Stretch marks, also known as Striae are narrow lines or streaks that develop on the body surface, which are easily visible on abdomen, breast, upper arm, buttocks and thighs.
These marks generally, occur during pregnancy when the belly rapidly expands to accommodate the growing baby.
Stretch marks occur when the skin gets stretched extensively for a short period of time.
The dermis of our body is made up of strong inter-connected fibers that enable the skin to stretch as the body grows.
Olive oil is the oil obtained from olives, a traditional tree crop. It is popularly is used throughout the world, in Mediterranean countries like Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece. Clinical trials have found that olive oil has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory properties.
Benefits of Olive oil for Stretch Marks
Olive oil has a long history of being used a home remedy for skin care.
Olive oil is a natural oil, which is one of the highest sources of vitamin E and anti-oxidants.
Vitamin E is known to be good for stretch marks.
Supply of oxygen on the scars and marks makes skin smooth and supple and helps in the lightening of stretch marks.
Olive oil also works as a lubricant, which helps in expansion of skin without having any breaks on the dermis. Use of olive oil makes skin soft, which would thus help to limit the pain while the skin is expanding.
No treatment can help in complete removal of stretch marks, but only help lighten them.
Thus, olive oil can lighten the stretch marks effectively and can help maintain the tightness and integrity of the skin, which gets loosened up due to the expansion of the dermis.
How to use Olive Oil for Stretch Marks
Using olive oil in lightening up the pregnancy stretch marks is one the best and the economical solution known.
Effects can only be seen, if olive oil is used Luke warm and massaged on the affected areas. Massaging olive oil also has an additional benefit that it increases the speed of blood circulation over that area.
The oil should be left on the affected area for an hou, so that it gets completely absorbed by the skin.
With the regular use of olive oil for a week, significant lightening of the stretch marks can be observed.
Massaging olive oil on belly and breast should be in a circular motion.
The pattern should be kept same, always try and massage either clockwise or anti-clockwise.
Follow the same pattern of movement of massaging.
Olive oil can also be used by mixing with water and vinegar, to use as a night cream. This treatment with the lightening of the marks, can also moisturize and exfoliate the skin.
Rinse it after letting it sit for 30 min or 1 hour, and then rinse it away with warm water and mild soap.
Precautions while using Olive Oil for Stretch Marks
- Luke warm the olive oil. Do not heat it too much or let it smoke.
- Use the pure and natural form or extra virgin olive oil for massaging.
- Pregnant women should gently massage the affected parts with the oil, and do not apply pressure for massaging.
- In some people, olive oil may lead to allergy or irritation. Consult your physician, if you are allergic to olive oil.
Conclusion
Olive oil, being a rich source of vitamin E and anti-oxidants is one of the best ways to lighten these marks.
This can be achieved by massaging Luke warm olive oil in a circular pattern on the affected area.
The oil should be applied for 1 hour and then rinsed with warm water and mild soap.
Regular use of olive oil for 1 week will help lighten the stretch marks.
I found it interesting that you said that mixing olive oil with water and vinegar can moisturize and exfoliate the skin. My wife wants to find a cream to help her get rid of her stretch marks. I'm going to look online for something she can use.