  3. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
  4. Wash it off and apply a moisturizer.
  5. Repeat it twice daily.

9. Aloe Vera And Cocoa Butter

There is no study to prove the moisturizing benefits of cocoa butter. However, it is widely used in skin care products and DIY recipes. It is believed to keep the skin moisturized and supple.

You Will Need

  • A tablespoon of cocoa butter
  • A tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel

Method

  1. Mix the butter and the aloe vera gel.
  2. Massage it all over the affected area.
  3. Leave it and do not wash.
  4. Repeat twice daily (preferably morning and night).

10. Aloe Vera And Avocado

Eating avocado has health benefits, but there is no proof that applying it to the skin can help. Avocado serves as an excellent base in any DIY remedy for mixing other ingredients.

You Will Need

  • A tablespoon of mashed avocado
  • A tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel

Method

  1. Mix the aloe vera and avocado.
  2. Spread a layer of the mixture on the stretch marks.
  3. Massage for 5 minutes.
  4. Leave it on for another 15-20 minutes.
  5. Wash it off and apply a moisturizer.
  6. Repeat once daily.

11. Aloe Vera and Glycerin

In a study, a cream containing 20% glycerini  A natural, colorless, odorless fat-derived compound that binds moisture to the skin. was found to improve skin hydration levels (11).

You Will Need

  • A teaspoon of glycerin
  • A tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel

Method

  1. Mix the glycerin and aloe vera gel.
  2. Massage it onto your stretch marks.
  3. Leave it on overnight.
  4. Repeat once or twice daily.

12. Aloe Vera and Yogurt

A wooden bowl filled with yogurt and aloe vera for stretch marks
Image: Shutterstock

Yogurt may not help fade stretch marks. However, it is thought to have a cooling effect on the skin. It may also keep the skin moisturized.

You Will Need

  • A tablespoon of yogurt
  • A tablespoon of fresh aloe vera gel

Method

  1. Mix the aloe vera gel and yogurt.
  2. Apply a thin layer on the stretch marks.
  3. You may put additional layers once the first one dries.
  4. Let it stay for 15 minutes.
  5. Wash it off and apply a moisturizer.

13. Aloe Vera And Rosewater

Traditionally, rosewater is used for wound healing and maintaining skin health (12). Rosewater may not fade your stretch marks, but it can help keep the skin healthy. However, you have to use a chemical-free and steam distilled rosewater (if you are buying it). Else, you can also prepare rosewater at home.

You Will Need

  • 2 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera
  • A tablespoon of rosewater

Method

  1. Mix the aloe vera gel and rosewater.
  2. Apply the mixture to your stretch marks with a cotton ball.
  3. Let it dry and reapply.
  4. Leave it on overnight.
  5. Repeat twice every day.

14. Aloe Vera And Shea Butter

Shea butter is commonly utilized as a foundational ingredient in commercially prepared ointments or creams for managing stretch marks, particularly those arising from pregnancy-related changes in weight. Anecdotal evidence indicates shea butter can aid in restoring skin elasticity. Despite its use as a natural emollient to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, it is important to note that more research is required to scientifically support this claim.

You Will Need

  • A tablespoon of pure aloe vera gel
  • A tablespoon of unrefined shea butter

Method

  1. Mix the shea butter and aloe vera gel in a bowl.
  2. Massage it all over the affected area.
  3. Leave it on and let it dry. Do not wash it off.
  4. Repeat twice daily (preferably morning and night).

Although aloe vera may seem to be a harmless herb with immense skin and health benefits, it may also cause adverse reactions. Hence, be aware of the following before using aloe vera for stretch marks.

Side Effects Of Using Aloe Vera For Stretch Marks

Before using aloe vera, do a patch test or consult a doctor (especially if you are pregnant). You can be allergic to aloe vera. The plant may cause:

  • Redness
  • Burning sensation
  • Dermatitis (rarely in people with sensitive skin)

The allergic reactions of aloe vera on the skin can be attributed to the presence of anthraquinones, such as aloin and barbaloin (2).

Moreover, the plant may also interact with steroid drugs. Applying aloe vera to the skin may increase the absorption of steroid creams such as hydrocortisone. This may lower your potassium levels and increase the adverse effects of digoxin and digitoxin (2).

Plant-based remedies might be useful, but they can also cause allergic reactions. Hence, consult a doctor and seek dermatological solutions before using aloe vera, especially if you are on medication or are pregnant.

Infographic: Easy Ways Of Using Aloe Vera For Stretch Marks

By now you must be well aware of how useful aloe vera is when it comes to stretch marks. It not only moisturizes and hydrates the skin, but anecdotal evidence suggests that it can diminish the appearance of stretch marks. Take a look at the infographic below to learn the different ways you can use aloe vera to reduce stretch marks.

aloe vera for stretch marks (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Want to know how to get rid of stretch marks? And aloe vera is on your list. Though aloe vera has several benefits for your skin, there is not enough evidence to claim its efficiency in reducing stretch marks; it is believed that the skin healing properties of aloe vera may help prevent and fade stretch marks. Although research on how to get rid of stretch marks are not sufficient, remedies like aloe vera, retinoid creams, or treatments like laser therapy can help fade them over time and improve skin texture. In addition, using aloe vera for stretch marks may help promote collagen synthesis, moisturize the skin, and prevent UV-induced hypersensitivity. You may use it as a gel, mixing it with other ingredients like coconut oil, vitamin E, coffee grounds, castor oil, olive oil, or honey. However, do a patch test before using aloe vera as it may cause side effects like redness or a burning sensation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does aloe vera take to reduce stretch marks?

As per anecdotal evidence, aloe vera may help fade stretch marks in 2-3 months.

Is aloe vera good for reducing pregnancy stretch marks?

You may use it for massaging. However, consult a doctor before using it. Fresh aloe vera gel (directly scooped from the plant) may cause skin irritation.

Can coconut oil and aloe vera remove stretch marks?

It may not remove the marks but can help fade the stretch marks with regular use.

Can I mix aloe vera with my body cream?

Yes, aloe vera has many skin-soothing properties, and adding it to your body cream will further keep the skin moisturized.

How many days does aloe vera take to lighten skin?

In most people, the results may take 3 weeks to 2 months to show when aloe vera is applied to the skin twice daily. However, the results also depend on one’s diet, water intake, and lifestyle.

Can I apply aloe vera to my belly when pregnant?

Yes, you can. In fact, itching on the abdomen is common during pregnancy – and you can relieve this by applying aloe vera gel to your belly.

Aloe vera is a great ingredient for fading stretch marks. But it also offers several more benefits for the skin! Learn more about these benefits in the following video.

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. Stretch Marks
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK436005/
  2. Surjushe, Amar, Resham Vasani, and D. G. Saple. “Aloe vera: a short review.” Indian journal of dermatology 53.4 (2008): 163.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/
  3. Wollina, Uwe, and Alberto Goldman. “Management of stretch marks (with a focus on striae rubrae).” Journal of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery 10.3 (2017): 124.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5782435/
  4. Evangelista, Mara Therese Padilla, Flordeliz Abad‐Casintahan, and Lillian Lopez‐Villafuerte. “The effect of topical virgin coconut oil on SCORAD index, transepidermal water loss, and skin capacitance in mild to moderate pediatric atopic dermatitis: a randomized, double‐blind, clinical trial.” International journal of dermatology 53.1 (2014): 100-108.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24320105/
  5. Keen, Mohammad Abid, and Iffat Hassan. “Vitamin E in dermatology.” Indian dermatology online journal 7.4 (2016): 311.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4976416/
  6. Mioduszewski, Margaret, and Jennifer Beecker. “Phytophotodermatitis from making sangria: a phototoxic reaction to lime and lemon juice.” CMAJ 187.10 (2015): 756-756.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4500699/
  7. Morris, J. Bradley, Ming Li Wang, and Stephen A. Morse. “Ricinus.” Wild Crop Relatives: Genomic and Breeding Resources. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg, 2011. 251-260.
    https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/10915810701663150
  8. Brennan, Miriam, Mike Clarke, and Declan Devane. “The use of anti stretch marks’ products by women in pregnancy: a descriptive, cross-sectional survey.” BMC pregnancy and childbirth 16.1 (2016): 276.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5031338/
  9. Lin, Tzu-Kai et al. “Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils.” International journal of molecular sciences vol. 19,1 70. 27 Dec. 2017, doi:10.3390/ijms19010070
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/
  10. Purnamawati, Schandra, et al. “The role of moisturizers in addressing various kinds of dermatitis: a review.” Clinical medicine & research 15.3-4 (2017): 75-87.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5849435/
  11. Lodén, M., and W. Wessman. “The influence of a cream containing 20% glycerin and its vehicle on skin barrier properties.” International journal of cosmetic science 23.2 (2001): 115-119.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498456//
  12. Boskabady, Mohammad Hossein, et al. “Pharmacological effects of Rosa damascena.” Iranian journal of basic medical sciences 14.4 (2011): 295.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3586833/
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Dr. Vindhya L Veerula
Dr. Vindhya L VeerulaMD, FAAD
Dr. Veerula (Dr. V) is a diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons. She is an energetic, proactive, and compassionate medical practitioner with 5 years of experience and a thorough understanding of overall mind-body-spiritual wellness.

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Ramona SinhaEditor
Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

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Eshna DasAssociate Editor
Eshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.

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Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.

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