What are stretch marks?
Stretch marks are known medically as striae or striae gravidarum. They occur when the middle layer or dermis of the skin becomes overstretched to the point of tearing.
These tears cause scars that appear as stretch marks on the skin's surface.
This type of skin tearing often occurs:
- during pregnancy, affecting up to 90% of women
- during the growth spurts of adolescence
- after weight gain or weight loss
High levels of steroid hormones caused by medications or diseases, including Cushing's syndrome, have also been linked to stretch marks.
Stretch marks appear as red or purple lines that are slightly raised initially. They turn white or silver and become flat and shiny, over time. Women are more prone to stretch marks than men, and they usually develop on the:
- breasts
- buttocks
- hips
- stomach
- thighs
- upper arms
Eight best essential oils for stretch marks
Certain essential oils are more effective than others at reducing the visibility of stretch marks.
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Argan oil
Argan essential oil is a popular natural product for skin and hair care. Argan tree kernels are used to make it.
Some research suggests that argan oil can improve the elasticity of the skin, which may reduce or prevent stretch marks. It can be applied topically or consumed to enhance skin elasticity, according to one study.
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Bitter almond oil
A different type of almond to the one that is eaten is used to make bitter almond essential oil.
A 2012 study suggests that bitter almond oil may reduce the stretch marks caused by pregnancy. Researchers divided the 141 women into:
- a group that applied bitter almond oil with massage
- a group that used bitter almond oil without massage
- a control groups
The scientists found that stretch marks developed in only 20 percent of women in the massage group, 38.8 percent in the oil-only group, and 41 percent in the control group.
More studies are needed before conclusions on the effectiveness of bitter almond oil can be drawn.
The oil also contains toxic compounds that may not be safe in certain amounts, especially when used during pregnancy.
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Bitter orange oil
Bitter orange essential oil is extracted from the peel of the bitter orange fruit.
One study indicates that the oil may tone and condition the skin, as well as prevent skin fragility. These actions could potentially reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
People with sensitive skin may experience irritation when using bitter orange essential oil. It may also cause photosensitivity in people with light skin.
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Lavender oil
Research suggests that lavender oil may encourage wound healing.
Lavender essential oil is best known for its calming properties. But the oil has several other benefits, including when it comes to the healing of wounds and marks.
Research published in 2016 reports that lavender oil increases the production of collagen and forms new connective tissue that encourages wound healing.
This suggests lavender oil may help in the healing of stretch marks, but it should be noted that the study was carried out on rats.
More research on humans is needed.
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Neroli oil
Neroli essential oil is made from the flowers of the Citrus aurantium tree, the same tree that is used to make bitter orange oil.
Most of the evidence for neroli oil helping stretch marks is anecdotal, and it has been traditionally used for lightening the skin and reducing imperfections.
Neroli oil has been found in studies to exhibit powerful antioxidant effects. This antioxidant activity may improve the appearance of skin by helping the cells to regenerate.
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Patchouli oil
People often use patchouli essential oil to boost their mood, but it is also known for healing wounds and fading scars.
Studies on animals suggest it has antioxidant properties and can promote the synthesis of collagen, which could reduce stretch marks.
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Pomegranate oil
Pomegranate essential oil is believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is made from the seeds of the pomegranate fruit
A 2017 study found that a cream comprising pomegranate oil and dragon's blood extract, which is made from dracaena tree resin, increased the elasticity and thickness of the skin.
These findings led researchers to suggest that a blend of pomegranate oil and dragon's blood extract could prevent or minimize the appearance of marks.
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Frankincense essential oil
Frankincense oil has been used for centuries for its healing properties and treatment of skin conditions.
Frankincense enters into the skin easily, and ferulic acids and vitamins in the oil bring antioxidant benefits to the skin, which helps keep it soft and healthy.
Treatment: According to the Mayo Clinic:
“You may not like how stretch marks make your skin look, but they don't require medical treatment. They are harmless and often fade over time. If you do seek treatment for stretch marks, know that treatments are only partially effective and won't remove them completely.
The following treatments are among those available to help improve the appearance and texture of stretch marks. None has been proved to be more consistently successful than the others.
- Derived from vitamin A, retinoids — such as tretinoin (Retin-A, Re nova, Avita) — that you apply to your skin may improve the appearance of stretch marks less than a few months old. Retinoid, when it works, helps to rebuild collagen, making the stretch marks look more like your normal skin. Retinoid can irritate your skin.
If you're nursing, talk with your doctor about other treatment options, because possible side effects of retinoid cream may affect the baby.
Light and laser therapies. A variety of light and laser therapies are available to help stimulate the growth of collagen or elastin in your skin. Your doctor can help you determine which technique is appropriate for you.
- This type of treatment involves a hand-held device that blows crystals onto the skin. These crystals gently remove a fine layer of skin, promoting the growth of new, more-elastic skin.”
Talk to your OBGYN before using any treatment while pregnant or nursing.
We have developed a wonderful cream that does help in fading the effects of stretch marks, we do not claim to “cure” them. We have combined many of the best ingredients that our research has led us to. Furthermore, we believe that we have joined both the best and most effective ingredients for helping the effects of stretch marks. If you are pregnant, it is best to start using this product at the onset of your pregnancy to prevent severe stretch marks from ever happening. In many cases, prevent them entirely!