Quick Answer: Best Essential Oils for Stretch Marks
- Lavender Essential Oil
- Mandarin Essential Oil
- Centella Asiatica Essential Oil
- Rosehip Essential Oil
- Frankincense Essential Oil
- Grapefruit Essential Oil
- Patchouli Essential Oil
- Neroli Essential Oil
- Jasmine Essential Oil
- Helichrysum Essential Oil
Stretch marks are long intended scars with underlying thinning of the skin. They are clinically known as ‘striae distensae’ or epidermal atrophy. [1]
These are very common among people and develop where dermal damage occurs by stretching of the skin.
The continuous and progressive stretching of skin produces the ‘Striae’ on the skin that is aesthetically unacceptable and depressing.[2]
But otherwise, they are non-malignant in nature. [3]
The amount of stretching depends upon the ability of your skin to stretch, time and amount of stretch applied to it. It is also dependent upon age, race, and sex of the person. [4]
They are caused when the body grows quickly enough and collagen is not present to accommodate elasticity to the skin [5].
Major factors include pregnancy, rapid weight change, weightlifting, excessive use of topical steroids, adolescence (growth phase), heredity, and genetics
Streaks are commonly seen on the abdomen, breasts, shoulders, groin areas, hips, and thighs. [6]
They are pink, red, and brown in color, become silver and fade away with time. [7] [8]
Rarely these stretch marks are seen in Cushing's syndrome (adiposity around the abdomen, trunk) or Marfan syndrome (disproportionate body’s growth in length). [9]
What are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are natural plant products that are highly concentrated and potent in nature. They are volatile and colorless pleasant-smelling oils.
These oils are termed natural because they are available from nature without chemical modification or intermediate synthesis
They are extracted from flowers, rinds, leaves, seeds, stems, fruits, and distilled from resins.
These oils are mixtures of volatile compounds containing hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes, esters, ethers, ketones, phenols, and terpenes.
They are extensively used for medicinal purposes from skin treatments to cancer, perfumery, and cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, therapeutic remedies.
They are administered orally as capsules or gels. Tropically they are used in lotions, mixed with a carrier oil, and in aromatherapy in baths, as diffusers, inhalations.
Essential Oils For Stretch Marks
Essential oils impart cell growth and regeneration. Avocado Oil is rich in vitamin E and useful to repair sun-damaged skin. It is helpful in skin regeneration.
Hazelnut oil also aids in the regeneration of cells and strengthens capillaries.
Orange essential oil is very important to prevent stretch marks. As we have seen the absence of collagen can cause stretch marks.
This oil aids in the formation of collagen and is rich in vitamin C.
Volatile oils induce cell repairing, reduce pigmentation and spots and help decrease wrinkles on the face.
Geranium oil when used as a massage oil treatment reduces cellulite on the skin and heals stretch marks and scars. [10]
Tangerine essential oil and the Rose essential oil is a reliable tonic for stretch marks. [11]
Jojoba oil is great base oil which is rich in protein and minerals contain collagen-like waxy substance useful in increasing skin elasticity, it also exhibits its usefulness in stretch marks.[12] [13]
There are many carrier oils useful to treat stretch marks such as is beeswax, Shea [14] butter, Coconut oil (it contains glycerine, palmatic acid) [15], bitter Almond oil (massage with this oil shows lesser stretch marks [16]).
Cocoa butter is often recommended for the prevention of stretch marks during pregnancy.[17]
Best Essential Oils For Stretch Marks
Essential oils have innumerable benefits for the skin. They are capable of regenerating skin tissue and cells. They rejuvenate and soothe your skin.
These volatile oil works greatly on stretch marks, scar, wounds, some of the repair while others prevent it from occurring.
Keep reading and discover some of the best essential oil blends useful in fighting your stretch marks and delivering you beautiful and nourished skin again!
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender oil is extracted from flowering tops from an aromatic green woody shrub.
Lavender essential oil is anti-inflammatory and reduces swelling. The oil speeds up skin healing and restores it.
The oil works in remedial action through its floral, sweet aroma such as in vapor therapy.
A study on mice model showed lavender oil promotes wound healing and synthesis of collagen as earliest as the fourth day of wounding. [18]
The oil is highly known for its properties to treat stretch marks. [19] It also aids in scar formation and heals them.
Massage this oil on and around the affected area to reduce and minimize the formation of scar tissue.
The oil must be cautiously used in pregnancy (especially first trimester) and by people with low blood pressure.
Best way to use: topical application such as massage and cream formula
Tummy Rub Pregnancy blend: [20]
For this wonderful blend to work, you also need a concoction of carrier oils, as they have numerous health benefits and add on to the action of essential oil.
The following blend can be used regularly in the lower or upper abdomen, thighs, and buttocks to prevent stretch marks.
Base Oil Preparation:
- To make the formula, take Almond oil (30 ml), Wheat germ oil (15 ml), Borage seed oil (10 drops), Carrot oil (5 drops).
- Put this formula in a dark-colored glass bottle, shake it well and store for use.
- Now the working ratio is, for every tablespoon of base oil formulation one should use 6 drops of essential oil (single or blend) for maximum benefit.
To this base oil formula add 18(total) drops of the following essential oil blend.
- Rose maroc oil 7 drops
- Lavender oil 6 drops
- Tangerine oil 5 drops
Stretch Marks Rub [21]
- In this blend, you need to have 30 ml of sweet almond carrier oil, 12 ml wheat germ carrier oil, and 5 drops carrot oil.
- Add 10 drops of borage seed essential oil, 7 drops of rose essential oil, 6 drops of lavender essential oil, and 5 drops of tangerine essential oil.
- Store this blend in the refrigerator in a dark-colored bottle and let it synergize for eight hours.
- Apply a small amount to the stretch marks; use your fingertips to massage the blend into the skin.
- Repeat this treatment once daily until the marks fade.
Mandarin Essential Oil
Mandarin essential oil is expressed or distilled from the rind of mandarin fruit. The evergreen tree has fragrant flower and oil has a fresh and sweet aroma.
The oil is beneficial to remove stretch marks from the body. [22] [23]
The oil not only benefits in pregnancy-related stretch marks but also reduces cellulite.
The oils active bio ingredients are limonene, terpinolene, alpha-pinene contributing relief from stretch marks. [24]
It is a healing agent for scars and is a skin tonic. [25] The oil is useful in preventing stretch marks. [26] [27]
The oil can cause photosensitivity on the skin.
Best way to use: Make a blend of mandarin essential oil in the wheat germ carrier oil as a preventive remedy for stretch marks. [28]
The oil is used in combinations with Neroli and Lavender to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. It is useful to be applied to the abdomen and the breasts.
Centella Asiatica Essential Oil
The plant is found in India and is also known as Indian pennywort. It is a perennial herb having red, pink or white flowers and fleshy leaves.[29]
The oil is extensively used for skin nourishment, it is a great antioxidant. [30] The oil is good for wound healing. [31] [32]
A study shows that the use of an ointment containing Centella extract, α-tocopherol, and collagen-elastin hydrolysates reported less development of stretch marks in pregnant women. [33]
This herbal oil benefits in boosting cells that make collagen in the body and makes skin tissue.
It helps to heal wounds and is usually found in over the counter stretch marks creams. [34] [35]
Best way to use: This is used as an ingredient in ointments and lotions.
Rosehip Essential Oil
Rosehip oil is beneficial for treating scar tissue on the body and can be used in massage blends. [36]
A double-blind placebo study (2013) reported cream containing rosehip oil, Centella Asiatica triterpenes and vitamin E was effective in preventing stretch marks when they applied it twice a day after 12 weeks of pregnancy. [37]
Best way to use: The oil can be used in lotions and creams to prevent stretch marks.
Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense essential oil is great for skin that has lost elasticity.
The oil is steam distilled from resin that is collected from the pinnate shaped tree leaves. It is widely used to restore skin tone, reduce scars, and stretch marks. [38]
It is primarily used for skin pigmentation and scars and effective for age spots. [39]
The oil has Cicatrizant properties and aids in scar formation. It makes your body feel warmth and fresh due to rich scent
Best way to use: Dab cotton in the oil and slowly massage them on to the stretch marks; use will slowly fade away marks.
Grapefruit Essential Oil
Grapefruit essential oil is cold expressed from the peel of the fruit and it is large yellow in color. It has a sweet citrus fragrance and has a yellowish-green tinge.
The oil has astringent properties and can be used to remove cellulite from the body.
Studies have shown this oil benefits in treating dermatological conditions, such as stretch marks, improving cellulite and toning of the skin. [40]
Grapeseed oil is potent for damaged and stressed tissues. It has regenerative properties and moisturizes skin.
It brings the skin back to its normal structure and reduces stretch marks. [41] [42]
Use the oil cautiously as it can cause photosensitivity and irritation to skin.
Best way to use: Used as a key ingredient of moisturizer
Patchouli Essential Oil
Patchouli is a bushy herb in the mint family. The oil is extracted from the dried leaves and the dried flowering herb.
The oil is soothing and astringent for skin thus providing it elasticity.
It is famous for its anti-aging properties. Therapeutic oil reduces cellulite and acts as a fixative for wrinkles.
The oil is a good healing agent and works to repair damaged skin. It is a tonic for stretch marks, scars, and skin wounds. [43]
It regenerates skin tissue and corrects scar [44]. It is gentle and helps with wrinkles and aging skin.
The oil imparts regenerative properties to skin cells and especially renews scar tissues owning to its Cytophylactic action on the skin.
Best way to use: Hydrating Cytophylactic rub blend. [45]
Well, for this amazing concoction you need
- Patchouli oil (3 drops)
- Palmarosa oil (3 drops)
- White fir oil (2 drops)
- Myrtle oil (2 drops)
- Carrier oil (jojoba, carrot seed) 30 ml
Now take all these oils in the prescribed amount and let it synergize for 8 hours. Massage and rub this blend on stretch marks and scars.
Neroli Essential Oil
Neroli essential oil is extracted from blossoms. The oil is rich in vitamin C.
It is also known as sweet orange essential oil. The plant is having white fragrant flowers from which oil is extracted.
It is of immense importance to skincare and is completely safe to use. It rejuvenates and regenerates new cells.
The oil is primarily benefits in stretch marks [46] [47] [48], scarring and age spots. It is a potent Cicatrizant and an emollient. [49]
The oil promotes skin cell regeneration and is an effective Cytophylactic. The oil is a healing agent and tonic for the skin.
Best way to use: Neroli oil is administered using in bath oils or massage oils.
Take 9 drops each of Neroli and Lavender essential oil; to it add 60 ml rosehip oil. Take a small amount on your fingertip and massage into the skin, at least twice a day.
Jasmine Essential Oil
Jasmine essential oil is extracted from blossoms. It is infused with a floral, sweet, strong aroma.
The oil is extensively used in cosmetics and skin creams etc. It is highly fragrant and therefore used in perfumery and fragrance.
The oil is highly concentrated and only a few drops can do wonders. The oil is remedial to be used in the third trimester only for stretch marks in the form of massage. [50]
It works wonders by enhancing scar formation and later softening skin. It is a therapeutic emollient.
Pregnant women should avoid the use of this oil as it induces and strengthens contractions
Best way to use: Jasmine oil is used for massage therapy and rub oil.
Helichrysum Essential Oil
The method for extraction for Helichrysum essential oil is steam distillation.
The herb is strongly aromatic whose flowers and flower tops are used for extraction. It has a powerful honey-like aroma.
The oil is used for good skin health, it soothes and softens skin and is used as an emollient in various creams and lotions.
Cytophylactic action of oil promotes new cell growth and re-builds the tissue. It repairs damaged skin and scar.[51]
It increases the circulation of the blood to tissues and cells which in turn repairs skin and membranes.
The oil is full of skin rejuvenating properties, it is astringent on the skin. The oil promotes scar formation and is a beneficial Cicatrizant.
Best way to use:
Heal-me Formula [52]
For this blend, take 20 drops of Helichrysum, 20 drops of German chamomile, 20 drops of Rose, 10 drops of Palmarosa, 10 drops of Geranium, 5 drops of Ylang Ylang, 5 drops of Carrot Seed, 5 drops of Lavender, 5 drops of Myrrh essential oil.
Put this blend in a glass bottle and leave for 8 hours to synergize. To 30 ml of carrier oil add10-15 drops of this oil mix and massage thoroughly.
Scar Prevention Blend
In this take 30 ml of coconut carrier oil, Helichrysum oil (10 drops), lemongrass oil (10 drops), Lavender oil (6 drops) and your amazing blend is ready.
Use 3-4 drops as needed and store the rest in a dark-colored glass bottle.
Precautions When Using Essential Oil?
These oils are generally safe to use but few steps of precaution can save you from undesirable episodes and allergies.
It is advisable to always perform a patch test before their topical use by dabbing a small amount on the inside of your arm.
Avoid using for children under the age of 5 and in pregnancy especially for the first trimester as an essential oil can lead to abortions (ketones).
Lessen sun exposure after the use of oil such as bergamot and other citrus oils as they increase the photosensitivity of the skin.
Keep essential oils away from the eye area. The contact lenses or eyes must not be rubbed or handled with essential oils on fingers.
Avoid using them near open wounds, genitals, inner ear, and mucous membranes as they are sensitive and become irritated.
Summary
Stretch marks are linear marks on the skin when the skin untimely or in a short period expands. They can occur during the growth phase, pregnancy or weight changes
Essential oils help restore elasticity, heal damaged skin cells, and accelerate the growth of new skin cells.
So in the beautiful journey of pregnancy or instant weight loss/ weight gain if you face pink, red, brown or sliver lines on your abdomen, buttocks, hips or breast.
Use these blends right away to get going and make your skin rejuvenated again.