Fact Check: Can a paste of lemon, baking soda, Aloe vera, and Johnson baby oil completely remove stretch marks in five days?

Claim: A video on YouTube claims that a paste of lemon, baking soda, Aloe vera and Johnson baby oil can remove Stretch Marks completely in 5 days. The video claimed that mixing one tablespoon of lemon juice, one tablespoon of baking soda, one tablespoon of aloe vera gel, and 1 tablespoon of Johnson baby oil can remove Stretch Marks Completely in 5 days. The link to the video is here.

Fact Check:

The claim is false.

What are stretch marks?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, "A stretch mark is a type of scar that develops when our skin stretches or shrinks quickly. The abrupt change causes the collagen and elastin, which support our skin, to rupture. As the skin heals, stretch marks may appear." (1)

Stretch marks are most likely to develop due to:

· Growth spurts that happen in puberty

· Pregnancy

· Rapid weight loss or gain

· Weight training when you have rapid muscle growth

· Applying a corticosteroid to your skin for a long time

· Cushing's disease or Marfan syndrome

On speaking to Medical Dialogues, Dr Monica Bambroo, Head of Dermatology and Cosmetology, explained, "Stretch marks, also known as striae, stretch marks are streaks or lines that appear on the skin's surface for different reasons. They typically have a slightly different texture and colour than the surrounding skin. These marks generally occur due to rapid stretching of the skin, which can happen during pregnancy, rapid weight gain or weight loss, puberty, or rapid muscle growth from activities like bodybuilding. The development of stretch marks is linked to the skin's inability to keep up with the body's growth or changes, resulting in the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibres in the skin's middle layer, the dermis. When the skin stretches beyond its capacity, these fibres can tear, forming stretch marks. Stretch marks are typically harmless and fade over time. However, they can be a cause of concern for some individuals. Stretch marks are streaks on the skin that can vary in colour from purple to pink or even silver. They are medically known as striae and arise due to rapid stretching of the skin beyond its elasticity, which disrupts the typical arrangement of collagen and elastin fibres in the dermis, the skin's middle layer. This stretching can happen during rapid weight gain or loss, like pregnancy, puberty, or intense muscle growth. The tearing of these fibres causes the formation of stretch marks. While they don't cause any harm, they can sometimes cause itching or discomfort. "

Can a paste of lemon, baking soda, Aloe vera and Johnson baby oil remove stretch marks?

Like any scar, stretch marks are permanent; some treatments may make them less noticeable.

Lemon and baking soda: Lemon juice is well-known for having plenty of vitamin C, essential for the skin's collagen production. Because of its abrasive qualities, baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is frequently used as a homemade exfoliant. It may eliminate dead skin cells from the skin's surface, but no proof exists that it can lessen stretch marks.

Aloe vera: A study by Teplicki et al., 2018 mentioned that Aloe vera had significant stimulatory effects on cell proliferation and migration of fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Aloe vera aids in the healing of burned and injured skin. Stretch marks are a kind of scarring caused by damaged skin, so aloe's skin-repairing qualities may aid in fading or preventing stretch marks. (2)

Johnson Baby oil:

Johnson's Baby Oil is a well-known product primarily used for baby skin care. According to Johnson Baby's official site, Johnson Baby oil mostly contains mineral oil, along with Benzyl Acetate, Bicyclo Nonalactone, Isopropyl Myristate, and Mefrosol for fragrance. It also contains Vitamin E.(3)

Speaking to Medical dialogues, Dr Kiran Bhatt, Cosmetologist and the vice president of Junoesque Clinic, explained, "Johnson's Baby Oil is often used on the skin, especially to reduce stretch marks. But is its effectiveness scientifically proven? The benefits of stretch marks have not yet been proven. Still, the oil's moisturizing properties may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks by keeping the skin hydrated and potentially improving its texture over time. While some report positive results from using baby oil on stretch marks, it's important to remember that outcomes can differ. Applying the oil consistently and regularly may help maintain skin hydration and promote healthier-looking skin. The best way to improve overall skin health and appearance is to adopt a holistic approach to skincare- staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and using gentle products like baby oil and chemical-free formulae."

Can stretch marks be completely removed?

Speaking to Medical Dialogues, Dr Monica Bambroo, Head of Dermatology and Cosmetology, explained, "Though they may fade over time, complete elimination of stretch marks is difficult. Various treatments, like topical creams, laser therapy, or microdermabrasion, can help reduce their appearance. Stretch marks do not usually fade over time, and complete elimination is difficult. Though complete eradication is difficult, the latest microneedling devices can reduce them significantly in a few sessions."

Medical Dialogues Final intake:

Stretch marks can't be removed completely. However, some treatments may help lighten them. The claim that a paste of lemon, baking soda, aloe vera, and Johnson baby oil removes stretch marks completely in five days is false.

References:

1. https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/scars-stretch-marks/stretch-marks-why-appear#:~:text=Like%20any%20scar%2C%20stretch%20marks,that%20can%20harm%20your%20baby.

2. Teplicki, E., Ma, Q., Castillo, D. E., Zarei, M., Hustad, A. P., Chen, J., & Li, J. (2018). The effects of Aloe vera on wound healing in cell proliferation, migration, and viability. Index Wounds, 30(9), 263-268. ISSN 1044-7946.

3.https://www.johnsonsbaby.com/baby-products/johnsons-baby-oil?bvstate=pg:2/ct:r