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| - Last Updated on July 26, 2023 by Dr. Shikha Shiromani
Quick Take
A social media post claims that the mixture of baking soda and aloe vera can remove stretch marks. We fact-checked and found this claim to be False.
The Claim
The caption of a Facebook post reads, “ REMEDY/ ORGANIC STRETCH MARKS CREAM
Ingredients
1. Aloe Vera
2. Baking soda ( bicarbonate)
3. Make up
Preparation
■wash the aloe Vera very well with clean water.
■Peel the aloe Vera and scrap out the juice and put in blender
■put enough baking soda to matches the quantity of aloe Vera you used.”
A similar claim can be found as a part of a Facebook reel at 0:05 seconds, where the application of aloe vera magically removed stretch marks.
Fact Check
What are stretch marks?
Stretch marks are indented streaks that occur from skin stretching quickly and beyond its elastic capacity. Genetics and the degree of stress on skin play an essential role in producing stretch marks. Another study has shown that the cortisol hormone produced by the adrenal gland reduces skin elasticity.
Additionally, a protein named collagen is responsible for making skin more elastic. So, if the skin does not have enough collagen, stretch marks may show up.
Can stretch marks be removed permanently?
Not exactly. The ability to completely remove stretch marks depends upon the skin. A permanent treatment will involve rebuilding new healthy tissues beneath the stretch marks to fade away the appearance of the marks. The available chemical treatments may fade away stretch marks depending upon the case, but home remedies only reduce the appearance.
Dermatologist, Dr Jyothy Kannangath, explains, “Stretch marks can not be removed, they can only be reduced. Textural changes and colour alteration can be improved with procedures like fractional lasers, radiofrequency, PRP, etc. The topical products used for the treatment of stretch marks may fade them if used regularly for a minimum of 3-6 months.”
Can baking soda and aloe vera treat stretch marks?
No. There is no credible scientific evidence to prove that the mixture of baking soda and aloe vera can treat stretch marks. These are two common ingredients that are often suggested for various skincare remedies. However, when it comes to treating stretch marks, their effectiveness is limited.
Dr Parwaaz Matharoo, MBBS, MD (Dermatology) informs, “ To understand this, let’s dive into the mechanism of why we get stretch marks. The main pathology circles around three components i.e. collagen, elastin and fibrillin that are present in our skin. Sudden changes in our body weight whether more or less cause aberrant interaction among these proteins and leads to the formation of striae or as we call stretch marks. Hence their mainstay of treatment is based on reinstituting the balance, which is difficult but not impossible.
There’s no scientific evidence that aloe vera and baking soda have any kind of deeper impact on collagen or elastin. In fact, both of them act superficially, with aloe vera as a soothing moisturizing agent and baking soda as a chemical irritant. Also, they may not suit everyone and cause adverse events leading to more harm than help. Therefore, please do not try such remedies at home as it isn’t safe or helpful at all.”
Stretch marks, also known as striae, are formed when the skin is stretched rapidly due to growth spurts, pregnancy, or weight gain. They appear as narrow, elongated streaks on the skin and can be challenging to completely remove. While there are several treatments available, there is no definitive cure for stretch marks, the treatment can only make them less noticeable.
Baking soda is commonly used as an exfoliant and can help remove dead skin cells, but it has no proven effects on reducing or eliminating stretch marks. But it is not a targeted treatment for stretch marks. Also, dermatologists do not recommend baking soda on the skin because it can strip off the natural oil to irritate the skin.
Dr. Iram Qazi, MD (Dermatology) says, “I will never suggest baking soda as a home remedy treatment. It can have damaging effects on the skin. That is because baking soda can interfere with the skin pH. The normal pH of the skin ranges from 4.5-5.5. This pH keeps the skin healthy and forms a protective oil barrier around it keeping it well moisturized with healthy oils and protecting it from bacteria as well. Baking soda, on the other hand, has a pH of 9. Thus applying a strong alkaline base on the skin can remove the natural protective oils from the skin and make it more prone to bacterial infections and skin damage. Also, baking soda can cause skin irritation and inflammation which may worsen acne and increase pigmentation and scarring of the skin. It can also increase skin dryness which causes overproduction of skin oils leading to more acne breakouts and scarring of the skin.”
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says there’s not enough definitive evidence to support all the purported benefits of aloe, though it’s safe when used on the skin. has soothing and hydrating properties that may help reduce inflammation and promote skin healing. It can be applied topically to the affected areas to moisturize and potentially soothe the skin but it is unlikely to have a significant impact on existing stretch marks.
However, Dr. Jyoti Kannangath comments on the use of Aloe vera by stating, “Aloesin, a compound extracted from Aloe vera, has demonstrated the ability to competitively inhibit tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for skin pigmentation. However, there have been several published case reports documenting hypersensitivity reactions and contact dermatitis caused by aloe vera preparations.”
Dr. Soumya Sachdeva, Consultant Dermatologist suggests, “Aloe vera decreases the itching associated with the stretch marks and prevents progression to some extent. But alone aloe vera is not a way to completely get rid of stretch marks, though it can be useful to decrease the itching. Additionally, baking soda is not recommended for stretch marks, because it may cause contact dermatitis leading to redness, itching and scaling over the sites of the stretch marks.”
What is the ideal treatment for reducing the appearance of stretch marks?
There is no one-size-fits-all ideal treatment for reducing the appearance of stretch marks. It depends on the individual’s skin type, the severity of the stretch marks, and their budget.
However, some of the most common treatments for stretch marks include:
- Topical creams and ointments. There are a number of topical creams and ointments available that claim to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
- Laser therapy. It is a more invasive treatment that can help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Laser therapy works by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, which can help to improve the appearance of the skin.
- Microdermabrasion. It is a non-invasive treatment that can help to exfoliate the skin and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
- Radiofrequency. It is a non-invasive treatment that uses heat to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.
- Dermabrasion. It is a more invasive treatment that uses a rotating brush to remove the top layer of skin. It can help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, but it can also be more painful and have a longer recovery time than other treatments.
It is important to consult a dermatologist before starting any treatment for stretch marks as they can help you determine the best treatment course for your individual needs.
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