What Are Stretch Marks?
It’s fairly safe to say that no one is a raving fan of stretch marks. For the uninitiated, stretch marks are narrow streaks or stripes that appear on the surface of the skin for several reasons; they are typically formed due to excessive stretching of the skin, such as can happen during pregnancy or as a result of changes in body weight.
New mothers often experience stretch marks in the abdomen, hips and/or thighs as a result of pregnancy weight gain, as well as from the stretching of the skin around the navel area during gestation. The abdomen, buttocks, thighs and breasts are among the areas of the body that are most affected. These stretch marks are often purple or red in color, before slowly fading to a silvery-white color. They are generally thin and long.
Why Do Stretch Marks Appear?
Stretch marks are caused due to the sudden stretching of the skin – as the skin expands and contracts, the connective tissue is stretched beyond its normal limits, and just like a rubber band that’s been stretched too far, it’s difficult for the skin to get back to its normal taut, firm appearance.
This results in the upper layers of the skin to break, making the inner layers visible. The skin can become tense due to several reasons including, as mentioned above, pregnancy, growth spurts during adolescence and weight gain.
Stretch marks are a very common thing, but that doesn’t make them any less unappealing; in fact, most people who have developed stretch marks are looking for ways to get rid of them.
Why Do You Get Stretch Marks During Pregnancy?
Stretch marks are not a pregnancy specific problem but since 8 out of 10 women usher in motherhood with the ungainly streaks in tow, the association is understandable. In reality, along with pregnancy, stretch marks can also result from certain illnesses and medication as well as rapid weight and muscle gain.
The dark streaks are primarily caused by a sudden change in bodily dimensions, such as the baby bump. Simply put, your skin can’t keep up with the growth spurt which causes the deeper dermal layers to develop tears.
The upper layers of the skin get crumpled as the integrity of their support structure is compromised. In time, the tears, the inflammation that they cause and the crumpling of the skin contribute to the formation of streak-like scars.
Another theory about pregnancy related stretch marks is that they result from the hormonal changes that weaken the bond between the collagen fibers, which causes them to split apart easily.
Facts About Stretch Marks
The two images below show 15 facts about stretch marks.
Can You Prevent Stretch Marks?
Because a range of factors are involved in the appearance of stretch marks, it is neither possible to completely prevent nor completely treat these mommy marks. However, you can try to control some of the causative factors and limit the number of streaky scars you end up with. This is what you can do:
- Moisturize: The more hydrated your skin is, the better will be its chances of accommodating your growing baby bump without tears.
- Limit your weight gain: Doctors are of the opinion that those who limit their pregnancy weight gain to 25-35 lbs have fewer stretch marks.
- Hydration and nutrition from both sides of the fence: You have to supply your skin with moisture and nutrients not just from the outside but also from the inside. Plus, all those fruits and veggies and the 8 glasses of water and calming infusions will do a world of good for both you and the baby.
Medical Treatment For Stretch Marks And Their Pros / Cons
Here are a few treatment methods that have been tried for improving the appearance of stretch marks.
1. Topical formulations: These are affordable, but they only help to lighten and even the skin tone, without actually erasing the scars completely.
2. Microdermabrasion: Call this mechanical exfoliation if you will because the process simply helps to remove the top layers of dead skin cells, thus boosting cellular regeneration and to some extent collagen synthesis. Once again, the scars won’t go away completely but the process can decrease the protrusion and the hyperpigmentation of the stretch marks. Salon sessions can be expensive and depending on just how old and dark and big the marks are, you may not get satisfactory results.
3. Chemical peels: The objective is the same as above but this time a chemical is used to exfoliate the skin. The results are usually only a few notches above those delivered by topical formulations, but you will end up with some amount of redness and inflammation.
4. Laser treatment: In this process, the bond between the scar tissue and the dermal layers underneath is broken through laser. Additionally, laser beams are used to boost collagen synthesis. You may get good results but the procedure is expensive and not really a cure for stretch marks.
5. Surgery: Submitting to the surgeon’s knife is really the only surefire way to completely and truly get rid of stretch marks. The procedure is super expensive because it is only offered as a part of the famed mommy tuck. So, even if you were to invest in it, you will still be left seething over the streaks on the other parts of your body.
What Role Do Essential Oils Play In Getting Rid Of Stretch Marks?
While there are certain surgical procedures that can diminish or eliminate the appearance of stretch marks, many people are hesitant to take on the risks of undergoing an invasive procedure just for cosmetic purposes. Fortunately, there are other ways that don’t involve going “under the knife”.
Essential oils are one of the most effective natural alternatives when it comes to dealing with stretch marks or other skin acne. The essential oils I have used to heal stretch marks that I got after my pregnancy are turmeric, frankincense, geranium, sweet orange, patchouli, sandalwood and lavender. Each of these essential oils have regenerative properties that slow down the aging of the skin, improve flexibility and hydrate the skin to recover the damaged skin cells.
Since essential oils are generally highly concentrated, I recommend that you always mix them with a carrier oil or cream before application. Some of the most effective carrier oils I can recommend include almond, argan, castor, coconut and jojoba oil. Having said that, here are some of the best essential oils you can use to get rid of those nasty stretch marks.
Recommended Natural Product For Stretch Marks
Just before I dwell into that plus all the essential oil recipes, there is one natural product that works wonders and will significantly reduce the appearance of stretch marks. As you are aware, there is no cure for stretch marks, but using chemical-laden creams is not the way to go as this will lead to other side effects.
When I previously used H-Stretch Marks Formula from AMOILS, my stretch marks became less visible and within just five weeks, they were all gone. And I didn’t have to compromise my skin with harmful chemicals and creams. Click here to read my detailed review on H-Stretch Marks.
Top 10 Essential Oils That Will Eliminate Stretch Marks
1. Rosemary
This rejuvenating oil is a powerful dermal toning agent and astringent that prevents skin sagging, which is one of the causes of stretch marks. Moreover, its ability to boost cellular regeneration rates gives it the power to both prevent and heal the unsightly skin bunching.
Extracted from the leaves and flowers of rosemary, this aromatic extract also improves circulation and aids in the faster purging of toxins from the skin cells. In turn, this promotes faster healing of the micro tears in the middle skin layers that eventually lead to appearance of stretch marks.
2. Calendula
Found in many skincare formulations, calendula is a healing and stimulating oil with extraordinary anti-inflammatory properties. Because the extreme stretching of the skin during pregnancy and from rapid weight gain and loss does lead to inflammation, this is one of the best natural ingredients for preventing stretch marks.
Moreover, calendula essential oil helps to renew the skin by enhancing the pace at which skin cells get generated. It also aids in maintaining optimum cellular health. The net result is a significant reduction in the formation of scar tissue.
3. Lavender
Yes, this one is a classic choice, and for good reason! The soothing, anti-inflammatory effects of lavender help to heal skin inflammation in the middle and deeper layers, thus increasing the pace of cellular regeneration and improving the health of the skin cells. This lowers the risk of scar tissue formation.
And if that is not enough, you can also count on this sweet, fresh- smelling extract to boost collagen synthesis in the dermal layers. More collagen means enhanced skin elasticity and a lower risk of stretch mark formation.
4. Sweet orange
This extract is not only offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefit, but also works as a potent astringent that helps to prevent and treat skin sagging. So, if you are concerned about stretch marks resulting from the inches and pounds you shed, sweet orange oil can come to your rescue.
Because it promotes collagen synthesis, this oil improves dermal elasticity and improves skin health. Moreover, it is a known anti-hyperpigmentation agent, so it helps significantly in making those skin anomalies less visible. Plus, it is a pregnancy-safe oil, so go ahead and use this one in your anti-stretch mark blends.
5. Patchouli
A hydrating and nourishing oil, this extract is also a known collagen booster. Additionally, it offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support to the dermal cells, thus greatly improving the health of the skin layers.
Furthermore, patchouli essential oil heals tissue damage, minimizing the generation of scar tissue in response to micro tears. Also, this extract moisturizes the skin and improves the level of cellular hydration. This helps to prevent or at least minimize the micro tears that cause stretch marks.
6. Geranium
This floral extract is one of those rare ingredients that impacts both collagen and elastin levels in the dermal layers. Because geranium oil boosts the synthesis of these skin supporting proteins, it helps to prevent and treat skin sagging as well as the dermal tears that result in stretch marks.
Moreover, the extract is a valued anti-inflammatory agent that brings about an overall improvement in skin health. It is often used in anti-acne and anti-aging skincare products for its ability to lighten blemishes. And if all of that is not enough, it smells amazing, so what more could you possibly ask for?
7. German chamomile
One of the most well-known and effective anti-inflammatory offerings from Mother Nature, this blue oil is often found in skin healing preparations. When used against stretch marks, it helps to bring down the chronic inflammation that impedes the skin healing process and leads to the formation of scars / scar tissue.
Plus, it boosts hydration in the skin cells. This helps in the generation of healthy skin cells and minimizes the risk of scar tissue formation. Because the oil has a relaxing and calming aroma, it is the ideal choice for use during pregnancy.
8. Sandalwood
When it comes to dermal health, few manmade or natural ingredients can hold a candle to this woody, sweet and earthy smelling extract. Sandalwood oil not only heals damaged skin layers but also moisturizes the skin helping the individual cells to retain cellular fluids.
The availability of hydration helps to improve the health of existing skin cells and results in the generation of healthy new cells. To cut a long story short, this extract stops those micro tears from occurring and if they have already occurred, it helps to heal them before they turn into ungainly stretch marks.
9. Turmeric
I bet you have already heard about the superlative anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of this oil and the golden herb that it is extracted from. Because it stops inflammation in its tracks, it is obvious that this oil must increase the pace at which skin tissue heals. Even on its own, this therapeutic benefit can help immensely to treat and prevent stretch marks.
However, few know that turmeric essential oil is also a powerful skin brightening and lightening agent. So, if those stretch marks have gone all purple and red on you, this is the oil use in order to tackle the hyperpigmentation.
10. Frankincense
If you are already sporting a few stretch marks and new ones are threatening to make an appearance, frankincense oil will be your very own dermatologist in a bottle. This resin-derived oil is one of the most effective ingredients for repairing micro tears caused due to skin over stretching.
Plus, it is prized for its anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to this, the oil offers help in preventing skin sagging and brings about an improvement in cellular turnover. In simple words, it has you covered on all fronts when it comes to keeping stretch marks away.
Top 5 Carrier Oils For Stretch Marks
1. Coconut oil
If you are into holistic and/or natural health care and have not yet stumbled on the wondrous benefits of coconut oil, I would be surprised. So, I will keep this short.
You probably already know about the high saturated acid content of coconut oil. Thanks to its unique lipid profile, coconut oil gets absorbed quickly and is able to penetrate deep into the dermal layers.
In fact, its ability to permeate through the dermal layers makes it a better fit than most store-bought moisturizers for stretch marks. The lubrication offered by coconut oil helps to minimize instances of dermal tears.
If that is not enough, coconut oil also prevents the loss of moisture from the skin, which means that the outer layers stay supple and well protected.
Moreover, coconut oil also helps to reduce inflammation. Since dermal tears do trigger an inflammatory response, the soothing touch of coconut oil offers much needed reprieve to the dermal layers.
Furthermore, the oil is safe and can be used all through pregnancy, which is more than what can be said for the paraben and chemical laced OTC products.
Coconut oil is also known to work on hyperpigmentation. Because stretch marks usually start off as purplish or reddish streaks, this property also comes in handy.
For best results, start using coconut oil on your belly, thighs, breasts, buttocks and abdomen as soon as you learn about the bun in your oven and continue using the oil well after your bundle of joy has celebrated his/her first birthday.
Ideally, you need to use this oil at least twice a day. To super charge your coconut oil, add clove to the mix. The spice is extremely effective in preventing and treating hyperpigmentation. Start with:
- 6-7 cloves
- 2 tbsp. virgin coconut oil
Heat the oil in a pan and sauté the cloves for 3-4 minutes. Remove the pan from heat and allow the oil to cool but don’t remove the cloves as yet. Once the infused oil is at room temperature, add it to a cup of virgin coconut oil and mix well.
Because virgin coconut oil is in solid state at room temperature, I highly recommend using a hand held blender when working with it.
You will only need to blend for about a minute at the lowest speed and you will end up with a smooth and buttery formulation. When making this blend for winter months, add ½ cup kokum/shea butter to 1 cup coconut oil to get an extra rich blend.
2. Castor oil
Few people know that castor oil is more than just a hated albeit effective laxative. This humble ingredient offers a range of skincare benefits that can be used to both prevent and treat stretch marks.
The oil has a unique lipid profile that comprises of almost 90% ricinoleic acid, an Omega 9 fatty acid that is credited for all the skincare benefits the oil offers.
Foremost among these is its ability to go right through the epidermis and reach the dermis where hydration is needed the most. Castor oil is also a natural humectant that draws water from the deeper dermal layers to the surface, thus keeping the skin moist and supple.
The oil has the distinction of being one of the oldest anti-aging and anti-stretch mark treatments in the world. Generations of women have relied on the ability of castor oil to not only lubricate the skin on their growing bellies but also to control inflammation that results from skin tears.
So, start using this super moisturizer from your first trimester. Here are two ways in which you can get more from this oil.
- Mix 2 tbsp castor oil with 1 tbsp each of rosehip seed and sesame seed oils. Add 4 drops of roman chamomile essential oil to this blend and use it as your very own anti-inflammatory stretch mark prevention mix. This combination of carrier oils not only helps to tone down the viscosity and apparent stickiness of castor oil but also adds to its lipid and nutrient profile.
- Because castor oil is a humectant, it can be used to get more from the liquids that you apply to your skin. For instance, if you have dark (reddish/purplish) stretch marks, make a pre-treatment spray by brewing a cup of strong green tea and adding 2 tbsp. lemon juice to it. Add the lemon juice once the brew has cooled to room temperature. Store the concoction in a spritzer bottle. If stored under refrigeration, it will stay good for 2-3 days.
Spray generously on the skin and wait for one minute. While your skin is still damp, rub castor oil all over it and allow this unique mix of ingredients to work on those stretch marks all through the night. In the morning, simply take a shower and reapply. With twice a day application, you will see the streaky scars getting lighter within 5-6 weeks. Do not use on the breast till you have weaned off your munchkin completely.
3. Almond oil
It is one of the richest sources of vitamin E among all carrier oils. Plus, its oleic acid content makes it a high-power moisturizer that gets past the lipid barrier of the skin and into the dermis. So it comes as no surprise that sweet almond oil has long been the preferred choice for preventing and treating stretch marks in Asian cultures.
Because it works exceptionally well on dermal dryness, it limits the skin tearing that eventually causes stretch marks. Moreover, the unique mix of unsaturated fatty acids and vital nutrients in almond oil provide a potent anti-inflammatory effect. So, this oil pretty much has you covered against the two main causes of stretch marks.
And there is more! Almond oil promotes rapid wound healing and increases the rate of cellular regeneration. Also, it strengthens the dermal structures that bind collagen and elastin fibers, so they don’t rip in response to stress. Use the oil twice a day for best results throughout your pregnancy and while you are trying to lose the mommy weight.
Even on its own, this oil offers exceptional skin healing benefits, but there is a way to maximize and even add to the benefits you get from it. Licorice root is an herb that is well known for its skin lightening and toning effect, both of which can come in handy when you are trying to prevent or treat stretch marks. So, here is how you can make your very own “stretch mark go away blend”. You will need:
- 2 heaped tbsp licorice root powder
- 1 ½ cup sweet almond oil (use 1 cup sweet almond and ½ cup bitter almond oil once you are past pregnancy and breast feeding)
Mix the oil and the licorice root powder in a pan and place on low heat. Continue heating for 30 minutes while stirring the mixture to prevent the powder from burning. Do not allow the oil to reach boiling point. After 30 minutes, take the treated oil off the stove and allow it to cool to room temperature. Cover the pan with a lid and let the oil stand for 12 hours.
Filter using a cheese cloth and store the oil in a glass bottle. Use the infused oil twice on your belly and other areas of the body that have stretch marks on them. This oil works both as prevention and treatment for stretch marks.
4. Argan oil
In its native Morocco, argan oil has long been held in high esteem as a treatment for all types of skin disorders. But the western world has only recently been introduced to its innumerable dermal benefits. Among them is its ability to prevent and treat stretch marks.
Argan oil contains an almost equal amount of oleic and linoleic fatty acids, which means that it glides on easy but does not leave behind a sticky trail. The oleic acid provides intense moisturization, while the linoleic acid offers significant anti-inflammatory effects.
Moreover, argan oil is a rich source of both vitamin E (tocopherols) and vitamin A (carotenes). Both nutrients play a vital role in maintaining dermal health and elasticity.
Additionally, argan oil contains squalene, which is a rich emollient that protects and heals the skin. The phenolic acids in it help to deal with hyperpigmentation, skin sagging as well as oxidative stress.
Above all, the oil contains phytosterols that have a direct bearing on collagen synthesis. In fact, argan oil is one of the few fixed oils that not only slow down the degradation of collagen but also boost the synthesis new collagen strands.
So, if you can only use one product before, through and after pregnancy, argan oil it should be. Here are two ways in which you can use argan oil to prevent and treat stretch marks:
- To add to the skin lightening effects of argan oil, mix 2 drops of lemon/lime essential oil for every tbsp of argan oil. This will stop the stretch marks from taking on a dark hue and will even out the skin tone in areas where the streaks are already reddish or purplish. Use this blend 2-3 times a day for best results. Also, apply it right after a shower while your skin is still damp to lock in the moisture.
- Mix 1 tsp lemon juice with 1 tsp honey and apply on the stretch marks with some cotton wool or a Q-tip. It will take about 10 minutes for the mixture to dry on your skin. At this point, liberally apply argan oil on the stretch marks and the surrounding areas.
Allow the dual treatment to work on your skin through the night. Your morning shower will wash off the remnants. After a round of light toweling to blot the water, use a blend of argan oil and roman chamomile essential oil (3 drops per tbsp of argan oil) on all the treated areas.
5. Jojoba oil
Jojoba oil has a chemistry that is remarkably close to that of sebum, which means that this oil not only gets through the upper dermal layers but also offers the natural and effective protection that you get from sebum.
Although it is a light oil, do not underestimate its ability to tackle dermal dryness. In fact, its healing effects go well past the epidermis and dermis to reach the collagen matrix that lies underneath.
Jojoba oil not only improves the structural integrity of the collagen matrix but also increases the output of elastin which makes the skin resilient to stress and stretching related wear and tear.
Because it improves skin elasticity, jojoba oil can be used as a preemptive strike against stretch marks. The best part is that this oil can be used in multiple ways without risking the inevitable overload of certain nutrients/fatty acids. Here are 2 ways in which you can put this oil to use to deal with stretch marks.
- For gentle yet effective exfoliation: Mix 2 tsp sugar with 1 tsp jojoba oil and 1 tsp lemon/orange/tomato juice. Use it as you would any exfoliating scrub but on the stretch marks. Massage the raised streaks without putting too much downward pressure. You are trying to remove the accumulation of dead cells and not to rub your skin raw. Leave the mixture on the stretch marks for 15 minutes after the massage and then wash off with warm water.
- For deep hydration: Massage a generous amount of jojoba oil on the affected areas. Soak a wash cloth in warm water and wring to remove excess water. Cover the treated area with the wash cloth. Once it cools, repeat and continue repeating for 15 minutes. Apply a few more drops of jojoba oil on your warmed skin and then leave it be.
4 Best Essential Oil Recipes For Quick Removal Of Stretch Marks
Recipe 1 – Using Lavender and Lemon
Put cocoa butter and 15g of beeswax in a heavy bottomed vessel. Add 30ml of evening primrose oil and 50g of coconut oil to the blend and melt over low heat. Sprinkle water over the mix while stirring constantly.
When a fluffy texture is obtained, turn off the heat and add 2ml of lemon essential oil and 3ml of lavender essential oil. Whip constantly until the texture gets downy. Store it in an airtight container. Massaging the impacted area with this cream will deliver incredible results.
Recipe 2 – Using Frankincense with Sandalwood and Lavender
This recipe includes essential oils only and the most important amongst them is frankincense essential oil. This oil is admired all over the world for its tissue recovery properties and hence is an essential ingredient of this recipe.
Mix three drops each of lavender, frankincense and sandalwood essential oils. Add 6 teaspoons of sesame seed oil to this oil blend and mix well. If needed, store this blend in a glass container for future use. Massage this blend over affected areas twice a day.
Recipe 3 – Using Frankincense and Lavender
I blended these two essential oils in a small amount of fractionated coconut oil and smeared it all over my belly regularly. I ended up with amazing results in just a few weeks of use.
Recipe 4 – Using coconut oil as a base
To start off, collect your products: a mixer, coconut oil and the essential oils of your choice. I use geranium, frankincense and sweet rosemary essential oils for this recipe.
In order to make the base of your cream, put the coconut oil in the mixer and beat for a few minutes. If you don’t have a stand mixer you can make use of a hand mixer or even beat the coconut oil with a fork. I wouldn’t suggest the fork technique for larger quantities, however, I often use this technique to make small samples for people and it doesn’t take long at all.
After 5 minutes, your coconut oil will be of a good creamy consistency, which is almost similar to cream or yogurt. Now you have a base to which you can add essential oils of your choice. Use as a cream on your stretch marks.
This cream has helped me in fading my stretch marks, especially after pregnancy. Do not forget to keep your cream in a glass jar, not plastic. You can also consider using shea butter or beeswax instead of coconut oil, depending on the consistency you desire.
In general, we tend to open our wallets to buy costly stretch mark creams expecting great results. These creams do not ensure any outcomes, and homemade concoctions are a much better choice. The natural ingredients of homemade recipes enhance the skin’s natural regenerative powers, which in turns helps the skin to heal the stretch marks on its own.
4 Essential Oil Recipes For Stretch Marks Safe For Use Before, During And After Pregnancy
Recipe 1 – for breast and tummy
Ingredients
- 30 ml grape seed oil
- 6 drops lavender
- 8 drops geranium
- 3 drops sandalwood
Directions
Mix the oils well and massage over breasts and tummy after a warm shower. Repeat daily for 6-8 weeks.
Recipe 2 – for legs, butt and thighs
Ingredients
- 20 ml sweet almond oil
- 10 ml wheatgerm oil
- 5 ml borage seed oil
- 8 drops carrot seed
- 5 drops patchouli
- 6 drops turmeric
- 3 drops calendula
Directions
Add in the essential oils in a dark glass bottle and top up with the carrier oils. Mix well prior to using. Take a few drops of the blend and apply over the locations you have got stretch marks such as the legs, butt and thighs. Use twice daily.
Recipe 3 – for arms, biceps and shoulder
Ingredients
- 4 drops helichrysum
- 8 drops frankincense
- 10 drops mandarin
- 6 drops rosemary
- 20 ml argan oil
- 15 ml jojoba oil
- 10 ml sweet almond oil
Directions
Mix all the essential oils in a 50 ml dark glass bottle, add in the carrier oils and close the lid. Shake the bottle gently for a couple of minutes to blend the oils. Massage this oil daily, making sure that you cover your skin from the shoulder down to the arms, rubbing it well into the skin.
Recipe 4 – for calves, hips and back
Ingredients
- 4 drops german chamomile
- 6 drops grapefruit
- 9 drops lemongrass
- 15 ml rosehip seed oil
- 15 ml grape seed oil
Add the above oils to a small saucepan and heat over low heat for a minute or two. Massage over impacted areas 2 or 3 times a day.
This massage oil can also be made by blending the following carrier oils with melted beeswax: almond, coconut and castor oils. Let the mixture cool off a bit prior to adding essential oils of your choice to ensure that the oils don’t lose their potency.
9 Home Remedies For Stretch Marks
Below are 9 home remedies you can use to get rid of those unsightly stretch marks.
1. Potato Juice
Strange as it sounds, potato juice is actually a very potent remedy for stretch marks, because it is rich in vitamins and minerals, and its chemical composition promotes the growth and regeneration of new skin cells. Simply cut a medium sized potato into several thick slices, and then gently rub one of the slices on the affected area for about 30 to 45 seconds.
Allow the juice from the potato to dry on the surface of the skin, and then gently wash the area using a damp cloth and lukewarm water.
2. Sugar Scrub
There are all kinds of sugar scrubs on the market, most of which are typically used to exfoliate the skin. You can create a homemade sugar scrub by combining one tablespoon of sugar with about 5 or 6 drops each of almond oil and lemon juice. Stir the mixture well until it has a paste-like consistency, and then spread the scrub directly onto the stretch marks.
Let it sit on the affected area for about 8 to 10 minutes, and then rinse it off in the shower. Make this a part of your daily routine for at least a month, and you should see the stretch marks begin to fade away.
3. Olive Oil
This powerful natural substance is rich in all kinds of beneficial nutrients that can work wonders on beleaguered skin. All you need to do is heat a small amount of extra virgin olive oil ever so slightly, and then spread it on the affected area, massaging it into the skin in a circular motion.
Allow the oil to sit for about one hour so that it can be fully absorbed into the skin. Not only will this encourage greater circulation to the affected area, but it will also help to promote skin cell production in order to repair those stretch marks.
4. Pure Emu Oil
Emu oil can deliver excellent results when it comes to getting rid of scars and stretch marks. The reason why Emu oil is best for healing stretch marks is that it has a high concentration of linolenic acid and oleic acid. Moreover, Emu oil can easily penetrate the skin and replenish it with scar/stretch mark healing minerals.
5. Cocoa Butter
An entire industry has been created around various cocoa butter products, because it is one of the most popular natural substances in the world for nourishing and repairing the skin. One of the biggest benefits of using cocoa butter is that it stimulates circulation to the affected area, which can really help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Simply massage a generous amount of cocoa butter into the affected area at least twice a day, and maintain this routine for at least one to two months. After that time, you should definitely begin to notice the stretch marks begin to diminish.
6. Lemon Juice
Lemon juice contains citric acid, which can work wonders in terms of cleansing and revitalizing the skin. Try juicing about 3 or 4 lemons (not in an actual juicer, but just squeezing them by hand), and then gently massage this juice into the affected area for about 5 to 10 minutes.
After letting the juice sit on the skin, clean the affected area with lukewarm water. Repeat this routine daily for at least 2 to 3 weeks. You can also try mixing cucumber juice in with the lemon juice to create a cooling and refreshing stretch-mark-removing concoction.
7. Alfalfa
No, we’re not talking about the character from the classic “Little Rascals” movies – we’re talking about the actual alfalfa plant. This powerful natural botanical contains potent antioxidants that help defend the skin against free radical damage and premature aging.
Mix some alfalfa powder with a few drops of roman chamomile oil to create a natural paste that you can spread on the affected area. Gently rub this paste into the skin 3 times a day, allowing it to sit for about five minutes per session.
8. Grape Seed Oil
Grape seed oil is one of the most effective oils for stretch marks. Because of its regenerative properties, and its ability to help the skin retain its balance of epithelium cells and nerve cells, it can reduce the appearance of stretch marks. In order to use grape seed oil for your stretch marks, apply it two times daily over areas that have or are vulnerable to develop stretch marks.
9. Water
This is perhaps the simplest remedy for stretch marks, yet it can also be the most powerful. Staying hydrated is absolutely critical to maintaining healthy skin, as water will flush out unwanted toxins and cleanse the skin at the cellular level. Drink at least 8-10 eight-ounce glasses of water a day to stave off those stretch marks.
The Bottom Line
As mentioned earlier, stretch marks are far from an uncommon condition, but that doesn’t mean that there’s nothing you can do about it. In order to avoid getting stretch marks, do not stay in the sun for long, consume lots of protein and fatty acids, drink enough water, keep the skin moisturized and tone your muscles with frequent workouts.
Whilst home remedies will generally offer a short term fix against stretch marks, using essential oils will offer a long-lasting and permanent cure to zap those stretch marks right out of your life. And, if you, like many other mothers, have been suffering from unsightly stretch marks, you’ll be glad to know how to use essential oils to get rid of stretch marks once and for all!
