Stretch Marks: Natural Solutions

Pregnancy, weight gain, adolescence: stretch marks appear without warning. The good news is that several plant-based oils and active ingredients have been proven to nourish the skin and reduce the appearance of these marks. But you still need to know which ones to choose—and, more importantly, which ones to avoid. Because there’s often a huge gap between the “miracle cures” circulating online and what actually works.

Understanding Stretch Marks

Stretch marks form when the skin stretches too quickly for the elastin and dermal support fibers to keep up. As a result, these fibers break in the dermis, the deep layer of the skin. These are literally internal scars.

The main causes? Pregnancy, rapid weight gain or loss, puberty, or hormonal fluctuations (cortisol, in particular, weakens elastic fibers). There is also a genetic component: some skin types produce lower-quality elastin, making them more vulnerable.

Stretch marks go through two distinct phases. First, they appear red or purplish (the inflammatory phase, when blood vessels are dilated), then they turn white and pearly (the scarring phase). It is during the red phase that treatments are most effective, as the skin is still in the process of healing.

Red stretch marks vs. white stretch marks: Are the treatment approaches different?

To be completely transparent: old, white stretch marks will not disappear completely with plant-based ingredients. They are established scars. However, plant oils rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins A and E can smooth the skin’s texture, even out the complexion, and make these marks significantly less visible.

Red stretch marks, on the other hand, present a real opportunity for intervention. At this inflammatory stage, healing, nourishing, and anti-inflammatory ingredients can promote cell renewal and help prevent them from progressing to the white stage. Rosehip oil, rich in trans-retinoic acid (a form of vitamin A), is often considered the gold standard for treating existing stretch marks. But sea buckthorn oil, rich in beta-carotene (also a precursor to vitamin A), also provides Omega-7, which deeply nourishes the skin.

Here’s a simple rule of thumb: if your stretch marks are still colored, go for the right products. If they’re white, patience and consistency will be your best allies.

Plant-based oils that help reduce stretch marks

Not all vegetable oils are equally effective against stretch marks. Here are the ones with solid evidence to back them up:

• Rosehip seed oil: its high trans-retinoic acid content makes it an excellent choice for treating white or old stretch marks. Apply a few drops morning and night to the affected areas, massaging gently. Caution: this product is sensitive to oxidation; store it away from light.
• Almond oil: composed of approximately 70% monounsaturated fats, it restores elasticity to the skin. Valentine Cabanel, a naturopath and doctor of pharmacy, notes that “it’s an excellent base that doesn’t leave a greasy film on the skin’s surface.” Studies show that its preventive effectiveness increases significantly when combined with regular massage.
• Sea buckthorn oil: this is where things get fascinating. Sea buckthorn is one of only four fruits in the world that contains omega-7, which has a structure most similar to human sebum. Omega-7 is known for its skin-repairing properties. According to the journal Phytothérapie (Vernet, 2006), “folk wisdom and contemporary research confirm the benefits of sea buckthorn oil in protecting and regenerating the skin and mucous membranes.” Sea buckthorn berries also contain 10 times more beta-carotene than a carrot and 4 times more vitamin E than sunflower oil: two antioxidants that protect skin fibers.
• Argan oil: nourishing and rich in antioxidants, it can be used as a base for a homemade scrub (mixed with fine sugar), which helps stimulate cell renewal in areas with visible signs of aging.

In comparison, castor oil—often cited—is not effective for stretch marks, according to Valentine Cabanel: “It is primarily an anti-inflammatory and analgesic oil, useful for local pain and hair growth.”

Shea butter, aloe vera gel, and other plant-based active ingredients

In addition to oils, there are other products worth checking out:

• Shea butter: its resinous esters soften the skin, while its vitamin C content protects the skin’s fibers.
• Aloe vera gel: the combination of its water content, minerals (copper, zinc), vitamins C and A, and polysaccharides creates a synergistic effect that stimulates the synthesis of supportive fibers locally.
• Centella asiatica (cica): This active ingredient is frequently cited in the literature for its role in dermal fiber synthesis, although the number of studies specifically focused on stretch marks remains limited.

What about remedies that don’t work? Lemon juice doesn’t moisturize the skin and can cause sunspots. Tiger Balm, which contains warming essential oils, is “of no use for stretch marks,” according to Valentine Cabanel. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, but its effectiveness when applied topically to stretch marks remains unproven.

Which solutions are safe during pregnancy?

For pregnant women, the rule is simple: essential oils are not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Pure plant oils (almond, rosehip, sea buckthorn) and shea butter, on the other hand, are safe to use during pregnancy.

During pregnancy, choosing a natural oil to prevent stretch marks comes down to a few simple criteria. Look for formulas rich in omega-7 and vitamin E, free of essential oils and endocrine disruptors. Applying the oil morning and night starting in the first trimester, on slightly damp skin, maximizes prevention by supporting skin elasticity even before stretching becomes visible.

Beyond stretch marks, pregnancy requires you to rethink your entire beauty routine. Certain common ingredients (retinoids, chemical sunscreens, parabens) can penetrate the skin barrier and pose risks to the baby. Taking the time to choose your cosmetics during pregnancy allows you to eliminate endocrine disruptors while still using effective skincare products made with pure plant oils.

More and more midwives are recommending sea buckthorn oil during and after pregnancy. According to a reference book on this berry, “regular and prolonged use of sea buckthorn oil can eliminate stretch marks from pregnancy within one to two months” (Luetjohann, Sea Buckthorn: An Energy-Boosting Fruit, Beneficial Oil, Medicis, 2002).

Sea buckthorn oil and omega-7: a little-known remedy for stretch marks

Omega-7 (palmitoleic acid) is the lipid whose structure most closely resembles that of human sebum. Its ability to nourish the skin without leaving it greasy makes it an ingredient particularly well-suited for treating stretch marks. Sea buckthorn contains at least 20 times more of this compound than any other known plant source.

Secret Sublimant by Maison de l’Argousier is a dry oil formulated with organic sea buckthorn berries, extracted using an enzymatic process (without solvents or heat) to preserve all of the omega-3, 6, 7, and 9 fatty acids, beta-carotene, and vitamin E. Its formula contains no endocrine disruptors or essential oils. Its remarkable benefit: it intensely nourishes the skin while regulating sebum, without leaving a greasy film. Applied morning and night to areas prone to stretch marks, it helps deeply hydrate the skin and support its elasticity.

The right approach: massage and consistency

Ideally, you should start applying the product as early as the first month of pregnancy, even before your skin begins to stretch significantly. It’s important to prepare your skin’s elasticity in advance. And be sure to continue using the product for two months after giving birth to support the skin’s recovery.

No oil will work wonders without a little consistency. Five minutes a day is enough: apply your plant-based oil using light, circular strokes. This massage stimulates microcirculation and the production of supportive fibers.

However, be careful: avoid the kneading technique on red stretch marks that are in the inflammatory phase. The elastic fibers are breaking down, and a massage that is too vigorous could aggravate the micro-tears. Reserve this technique for cellulite.

A pro tip: Massage your skin after a warm bath, when your pores are open and your skin is more receptive to active ingredients.

Reading a label: distinguishing between natural products and greenwashing

One last point—and not the least important one for the informed skeptics that you are—is how to spot a truly eco-friendly stretch mark product. Check the INCI list (the mandatory ingredient list on the back of the product). The first ingredients listed make up the largest proportion of the formula. If “Aqua” is at the top, followed by a long list of synthetic names, you’re looking at a conventional product disguised as an eco-friendly one.

Look for the Latin names of plants at the beginning of the list (Prunus amygdalus dulcis oil for almond, Hippophae rhamnoides for sea buckthorn). Be wary of creams labeled “with … oil” but containing only 1% of it. A minimum of 96% plant-based ingredients, dermatologically tested formulas, and traceable sourcing are reliable indicators of quality. These are all criteria that Maison de l’Argousier strictly adheres to!

Frequently Asked Questions About Stretch Marks and Natural Solutions

How can I get rid of stretch marks naturally?

Stretch marks never completely disappear, but their appearance can be significantly reduced. Red stretch marks respond particularly well to plant-based oils rich in essential lipids (rosehip, sea buckthorn, almond) applied morning and night with a gentle massage. For white stretch marks, consistent use over several months is essential. Combining an oil rich in vitamin A with a weekly exfoliation helps smooth the skin’s texture.

What's Grandma's remedy for getting rid of stretch marks?

The most widely recommended method is to massage the affected areas daily with plain shea butter or almond oil, ideally after a warm bath. You can add a few drops of rosehip oil to enhance the regenerative effect. However, avoid lemon juice (risk of sunspots) and Tiger Balm (no effect on stretch marks).

Which plant is effective against stretch marks?

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is distinguished by its exceptionally high concentration of omega-7, the lipid most similar to human sebum. Aloe vera supports the production of dermal fibers thanks to its combination of minerals and vitamins. Centella asiatica is also noted for its effects on connective tissue synthesis. Internally, field horsetail provides silica, which strengthens the dermal matrix (not recommended for pregnant women).

What is the most effective treatment for stretch marks?

There is no single cure. The most comprehensive approach combines topical treatment rich in active ingredients (sea buckthorn oil, rosehip oil, or shea butter), regular massage (5 minutes a day), and a healthy lifestyle (hydration, a diet rich in vitamin C and zinc). The earlier stretch marks are treated—while they are still red—the better the results.

Important reminder: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Sources and references

• Vernet, A., “Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.),” Phytothérapie, vol. 4, pp. 125–129, 2006. Link to the study
• Luetjohann, S., *Sea Buckthorn: An Energy-Packed Fruit and Beneficial Oil*, Medicis, 2002.
• Valentine Cabanel, naturopath and doctor of pharmacy, as quoted in *Journal des Femmes Santé*. Link to the article