5 Essential Oils You Can Use To Treat Stretch Marks

Impossible standards set by the beauty industry have made us all very insecure about even the most natural marks on our skin. Stretch marks, which are breaks in the various layers of the skin (epidermis and dermis), fall under this very category. They start off with a reddish-purple hue and go on to become white or silvery. In addition to this, these marks could be indented, thin (as compared to the surrounding areas, or glossy. Before we go on to list out the ways by which you can tackle stretch marks, let’s look into how they come to be.

# Lavender Oil

Lavender essential oil is known for its wound healing abilities. Research indicates that it could increase collagen production and help in the formation of granulation tissue, a tissue that forms over raw, broken skin during wound healing. This, in turn, is believed to help deal with new (red and purple colored) stretch marks and prevent new ones from forming.

# Lemon Oil

Lemon essential oil is a part of most stretch marks-busting remedies due to its ability to fight damage caused by free radicals in the skin and prevent the death of cells that produce collagen and keratin, the building blocks of skin. It also increases the absorption of anything that you combine with it.

# Patchouli Oil

Patchouli oil might have antioxidant properties that fight skin damage caused by free radicals and promote collagen synthesis. This could be why it is recommended for stretch marks. However, since further research is needed to fully validate this benefit, it might be a good idea to combine it with other oils mentioned here for the best results.

# Neroli (Bitter Orange Tree) Oil

Made from bitter orange tree blossoms, neroli oil has been used in folk medicine to lighten skin and improve the appearance of scars and stretch marks. Current research indicates that this oil has antioxidant properties which aid in skin cell regeneration and wound healing, both of which contribute to improving the skin’s appearance.

# Rose and Rosehip Oil

Rose oil is extracted from the petals of roses while rosehip oil is extracted from the fruit of the rose plant. One study in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology found that rose essential oil stimulates the production of keratinocytes. These cells create keratin, the structural proteins that make up the skin’s outer layer. And since stretch marks are breaks in that outer layer, keratin is a must.

# Argan Oil

Made from the argan tree kernels, argan oil is known to improve the skin’s elasticity and, in turn, the appearance of stretch marks. Studies have shown that both consuming and topically applying argan oil made skin more elastic in postmenopausal women and reduced the appearance of stretch marks in them. So, you could either buy an ointment with argan oil in it or use the essential oil as a massage oil. Consult a professional before consuming argan oil to see what dosage would suit you best.