Shea butter is a nut derivative, so it isn’t a good idea to use shea butter if you’re allergic to nuts. [1] X Expert Source Mohiba Tareen, MDFAAD Board Certified Dermatologist Expert Interview. 26 March 2020.
These ingredients are available over the counter, but you may need to buy them separately.
Usually, it’s best to let a professional perform a chemical peel, although you can find over-the-counter products. Once you have the peel done, your skin will peel off over the course of a few days, which can reduce the color of your stretch marks. You may need more than one treatment.
Vitamin E can help stretch marks in a few ways. It helps protect your skin from damage, which can reduce the appearance of the marks. Also, it is also anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant. [7] X Trustworthy Source Oregon State University Linus Pauling Institute Research center dedicated to promoting optimal health through cutting-edge nutrition research and public outreach Go to source Vitamin E creams are available over the counter.
Treatments begin at about $250 per session. It may take three to six sessions before you begin to see improvement, and more sessions may be necessary depending on the size of the area you are treating. You won’t really have any recovery time, but you should stay out of the sun for a bit after a treatment.
This type of treatment can cost anywhere from $150 to $4,000, and you’ll also likely need multiple sessions (at least three), though how many depends on how bad your stretch marks are. You’ll need to stay out of the sun for a few days after the treatment.
This procedure can start at $600 or more. [12] X Research source You can expect to be sore for a couple of days, but the recovery time is fairly quick. [13] X Research source Sometimes, one session is enough to help, but it depends on your skin.
Apply moisturizers frequently enough that your skin does not begin to feel itchy or dry. These sensations are signs that your skin is dehydrated and might be starting to stretch. If you are pregnant, use safe products such as olive oil, cow udder cream, and shea oil or shea butter cream.