Stretch marks aren’t something to be concerned about from a medical point of view.
Most people get stretch marks at some point or another in their lives.[1] Stretch marks are a common problem for women. A small percentage of men, however, also get stretch marks. Mostly in areas of your body where fat can easily accumulate. Newly formed stretch marks can be itchy for days but they don’t cause any pain.
These reddish-purple or brownish streaks mostly appear in the abdominal area, near the armpits and on the outer thighs. They can also develop on the buttocks, breasts, and upper arms.[2]
Some factors raise your chances of getting stretch marks: a family history of having stretch marks, pregnancy, gaining or losing a lot of weight abruptly.
Natural remedies such as essential oils may be the best options to get rid of stretch marks. The therapeutic oils work effectively on various skin disorders and damaged skin.
This article lists best essential oils for stretch marks and how to use these remedies.
Efficacy of Essential Oils For Stretch Marks Treatment
Essential oils comes from the leaves, bark, root, fruit, and flower of specific plants and typically cold pressed from the seeds.T
Essential oils may minimize and reduce the appearance of your stretch marks by restoring the moisture level of your skin, and repairing and regenerating the skin cells.
Moreover, some of the essential oils can help minimize inflammation and scarring of the skin, both of which are involved in stretch mark formation.
Moreover, many of these oils also restore and rejuvenate skin tissues. This helps to repair the damage that is done to the cells, resulting in fading and lightening of the marks.
1. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender oil is well known for its versatility and numerous health benefits.
It is a common ingredient in many commercial skin care products and massage oils that are prepared for stretch mark removal.
Though popular for its calming and relaxing effects, its ability to tone and heal the skin is sometimes overlooked.
It has uses that range from relieving irritation and insect stings to soothing cuts and bruises.
Also used for sunburn relief and wound healing, lavender oil can improve the scar-formation process.
Such that it can help minimize the appearance of stretch marks that are formed.
Its anti-inflammatory action along with its mild healing effects can help in skin renewal for areas damaged by stretch marks.
Moreover, this oil is also safe to use for pregnant moms after the first trimester.
Long appreciated for its medicinal properties, lavender essential oil is known for the way it tenderly treats, tones, and rejuvenates the skin.
2. Patchouli Essential Oil
Patchouli essential oil has a unique earthy scent.
Its musky, earthy scent is present in various products, from personal care and fragrances to air fresheners and other home care products.
This healing oil encourages the speedy recovery of the skin, preventing the formation of scars.
It is responsible for many health benefits and is a great addition to any skin healing routine.
Patchouli is one of the best oils that can be used for stretch mark removal as it helps to regenerate healthy skin cells.
It also aids in preventing scar formation while boosting skin recovery from the damage that has been caused by overstretching.
Patchouli essential oil can help soothe irritations and be used for cuts, sores, and scrapes.
The oil’s skin repairing properties stem from its exceptional moisturizing abilities.
This helps to keep the skin cells healthy while also countering rapid aging.
It has been found that by regularly using the oil wrinkles can be prevented and the appearance of cellulite can also be diminished.
3. Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense oil is found from the sap of the Boswellia sacra tree. It is excellent for the repairing of overstretched skin.
The oil is a potent astringent, which means it tightens skin tissue while promoting cell turnover. This is why it is also effective in preventing wrinkles and saggy skin.
Not only does it help to fade the purplish color of the stretch marks but also prevents new ones from forming.
This essential oil is a wonderful treatment for healing and fading scars, including stretch marks.
Frankincense essential oil with its healing properties helps to prevent tissue damage while assisting to repair the skin that is stretched to its limit.
Consistent use of this oil will not only fade stretch marks but will also prevent new ones from forming.
Moreover, frankincense oil keeps the skin clear of blemishes and darkening due to its ability to prevent skin damage.
Key takeaway: If you want an effective all-purpose regimen for the overall health of your skin, frankincense oil is one of the oils that you should be stocking up on.
4. Neroli Essential Oil
This sweet, citrusy oil extracted from orange blossoms combines fashion and function. Neroli essential oil is popular for its ability to revitalize the skin.
A common name found in the list of ingredients in cosmetics and skin healing creams, neroli oil is what you can rely on to combat various skin conditions.
This oil’s revitalizing effect combined with its restorative properties greatly helps fade stretch marks and prevents new ones from forming.
Its elegant scent readily blends with a variety of other oils as well.
Constant use of this energizing oil will help prevent the development of stretch marks over time.
Moreover, due to its regenerative and restoring properties, neroli essential oil aids in revitalizing sagging skin.
For additional benefits, this oil combats oily skin and prevents acne as well.
Key Takeaway: This essential oil can be mixed with other oils to form an even better solution for stretch marks and other skin related conditions.
5. Jasmine Essential Oil
This flowery essential oil heals many skin problems, such as dryness, scarring, and oiliness, and is a great way to rejuvenate your mood.
Moreover, jasmine essential oil can also help to boost the skin’s elasticity while nourishing the skin with healing properties.
It not only fades current stretch marks but also prevents new ones from forming.
Key Takeaway: A great smelling essential oil like Jasmine oil is perfect for getting rid of stretch marks while helping rejuvenate the skin.
6. Helichrysum Essential Oil
This fruity smelling essential oil contains many healing properties that can help calm disturbed and stretched skin.
This anti-inflammatory oil acts as an astringent that helps boost blood circulation in the skin. This helps the skin to repair itself while the stretch marks fade.
Its ability to promote blood circulation is also useful for blemishes and wrinkles.
Key Takeaway: Regular application of this oil can help nourish the skin, retain moisture and improve skin elasticity while visibly reducing stretch marks.
7. Geranium Essential Oil
This delicately scented essential oil from the geranium plant works like magic for the skin!
This sweet floral essential oil is present in many beauty products due to its healing properties, especially in creams designed for stretch marks.
This oil helps to promote collagen production which can help to prevent stretch marks and maintain the elasticity of the skin all on its own. Geranium essential oil aids to prevent and heal existing stretch marks.
Apart from this, geranium oil has many more skin benefits to offer. It helps to prevent wrinkles, fades acne scars, lightens blemishes and renews dry, aging skin. All these benefits make it a perfect addition to your regular skin moisturizer as well!
How to use Essential Oils to Get Rid of Stretch Marks?
Due to the powerful nature of the essential oils, make sure you mix each essential oil with a carrier oil or cream before applying. This reduces the risks of any side effects that may occur.
Dilute 5 to 10 drops of any essential oil in 1 tablespoon of carrier oil. Some of the best carrier oils are coconut oil, grape seed oil, olive oil and almond oil.
Rub the mixture of essential oil and carrier oil onto the stretch marks until fully absorbed. Then you can use a derma roller to maximize the effect and minimize healing time.
What you can also do is exfoliate with essential oils. This will scrub away dead skin cells and lighten up dark streaks, making the stretch marks less visible.
In order to exfoliate with essential oils and remove stretch marks, you can use the following directions:
- Take 2 cups of a natural exfoliate like sugar or sea salt.
- Combine it with 1 cup of carrier oil like olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, almond oil or sunflower oil.
- Add 10 to 15 drops of essential oils and mix well.
Warning and Additional Tips
Remember to always do a patch test before using a new essential oil. You might be allergic to it.
In case you have an allergic reaction, stop using the essential oil and wash it off completely.
If you’re pregnant and you see stretch marks developing then it might be tempting to start these remedies. However, essential oils are very strong, so check with your doctor first. For the pregnancy period, it might just be safer to moisturize with carrier oils.
Moreover, after using these oils, remember to avoid the sun. They are phototoxic and can result in irritation when exposed to sunlight. Use these oils only at night before bedtime to stay on the safe side.
In order to get the maximum benefit from these treatments, make sure:
You are Hydrated
As your skin is more likely to tear and lose its elasticity when you don’t drink enough water. You should be drinking at least 8-10 glasses a day.
Get Enough Sleep
When you’re asleep it is the time when your body focuses on healing and building itself back up.
If you aren’t getting the proper amount of sleep, your body is more likely to break down.
From 11 pm to 2 am is known as the magical hours for rejuvenation so try to be asleep during this period to maximize the benefits.
And lastly,
Eat Well
It shouldn’t be a surprise that your skin’s health is dependent on what you put inside of your body.
Too much sugar and processed food are not only bad for your body but also for your skin.
Focus on eating a good variety of foods. Your body will then have the nutrients and vitamins it needs to prevent/treat the stretch marks carefully.
