Stretch marks and scars are dreaded all around the world.
A lot many times, people hide them, feel embarrassment or feel underconfident to wear certain clothes due to their stretch marks.
However, these stretch marks, scars, cellulite, and even loose skin are hugely common, especially during and after pregnancy.
We also see men and women get stretch marks and loose skin if they deal with heavy weights or undergo major weight loss.
Usually, these marks tend to heal on their own over a period of time. But if you wish to speed up the process, there are some highly effective essential oils for stretch marks available in the market today to help you.
This article is the only guide that you will ever need. You will learn the hows and whys of essential oils and stretch marks.
Plus, we will guide you on how to use essential oils, what carrier oils you can combine them with, and the risks involved (if any). So, without further ado, let’s soak in all the information!
What are stretch marks?
In plain and simple words, the long strips or thin lines that you see on your skin – above the belly button, above the knee, across the lower back, lower stomach, inside area of upper arms, inside of thighs, hips, breasts – are stretch marks.
These stretch marks occur because your skin (middle layer of your skin) stretches to the point of breaking or tearing. This may be due to pregnancy, hormones, genetic factors, and weight loss or gain. These marks appear as purple or red lines initially, i.e., when they start to rise. And turn white (or silver – very rarely) as they start becoming flat with time. Also, as per the studies, stretch marks mostly affect or attack women more than men.
Although these stretch marks in themselves do not cause any physical pain or complications, they attack the emotional and mental being of a person, i.e., men and women with scars feel highly insecure, uncomfortable, and even embarrassed at times to reveal them. Hence, they want to eliminate these nasty scars as soon as possible. Here essential oils come to your aid.
What are essential oils? Why should you use essential oils for stretch marks?
Before we learn about the best essential oils for stretch marks, let us first understand what essential oils are and why we should prefer them to treat scars.
Essential oils are known as the volatile oils extracted from the oil of the plants like rosemary, clove, lavender, etc. Basically, they are the natural treatments that offer your skin the ability to restore its elasticity, healing, and regenerating properties. These characteristics make these oils the best remedy to treat, prevent, or heal stretch marks.
Note: A vital point to remember here is that there is no scientific proof that essential oils for stretch marks really work. But there are anecdotal pieces of evidence that claim these natural oils work effectively.
Now, the question is why you should use essential oils for your skin. The answer lies in the points mentioned below –
- Essential oils improve your overall skin texture,
- Essential oils moisturize your skin,
- Essential oils restore the elasticity of your skin,
- Essential oils enhance the production of collagen in your skin cells resulting in healing,
- Essential oils nourish your skin,
- Essential oils have anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce skin allergies like irritation, redness, itching, etc.
- Essential oils boost the general appearance of your skin,
- Essential oils have antioxidant properties,
- Essential oils regenerate new skin cells.
9 best essential oils for stretch marks that actually work
1. Tea tree essential oil
It has multiple skin benefits due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. However, it can also cause skin irritation because it is very highly concentrated. Our dermatologists recommend mixing it with any of the carrier oils before applying it directly to your skin. It is also one of the most natural essential oils for stretch marks.
2. Lavender essential oil
It is best known for its healing and calming properties. It enhances the production of collagen, which promotes cell regeneration. This boosts the process of reducing stretch marks, scars, and even blemishes.
3. Bitter almond essential oil
(not the same as Sweet Almond Oil) It contains vitamin E, potassium, protein, and fatty acids that reduce skin damage and improves the overall complexion of your skin. It also boosts elasticity, binds the fibers of your skin, renews your skin, and stops the aging of your skin. Hence, it is one of the best essential oils for stretch marks and cellulite.
4. Bitter orange essential oil or Neroli essential oil
It is extracted from the buds, flowers, and leaves of orange trees. This oil not only oozes an exceptional aroma but also offers restorative and regenerative essences. Furthermore, it aids in toning and conditioning your skin.
5. Pomegranate essential oil
It is extracted from ripe pomegranate fruit. It works wonders in improving the thickness and elasticity of your skin when applied daily, making it one of the widely used and most popular essential oils for stretch marks before and after pregnancy.
6. Frankincense essential oil
This oil has medicinal values and has been used for ages to treat various skin conditions. It also possesses healing properties and easily gets absorbed into your skin. Moreover, it contains nutrients like ferulic acid and vitamins that help to keep your skin beautiful and healthy.
7. Grapefruit essential oil
This oil contains powerful antioxidants that help to boost the ability to regenerate new skin cells in your skin, which makes your skin more smooth and youthful than ever.
8. Patchouli essential oil
It not only helps to moisturize aging skin but also regenerates tissues and promotes the growth of your skin cells due to its antifungal and antiseptic properties. And is also known as one of the best essential oils for stretch marks and scars.
9. Sage essential oil
It contains astringent, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, analgesic, and diuretic properties, emphasizing blood flow in your body.
The 7 best carrier oils to blend with essential oils
Carrier oils are basically vegetable oils that are extracted from the kernels, seeds, or nuts of any plant. These are generally used to dilute essential oils to carry them efficiently through your skin without causing any skin allergies like irritation, itching, or redness. Some of the top carrier oils that dermatologists advise blending with essential oils are as below –
- Rosehip essential oil
Best known to keep your skin healthy as it contains strong antioxidant properties. For maximum benefits, blend this oil with Bitter orange essential oil or Neroli essential oil.
- Argan essential oil
Best known for its skin-boosting properties as it contains vitamin E, Omega fatty acids, and sterols. It is one of the most effective pregnancy-safe essential oils for stretch marks.
- Coconut oil
Best known for its moisturizing and nourishing properties. For maximum benefits, blend this oil either with Pomegranate essential oil, Bitter almond essential oil, Lavender essential oil, Grapefruit essential oil, or Frankincense essential oil.
- Olive oil
Best known for its antioxidant, healing, and hydrating properties. Plus, it also stimulates wound healing. For maximum benefits, blend this oil with Lavender essential oil.
- Shea butter oil
Best known for hydrating your skin as it contains vitamin A and enhances blood circulation and wound healing. You can use it both ways – alone or by mixing it with essential oils for stretch marks.
- Castor oil
Best known to diminish stretch marks, sagging skin, acne, wrinkles, even fine lines, and scars. It is one of the most effective carrier oils. It blends well with almost all the essential oils.
- Jojoba oil
Best known for its wound healing properties. Additionally, it also hydrates your skin. For maximum benefits, blend this oil either with Bitter Orange essential oil or Neroli essential oil, or Lavender essential oil.
