Aloe Vera for Stretch Marks: Can It Help Remove Them?

Stretch marks, also known as striae distensae, are striated lines, similar to scars. They appear when the structure of the dermis is altered, due to a break in the collagen fibers. Stretch marks are common throughout a lifetime, but do not affect health. It is more their aesthetics that is questioned, and which can cause embarrassment and complexes for people who are subject to them. There are two main causes for the appearance of stretch marks:

• A sudden distension of the skin, which can occur in particular during a rapid and significant weight change. The skin tissues then undergo a high level of traction, which leads to a rupture of the collagen fibers.

• Hormonal dysfunction, due to puberty, pregnancy or stress. Cortisol production is increased, which leads to a reduction in collagen synthesis by the fibroblasts.

There are two types of stretch marks: purplish or red stretch marks, called immature, and white stretch marks, called mature. The former are still in the inflammatory phase and take on a red or purple hue, due to the significant stress that the skin tissue undergoes. White stretch marks are long-lasting and correspond to scars left by the stretching of the skin. No treatment can act against this type of stretch mark, they are permanent.

Topical application of this botanical extract is safe, including during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Aloe vera for stretch marks is a preventive solution, as its gel softens the skin and promotes its elasticity. It acts by intensifying the activity of fibroblasts, which promotes the production of elastin and collagen. The glucomannan in aloe vera gel actually stimulates TGF-β1, the fibroblast growth factor.

Aloe vera gel also contains several active ingredients that help moisturize the skin, which is an essential step in maintaining good skin health. A correctly hydrated skin appears more flexible and elastic, and is better protected from external aggressions. Remember that the hydrolipidic film on the surface of the epidermis is the skin's first protective barrier. The composition rich in amino acids and hygroscopic polysaccharides of the aloe vera gel enables him to limit the evaporation of water on the surface of the skin.

The application of this gel can thus make the skin less prone to the appearance of stretch marks when it is subjected to stress. A recent study showed that the topical use of aloe vera for stretch marks by pregnant women limited the progression of the purplish/red stretch marks, which often appear between the sixth and seventh month of pregnancy. However, no study has been done to date on the effect of aloe vera on white stretch marks. So, can aloe vera remove stretch marks?

It is important to note that the application 

of aloe vera gel will never completely 

remove stretch marks.