Does aloe vera eliminate stretch marks?

Stretch marks, also referred to as striae distensae, are streaked lines, similar to scars. They appear when the structure of the dermis is altered, due to a rupture of collagen fibers. Common throughout a lifetime, stretch marks, however, do not impact health. It is rather their aesthetics that are called into question, and which can cause discomfort and complexes in individuals who are prone to them. There are two main causes for the appearance of stretch marks:

• A sudden stretching of the skin, which can particularly occur during a rapid and significant change in weight. The skin tissues then undergo high tension, leading to a rupture of the collagen fibers.

• A hormonal imbalance, caused by puberty, pregnancy, or stress. The production of cortisol is then increased, which leads to a reduction in collagen synthesis by fibroblasts.

There are two types of stretch marks: the purple stretch marks, known as immature, and the white stretch marks, known as mature. The former are still in the inflammatory phase and take on a red or purple hue, due to the significant strain that the skin tissues undergo. White stretch marks are permanent, they correspond to the scars left by the stretching of the skin. No treatment can act against this type of stretch marks, they are permanent.

The topical application of aloe vera gel is safe, including during a pregnancy or breastfeeding. This botanical extract can be used as a preventive solution against stretch marks, by softening the skin and promoting its elasticity. It works by intensifying the activity of fibroblasts, which promotes the production of elastin and collagen. The glucomannan in aloe vera gel indeed stimulates TGF-β1, the growth factor of fibroblasts.

The aloe vera gel also contains several active ingredients that hydrate the skin, a crucial step in maintaining good skin health. Properly hydrated skin appears more supple and elastic, and is better protected from external aggressions. Let's remember that the hydrolipidic film present on the surface of the epidermis constitutes the first protective barrier of the skin. The composition of aloe vera gel, rich in amino acids and hygroscopic polysaccharides, helps limit the evaporation of water from the skin's surface.

Applying this gel can thus make the skin less prone to the development of stretch marks when it is subjected to stress. A recent study showed that the topical use of aloe vera gel by pregnant women helped limit the progression of purple stretch marks, which often appear between the sixth and seventh month of pregnancy. However, no study has so far been conducted regarding the effect of aloe vera on white stretch marks.

It is important to clarify that the application of aloe vera gel will never completely remove stretch marks.