Evidence supporting the use of: Aloe vera
For the health condition: Stretch Marks
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Aloe vera has been used traditionally in various cultures for its skin-healing properties, including the management of stretch marks (striae). The practice of applying aloe vera gel to stretch marks is rooted in its long-standing use for skin hydration, wound healing, and soothing effects. Historically, aloe vera has been valued for its mucilaginous gel, which contains polysaccharides, vitamins, and minerals thought to promote skin repair and regeneration. Some traditional medicine systems recommend aloe vera as a topical remedy to improve the appearance of scars and stretch marks by moisturizing the skin and supporting its elasticity.
However, scientific validation for aloe vera’s efficacy specifically in preventing or treating stretch marks is limited. A few small studies and anecdotal reports suggest that aloe vera may help with skin hydration and healing, but robust clinical trials are lacking. The available scientific evidence does not strongly support its effectiveness for stretch marks, and any improvements are likely due to the moisturizing effect rather than a true therapeutic action on the underlying dermal changes involved in stretch mark formation. Nevertheless, due to its safety profile and traditional use, aloe vera remains a popular choice for those seeking natural remedies for stretch marks, even though expectations should be tempered given the limited evidence.
Other health conditions supported by aloe vera
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Acid Indigestion
Acne
Age Spots
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Arthritis
Athlete's Foot
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Blisters
Boils
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Carbuncles
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Chicken Pox
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (adults)
Colitis
Colon (atonic)
Colon (spastic)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Conjunctivitis
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Convalescence
Corns
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cradle Cap
Crohn's Disease
Cuts
Cysts
Dandruff
Denture Sores
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diaper Rash
Digestion (poor)
Duodenal Ulcers
Dysentery
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Enteritis
Fever
Foot Odor
Fungal Infections
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Halitosis
Hemorrhoids
Herpes
Hiatal Hernia
Indigestion
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Injuries
Interstitial Cystitis
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Itching
Itching (rectal)
Itching Ears
Jaundice (adults)
Jock Itch
Laryngitis
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Leprosy
Lesions
Liver Detoxification
Menopause
Oral Surgery
Overacidity
Poison Ivy or Oak
Psoriasis
Rashes and Hives
Rosacea
Scabies
Scars / Scar Tissue
Scratches and Abrasions
Seborrhea
Shingles
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin (infections)
Skin (oily)
Skin Care (general)
Slivers
Sore or Geographic Tongue
Sore Throat
Staph Infections
Stretch Marks
Stye
Sunburn
Surgery (healing from)
Thrush
Tickle in Throat
Tonsillitis
Tooth Extraction
Toothache
Ulcerations (external)
Ulcers
Urethritis
Urinary Tract Infections
Urination (burning or painful)
Urine (scant)
Vaginal Dryness
Vaginitis
Warts
Wounds and Sores
Wrinkles