Stretch marks also known as Striae, are the irregular areas of skin that look like bands, stripes or lines.
Stretch marks are slightly depressed and have a different texture to that of the skin.
These thin lines, in the beginning, appear glossy red and then over the time become off-white and give a scar-like appearance.
The marks may also appear in some cases due to abnormal collagen formation, as a result of medications that interfere with collagen formation.
This may also be associated with Cushing's disease, diabetes or post-pregnancy.
Benefits of Castor Oil for Stretch Marks
Castor oil, vegetable oil is extracted from the castor plant. It has a characteristic odour and taste, visible as colorless to a very pale yellow color.
Castor oil is known for an effective treatment for a number of skin diseases like wrinkles, blemishes, age spots, and fine lines.
Ayurveda and homeopathy, suggests this oil as a powerful remedy for stretch marks and even to avoid them as well.
Castor oil contains many fatty acids and is a great moisturizer, which can also help in the prevention of stretch marks by making it more elastic.
It is also used as a laxative and detoxifies the lymphatic system.
Castor oil is also a source of Vitamin E and rich in ricinoleic acid, which makes castor oil anti-bacterial.
Ricinoleic acid with other fatty acids, penetrate deep into the scar tissue and plump it out while encouraging the growth of other healthy tissues.
How to use castor oil for stretch marks?
Take a sufficient quantity of castor oil on your fingers and massage it over the stretch marked part.
Massage it in such a way that a dense coating of this oil is developed in this region.
Now, cover this region using a plastic sheet or saran wrap. Now, put onto heat that is of skin for 20-25 min, either by using a hot water bottle or a heating pad.
Carry on this technique once in a day regularly, for a minimum of a week. You would observe a significant effect on your stretch marks within 7-10 days.
Castor oil alone is indeed sufficient as a remedy for stretch marks, but to maximize its effect it can be applied in combination with other oils.
This can be done by blending 2 tbsp of almond oil with 1 tbsp of castor oil in a clean bowl and whisk until completely mixed.
Dip your fingers in oil, and massage the affected area in circular movements. Let the oil be absorbed for 10 min by the skin.
Repeat this two times a day, for 2 weeks to see the difference.
Precautions while using castor oil for stretch marks
Here are some of the precautions:
- Talk to the pharmacist or your physician, if you are allergic to castor oil. Always seek medical advice prior use.
- Keep the oil bottle or container out of the reach of children.
- Do not take castor oil internally.
- Do not apply the oil to the broken skin.
- Do not let the oil let internally, such as in uterus which may lead to its contraction and may lead to a condition of miscarriage.
Summary
Castor oil helps in diminishing wrinkles, age spots, and stretch marks. In homeopathy and Ayurveda, castor oil is known to prevent and be a remedy for stretch marks.
Castor oil is the only rich source of ricinoleic acid, other fatty acids, and vitamin E which also makes it a good laxative and a moisturizer.
These fatty acids, enter the skin and encourages the growth of healthy tissues.