Do they work?
Stretch marks are a typical occurrence that can be caused by anything from pregnancy to weight shifts and growth spurts. They might show up on your breasts, thighs, buttocks, and belly. They come in a variety of hues, including red, pink, purple, and blue. Over time, stretch marks typically disappear on their own.
Despite the fact that there isn’t a cure for stretch marks, there are things you may do to lessen their texture and look. Learn how to create a serum that will lessen the appearance of stretch marks using essential oils by reading on.
These oils most certainly do work.
Certain essential oils have a noticeable impact on stretch marks. Essential oils must be diluted in a carrier oil before being used topically. Although further studies with bigger sample sizes are required, the current body of evidence demonstrates the following:
Argan oil
Argan tree kernels are used to make argan oil. One of the most recent skin care oils on the market. A 2016 modest source claims that argan oil improves skin suppleness. Researchers think it could lessen or prevent stretch marks. According to a 2015 source, postmenopausal women’s skin became more elastic when they used argan oil topically as well as internally.
Goto Kola
Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine both employ gotu kola to treat a variety of skin issues. According to 2013 research, gotu kola has chemicals that boost collagen formation and strengthen skin. In a previous trial conducted in 1991 on 100 pregnant women, 50 of them received a topical cream containing gotu kola while the other 50 received a placebo cream. Just 14 of the 80 women who finished the study’s 80 women had stretch marks compared to 22 of the placebo group’s 80 women.
Rosehip oil
The fruit or “seeds” of roses are used to make rosehip oil. A moisturizer with rosehip oil helped pregnant women who had already developed stretch marks lessen the severity of their stretch marks, according to a 2013 research. Additionally, it considerably outperformed the placebo at preventing the development of new stretch marks.
Bitter Almond oil
Unlike the sweet almonds we consume, bitter almond oil is produced by a distinct species of almond tree. When consumed, poisonous substances found in bitter almonds can simulate cyanide poisoning. The amount of bitter almond oil that might be absorbed by your skin is unknown. Women who were pregnant applied bitter almond oil alone, received a 15-minute massage with bitter almond oil, or were in the control group for a 2012 study on the effects of bitter almond oil on stretch marks.
Stretch marks only appeared on 20% of the massage group’s female participants. Stretch marks appeared in 41.2 percent of the women in the control group and 38.8 percent of the women who used only bitter almond oil. More research is required to ascertain the precise mechanism(s) of action and safety of massage with bitter almond oil.
Extract from dragon’s blood and pomegranate
Pomegranate seeds are used to make pomegranate oil. The resin of dracaena trees, also known as Madagascar dragon trees, is where the dragon’s blood extract is found. Both compounds are regarded as anti-inflammatory and antioxidants. A 2017 study on 10 women with stretch marks and 10 women without them found that all volunteers had thicker, more elastic, and more hydrated skin after applying a lotion consisting of pomegranate oil and dragon’s blood extract. According to research, the cream might lessen or prevent stretch marks from appearing.
The oils may be effective.
There have been conflicting findings in some essential oil research. Although more research is required, these oils might be worth a shot.
Neroli
The blossoms of the bitter orange tree are used to make neroli, a plant in the Rutaceae family. It is applied as a folk cure to brighten skin and reduce the visibility of stretch marks and scars. Neroli oil contains potent antioxidant properties, according to 2008 research, which may aid in skin cell regeneration and enhance the appearance of the skin.
Shea butter
The nuts of the shea tree are used to make shea butter. It is a carrier oil rather than an essential oil. It can be used both by itself and to thin out essential oils. Shea butter is frequently employed to moisturise skin. Despite the fact that most research is anecdotal, many women swear it helps avoid stretch marks. The vitamin A in shea butter. It is claimed to aid in enhancing blood flow to the skin and promoting wound healing. However, further research is required to demonstrate that it reduces stretch marks.
Olive oil
Another carrier oil used to diluted essential oils is olive oil. It can also be utilized by itself. Because of its antioxidant and hydrating properties, olive oil is praised in the skin care industry. However, a 2011 study on pregnant women in their second trimester found that twice-daily application of olive oil to the belly did not prevent stretch marks.
Additional oils to increase your effects
Antioxidant vitamin E is well-known for its anti-aging and skin-regenerating properties. It’s frequently used to lessen the visibility of scars and stretch marks. The addition of vitamin E to these essential oils, which also have skin-rejuvenating properties, may help your stretch mark treatment program.
Lavender to support skin elasticity
The flowers used to make lavender oil are lavender. It is renowned for its capacity to heal wounds. According to 2016 research, lavender oil can boost collagen synthesis, aid in wound healing by shrinking them, and assist produce granulation tissue.
Patchouli to support skin elasticity
The effectiveness of patchouli oil for stretch marks is not well studied. In a 2013 animal research, it demonstrated antioxidant properties and encouraged collagen formation. Theoretically, patchouli oil could improve skin elasticity and lessen stretch marks.
Bitter orange to bolster skin elasticity
The peel of bitter oranges is used to make bitter orange oil. 2011 research suggests that it could aid in skin tightening and toning. Remember that the methanol in bitter orange might cause skin irritation.
Rosehip can encourage the growth of keratinocytes.
In a 2011 mouse study, rosehip oil assisted in stimulating keratinocyte differentiation in addition to hydrating the skin. Your skin’s epidermis contains densely packed cells called keratinocytes that make keratin. The skin is strengthened by keratin, which also promotes collagen formation.
How to apply these oils
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate essential oils (FDA). Knowing what you’re buying is difficult. Oils should only be bought from producers who:
- is prepared to offer materials safety data sheets
- is well-known in the world of aromatherapy professionals
- changes the price of their oils based on the nature and scarcity of the oil
- At the very least, the label states the product’s country of origin and method of extraction.
- does not include synthetic additives in their oils
Essential oils are strong and can cause skin irritation. Before applying them to the skin, they must be diluted with a carrier oil.
The following essential oil dilutions are advised for adults by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy:
15 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil, or a 2.5 percent dilution, is recommended.
20 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil, or a 3 percent dilution.
30 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil, or a 5% dilution
60 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil, or a 10% dilution
Once or twice a day, start with the lowest concentration. Try the next highest dilution if it doesn’t work and irritation doesn’t happen, and so on. Applying essential oils to your skin without first performing a patch test to rule out adverse reactions is a good idea.
Performing a patch test
- Mix one teaspoon of carrier oil with one or two drops of essential oil.
- Apply the diluted oil to the inside of your elbow or wrist and let it sit there for 24 hours.
- It is not safe to use essential oils if inflammation occurs.
Is it okay to use essential oils when pregnant?
It makes sense to utilize essential oils while pregnant if your goal is to avoid stretch marks. The safety of topical essential oils during pregnancy or breast-feeding, however, is not well studied. It is unknown how much essential oil is absorbed via the skin and what effects it can have on your child. Women who are expecting or nursing should avoid using essential oils unless a doctor or certified natural health practitioner is present to supervise them, at least until additional study has been done.
Potential negative consequences and dangers
Allergy is the most frequent adverse effect of topical essential oil use. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include, a developing rash, hives, redness on the area where the oils have been applied, and itching.
Use only essential oils of professional grade, and always dilute them with a carrier oil, to lower the chance of negative effects. You may become more susceptible to the sun’s rays and get a rash or sunburn if you use lemon oil or other citrous oils. After applying citrous oils, stay out of the sun for at least 24 hours. You should consult your doctor before using bitter almond oil topically because not enough study has been done to confirm its safety. Except when directed by your doctor or a licenced natural health practitioner, never use essential oils with topical medicines.
In conclusion
Although stretch marks cannot be entirely eliminated, research suggests that particular essential oils may help lessen their appearance and preserve the health of the surrounding skin. Stretch mark severity is mostly influenced by heredity, hormone levels, and the level of skin tension. Eating well and exercising frequently will help you stay at a healthy weight and ensure that your hormone levels are at their best, which is the best form of prevention.
If you want to hydrate your skin, think about using essential oils as a complimentary therapy to your healthy lifestyle.