How to Clear Stretch Marks Naturally
Long red lines that later turn white or silver on your skin can be embarrassing, especially when they appear on obvious parts of your body like your upper arm, cleavage, and abdomen. Such that you can no longer wear those sexy-looking armless dresses with low necklines and also those crop tops. It can be frustrating how you might have to change your wardrobe and choice of clothes just to suit your stretch marks.
Although, stretch marks do not indicate any form of health condition. It is rather caused by factors like growth or the increase in the mass of the skin as a result of puberty or pregnancy. Studies have shown that about 90% of pregnant women have stretch marks on their bodies, especially on their abdomen.
Stress and high cortisol levels in the body that cause the skin to weaken can also cause stretch marks. Stretch marks can actually appear on any part of the body, ranging from the abdomen to the thigh, the upper arms, hips, buttocks, and breasts, affecting more women than men.
This is because women experience more growth in their upper arms, breast, abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and hips. Although, as you age, they might begin to fade, this would take longer compared to when you try to make them fade using skin care products.
Can Stretch Marks Be Cleared?
Despite how common stretch marks can be and how annoyingly and carelessly they can appear on different parts of your body, they cannot be cleared easily. Studies have shown that nothing can be done to remove stretch marks.
However, they can be prevented. On the flip side, clearing them off completely might not be a scientific possibility, but reducing or minimizing how they appear on the skin is possible. This is where essential oils come in.
Thus, rather than resorting to surgical removal or peeling some parts of your skin surgically to get them out, the best thing is to have a little more patience and commitment while applying essential oils to the skin.
Although no study has proven essential oils to be effective stretch marks removers, they are effective in toning the skin, nourishing it, and making it shine, thereby reducing the visibility and appearance of the marks.
Essential oils are also effective at moisturizing the skin to make the marks less conspicuous and rejuvenating and regenerating the skin cells through their antioxidant properties. Their anti-inflammatory properties also help reduce skin irritation and inflammation.
They also boost skin collagen support and improve the skin’s elasticity, thereby reducing the appearance of the marks. Coupled with essential oils, research has shown that following a healthy diet and exercising your body can also support the essential oils in getting rid of your stretch marks.
This article is packed with essential oils that have been tested across different women and have proven effective in helping stretch marks fade faster. Essential oils are not to be used orally for stretch marks. They should be applied to the skin.
But before then, they must be diluted in carrier oils like coconut oil, olive oil, or jojoba oil to prevent skin irritation. The following are essential oils that can help improve stretch marks.
Effective Essential Oils for Stretch Marks
Argan Oil
Argan oil was just recently discovered by some group of women to be an effective skincare oil. Much more than just a skincare oil, it has also done a perfect stretch mark clearing job on the skins of many women. Its ability to clear or reduce the visibility of stretch marks stems from its properties known to improve the skin’s elasticity. Thus, when it increases the skin’s elasticity, stretch marks begin to get less obvious.
Studies have shown that applying Argan oil and massaging it deep into your skin can improve your stretch marks by a lot and give your skin a better look. You can also add Argan oil to your other skin care products for better results.
Bitter Almond Essential Oil
Bitter almond is a different kind of almond, different from the regular one you eat. The oil from this bitter almond, when applied to the skin and massaged regularly into the stretch marks-affected area of the skin, can improve the stretch marks by up to 76%.
Studies carried out among 20 women with stretch marks showed that those women who used bitter almond oil for their stretch marks saw improvements in the condition of their stretch marks compared to those who were using other oils and chemical skin care products. According to research, this oil is also effective for pregnant women.
Although, experts have advised that pregnant women should use the oil with caution as it can cause complications. Thus, you should wait until after delivery before you use the oil to clear your stretch marks.
Sage Oil
Sage is one of the world’s safest oils. It is effective at remedying different skin and hair conditions, and recently it has been discovered to be an effective stretch mark remover. Sage oil, according to research, helps in the stimulation of blood flow to the parts of the body to which it is applied.
When you massage sage oil directly into your stretch marks, you will notice a swift improvement in the condition of the marks. According to research and due to the “safeness” of this oil, pregnant women can use the oil for their stretch marks without worrying about any side effects.
However, it is best to dilute the oil with carrier oils like coconut oil to prevent skin irritation. You can also conduct a patch test on your skin to make sure that it aligns with your skin first before applying it to different parts of your body. Having done these, you are good to go. The oil is safe for use.
Lavender Oil
Apart from its sweet-smelling fragrance, lavender oil is effective at treating different skin conditions ranging from eczema to acne and skin infections. However, using lavender oil without diluting it can worsen the condition of your skin.
This is why it is strongly advised that lavender oil and every other essential oil are diluted with carrier oils before applying them to the skin. Lavender oil is one of the most effective stretch mark removers. This does not mean it makes your stretch marks disappear automatically. Rather it improves the condition of your skin, thereby making the marks less obvious.
It does this by improving the collagen support of the skin and helps in the formation of new connective tissues. Lavender oil should not be used orally. It should only be applied to the affected area of the skin.
Frankincense Oil
Frankincense oil was mostly used by ancients to treat different skin conditions. Just as it used to be effective in ancient times, it is still effective today. Its healing properties have made it one of the most sought-after oils in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. It is packed with antioxidant properties that protect the skin cells from damage and improve the appearance of the skin.
It also has a wealth of nutrients that benefit the skin and make the skin look beautiful. What is more? Frankincense oil is easily absorbed into the skin, and this makes it work faster on your stretch marks compared to the speed of other oils at remedying your stretch marks.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree essential oil has numerous healing properties ranging from anti-inflammatory properties to antioxidant and healthy vitamins and minerals. Just like sage oil and lavender oil, tea tree oil is an effective remedy to stretch marks, especially in pregnant women.
However, despite how safe the oil may be, it is best to dilute it with carrier oils, especially coconut oil, to make it more skin suitable. Its soothing effects are second to none, and this makes it one of the oils people love to purchase the most.
Tea tree oil is available in stores and pharmacies. All you need to do is, ensure that the oil you are buying is 100% natural.
Conclusion
Stop spending heavily on chemical-based skin products for your stretch marks, try out natural essential oils, and let your body thank you. Ensure that you dilute the oil with carrier oils and do not ingest it, just apply it to the affected area of the skin.