CBD For Stretch Marks: Can It Help?

Stretch marks are a common concern for many people. If you have them — don’t fear, they aren’t dangerous. But, you may not be in love with them. Looking to get rid of those stretch marks?

You may have heard that CBD has some skin benefits, including potentially helping to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

Is it true? Let's see if the rumors stack up to the current evidence.

What Are Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are scars that occur on the skin when it stretches or shrinks quickly. They look like streaks or lines and can be different colors like red, purple, pink, or brown.

If you touch any stretch marks you have, you may notice they feel different from the skin around them.

They’re common in areas where the skin is stretched, such as the abdomen, hips, breasts, thighs, upper arms.

We think you’re stunning just the way you are. But, for some, stretch marks can be a source of embarrassment and frustration when they happen. Understandable.

What Causes Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks can appear during times of rapid weight gain or loss, growth spurts, or during pregnancy when the skin is stretched to accommodate a growing belly.

Your risks of developing stretch marks and how prominent they are depends on a few factors:(1)

• Family history of stretch marks

• Rapid growth

• Pregnancy

• High levels of cortisol

• Losing or gaining weight quickly

• Using corticosteroids

• Having breast enlargement surgery

Are Stretch Marks Treatable?

Stretch marks are not dangerous, nor are they painful — but that doesn't mean that people want to keep them.

On their own, they may fade with time. However, they might not disappear completely.

Some skin therapy treatments, administered by a plastic surgeon, include:(2)

• Cosmetic surgery

• Chemical peels

• Fractional CO₂ laser therapy

• Pulsed dye laser therapy

• Excimer laser therapy

But maybe you don't want to jump right into laser surgery. (We feel ya!) You want to try a more natural solution first.

Can CBD help reduce the appearance of stretch marks?

Can CBD Help Get Rid Of Stretch Marks?

We don't have enough evidence to say that CBD can get rid of stretch marks. But the current scientific research suggests that CBD may have some benefits for the skin. Take a look.

Skin & The Endocannabinoid System

Research suggests that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a role in skin health such as maintaining "skin homeostasis, barrier formation, and regeneration”.(3)

There seems to be a clear link between endocannabinoids and skin function. And because CBD is known to interact with the endocannabinoid system, it's possible that CBD could offer help when it comes to skin issues.

CBD Popular In Skincare Products

CBD is becoming increasingly popular in beauty products, from facial creams to hair care.

This is because CBD may have some impressive benefits for the skin, especially when it comes to reducing inflammation.

Just take a peek at CBD for Skin Conditions: Eczema Elixir Extraordinaire? for a more-than-skin-deep look into CBD's potential benefits for the skin.

CBD Might Help Skin Elasticity

One study has found that CBD may promote collagen production.(4) Of course, more research needs to be done in this area to establish a robust link.

However, the fact that CBD might help increase collagen is positive news when it comes to combating stretch marks. Collagen increases skin elasticity. This may reduce the appearance of stretch marks, and reduce the chance of developing more in the future.

CBD May Reduce Scars

Some preliminary research suggests that CBD might help reduce the appearance of scars when applied topically.(5)

Does this all mean that CBD can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks? We can't say for sure.

But it's a possibility that’s worth exploring further. And if you're looking to give it a try, here are some tips on how to maximize the benefits.

How To Use CBD For Stretch Marks

If you want to try using CBD for stretch marks, then there are a few ways that you can do so.

CBD comes in a variety of forms, including oils, creams, gummies and capsules. But for addressing stretch marks — it's probably best to use a topical form of CBD.

CBD topical cream is a good option if you want something you can directly apply to the skin, as it gives you control over where you apply the CBD. CBD topicals are formulated to offer a host of skin-nourishing benefits, and they're often enriched with other ingredients such as argan oil, shea butter, and essential oils. In addition to the potential benefits of cannabidiol, CBD creams have the added benefit of soothing and hydrating dry skin.

CBD oil is another option. Most people take CBD oil sublingually, but you can also use CBD oil directly on the skin. Or you can take your fave CBD oil and mix it with another product — like a moisturizer for some DIY wellness.

The Final Stretch On CBD

Can CBD help with stretch marks? CBD has a lot of potential benefits for the skin. CBD is also becoming increasingly popular in the beauty and cosmetic industry due to its skin-loving properties.

While there isn’t enough evidence to say that CBD can help banish or diminish the appearance of stretch marks, the positive scientific evidence is mounting.

It could be worth trying CBD if you're looking for a natural way to improve the look and feel of your skin.

TRY CBD NOW

References

1. (2021). Mayo Clinic. Stretch marks. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stretch-marks/symptoms-causes/syc-20351139

2. Bernstein, S. (2020). Stretch Marks. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/beauty/what-are-stretch-marks

3. Tóth, KF, et al. (2019). Cannabinoid Signaling in the Skin: Therapeutic Potential of the "C(ut)annabinoid" System. Molecules. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24050918

4. Kogan, N, et al. (2015). Cannabidiol, a Major Non-Psychotropic Cannabis Constituent Enhances Fracture Healing and Stimulates Lysyl Hydroxylase Activity in Osteoblasts. Journal of bone and mineral research : the official journal of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. https://doi.org/10.1002/jbmr.2513

5. Palmieri, B, et al. (2019). A therapeutic effect of cbd-enriched ointment in inflammatory skin diseases and cutaneous scars. La Clinica terapeutica. https://doi.org/10.7417/CT.2019.2116