Unless you’ve managed to win the holy grail of genetic lotteries, you’ve likely had to deal with cellulite, stretch marks, or scars (or all three!) on your body. Growth spurts, acne breakouts, weight gain, pregnancy, and tumbling off a skateboard onto harsh concrete as a teen can transform parts of our skin from a once-flawless canvas into a fun little map of memories and milestones. And while those skin flaws are undeniably beautiful in their own way, if they do bother you, there’s no shame in wanting to reduce their appearance.
Since a trip to the dermatologist can be pricey or simply unattainable, luckily, there are several treatments you can do right from the comfort of your own home. If your goal is to kick some blemishes to the curb, try some of these natural remedies that can reduce the appearance of cellulite, stretch marks, and scars.
SCARS
Scars are a natural healing process following an injury. When the second layer of your skin is damaged, your body forms collagen fibers to repair it. Lo and behold, a scar is born. Sometimes scars naturally fade with time. But depending on the injury, whether it’s an incision from surgery or the result of an accident, they can stick around forever.
In order to fully understand what you’re dealing with, you should know what type of scar you are trying to fade.
Atrophic scars appear flat against the upper layer of skin when there has been a loss of tissue, and they often have a darker pigmentation. Examples of an atrophic scar would be acne scars or chickenpox scars. Hypertrophic scars form when excess tissue forms over the skin as it heals and are typically darker than your natural skin tone. Keloid scars have a puffy, thick appearance and form when there’s been an overproduction of tissue. These can also appear darker than your natural skin tone and can grow outside of the injured area. Contracture scars form when large areas of skin have been stripped away or damaged and are typically tight, shiny, and restrict movement.
And while there’s no known way to completely get rid of the appearance of scars, natural advocates believe the following remedies can help make them less noticeable. Before doing any of these remedies, be sure your skin is clean and dry. Don’t try these remedies on open wounds- scars only!. And if you do have a negative reaction or any irritation, you should stop using it immediately.
Aloe vera
You can either purchase 100% pure aloe vera gel, or you can buy an aloe vera plant and extract the gel by removing the dark green skin from the flatter side of a leaf and scooping the gel out.
Twice a day, apply the gel directly to the scar using circular motions, then wash it off with cool water after thirty minutes or so.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E oil can be purchased in capsule form, or you can buy a bottle of pure vitamin E oil. If you go with capsules, just cut one (or a few, depending on the size of the affected area) and squeeze out the oil. Next, apply the oil to the scar and surrounding area and massage for about ten minutes. Let the oil sit on your skin for about twenty minutes following application, then wash with warm water. This should be done at least three times a day in order to see results over time.
Honey
Honey is pretty well-known for its healing properties and has been used as a natural remedy for thousands of years. Simply cover your scar with a layer of honey, cover with a bandage (because honey will get all over your clothes and bed), and leave it on overnight. Wash with warm water in the morning, and repeat every night until you’ve achieved desired results.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is versatile and useful, but it can cause breakouts, so be careful where you apply it. If your scar is on an area of your skin that isn’t prone to breakouts, then heat a few tablespoons of coconut oil until it liquifies and massage the oil into your scar for about ten minutes. Let your skin absorb the oil’s nutrients for about an hour before washing off. You can do this two to four times a day.
Rosehip Seed Oil
Rosehip seed oil has become a bit of a sensation and is typically marketed as an anti-aging product. But recent studies have shown rosehip oil can help reduce the appearance of scars. Researchers found that applying it twice daily reduced the appearance of scars and discoloration. You can use rosehip oil on just the scar itself and let your skin absorb it. If your goal is to reduce acne scars, rosehip oil can be used on not only the scar itself, but on your entire face! It’s a great remedy for dry skin and hyperpigmentation as well.
CELLULITE
Cellulite affects people of all shapes and sizes. It has a dimpled-looking appearance and forms when fatty tissue pushes up against connective tissue. There’s nothing wrong with having cellulite, and it doesn’t mean you’re unhealthy. That said, if it bothers you, you can find natural ways to minimize cellulite’s appearance.
Massage the area
You can massage the area yourself or seek the help of a massage therapist. Massaging improves lymphatic drainage and stretches your skin tissue, reducing the appearance of cellulite. This remedy won’t reduce cellulite with one use; you’ll need to repeat the process consistently. Nothing wrong with treating yourself to an at home or professional massage on a regular basis!
Stay hydrated!
It cannot be stressed enough that staying hydrated is extremely important for our bodies to function properly. Up to 60% or more of the human body is water, and that means your skin cells are also made up of— you guessed it!— water.
Drinking water keeps your skin hydrated from the inside out and encourages both circulation and lymphatic flow. Since cellulite is a product of lymphatic system blockage, stimulating lymphatic flow is key to keeping your skin looking its best.
Healthy diet and exercise
Weight loss can significantly reduce cellulite, although as mentioned above, cellulite can appear on people of all shapes and sizes. However, losing excess body fat may naturally reduce cellulite. A healthy diet and exercise can help you say farewell to unwanted cellulite.
STRETCH MARKS
Stretch marks form when skin is pulled either by rapid growth or stretching. When skin is overstretched, the normal collagen production is disrupted and stretch marks appear.
They can appear red, purple, pink, reddish-brown, or dark brown, depending on your skin color.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A can be found in many over-the-counter topical creams and as a supplement taken orally. It’s also found in the produce section in veggies such as carrots and sweet potatoes. Studies have shown vitamin A can reduce the appearance of stretch marks as well as other skin blemishes. However, its effects may only work on younger stretch marks and not on older ones.
Aloe vera
While not a cure for stretch marks, pure aloe vera, as mentioned above, has been recognized as a healing agent for skin. Simply apply pure aloe vera to your stretch marks daily after you shower.
Hyaluronic acid
Collagen is what provides structure to your skin and its production can be stimulated with hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid keeps your skin hydrated and healthy, and researchers have found that products containing hyaluronic acid may help prevent stretch marks.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil has been found to have healing properties and can help reduce scarring from skin damage. It can also help with any itching associated with stretch marks. Simply rub the oil onto the affected area.
Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter is ultra-hydrating and can penetrate deep into the skin which allows skin to retain moisture. Cocoa butter helps to repair dry skin and fade discolorations and scars such as stretch marks. Simply massage onto skin after showering.
Argan Oil
Argan oil is rich in vitamin E, vitamin A, and fatty acids that work to keep skin supple and less inflamed. It improves the elasticity of skin and is ideal for minimizing the appearance of stretch marks. Massage a few drops onto freshly-washed skin once a day.
While some skin blemishes may not budge with any natural remedies, hopefully you can find some skin-saving solutions that’ll keep you satisfied with your skin. Remember that no amount of cellulite, stretch marks, or scars can take away from your natural beauty, but it’s perfectly fine if you want your skin looking as healthy and flawless as possible.
Have you tried natural remedies for your skin blemishes? If you’ve had success with any of the above remedies, let us know!