What are stretch marks on the body and what are the reasons for their appearance?

Is olive oil effective for stretch marks during pregnancy?

Olive oil is a healthy food product. But how useful is it for external use, especially for removing stretch marks? To understand whether it will help in the fight against stretch marks, you should understand how unsightly stripes arise.

Stretch marks are scar changes in the skin that occur as a result of overstretching. The body of a pregnant woman increases in size, and the load on connective tissue fibers increases. Collagen, which is responsible for the elasticity of the dermis, begins to deplete and break. During healing, the sites of ruptures are replaced by connective tissue, which leads to the appearance of scars.

Olive oil consists of 21% linoleic acid, which normalizes metabolic processes and strengthens cell membranes. The pomace contains phosphatides involved in regeneration processes. Using oil for “fresh” stretch marks helps prevent their further spread and reduce their severity. Another important component of the oil is tocopherol (vitamin E). It has a powerful antioxidant effect and strengthens dermal fibers.

What oils should you avoid during pregnancy?

Even ethers that are approved for expectant mothers should be used after consultation with a doctor, since among them there are some that should be used with great caution (for example, juniper or rose essential oil). Due to the ability of some oils to cause uterine contractions (which may result in miscarriage or premature birth), it is best to avoid the following oils during pregnancy:

Due to the ability of some oils to cause uterine contractions (which may result in miscarriage or premature birth), it is best to avoid the following oils during pregnancy:

• basil,
• ginger,
• fennel,
• thyme,
• nutmeg,
• parsley,
• mint,
• sage,
• sagebrush,
• cedar,
• rosemary,
• oregano

How does olive oil work on stretch marks?

The natural product attracts primarily with its safety. The oil has long been known for its beneficial properties and is widely used not only in cosmetology, but also in medicine as a medicine, especially for the treatment of dermatological pathologies.

Be sure to read:

How to remove stretch marks at home: the best ways to get rid of them on the body

When working on problem areas, the oil has a complex effect:

• protects cells from oxidation, preventing the destruction of connective tissue fibers;
• provides a sufficient level of hydration, increasing the protective barrier of the dermis and preventing the development of inflammatory processes;
• Magnesium contained in the composition reduces collagen degradation;
• has an antithrombotic effect, reduces tissue granulation processes;
• stimulates regeneration without hyperplasia;
• increases the strength of the epidermis.

After using the fruit squeeze of a subtropical plant, the skin becomes smooth and more elastic.

Therapeutic baths for stretch marks

Such baths are especially effective for those who have stretch marks all over their body. The method helps remove stretch marks and provides excellent prevention of such defects in the epidermis. You can take bath procedures three times a week. The oil mixture is not added directly to the bath, but mixed with a kind of emulsifier - salt, foam, bath milk. Ether is added in the ratio of one drop of ether per 1 liter of water. The following have proven themselves to be excellent oil mixtures:

Invigorating bath. This procedure tones and refreshes well, moisturizes the skin and whitens stretch marks. You need to mix:

• wheat germ oil - 15 ml;
• orange - two drops;
• verbena and petite grain - one drop each.

Evening relaxing bath. The procedure will remove stretch marks, relieve redness and prevent the appearance and worsening of the problem. To create it you will need:

• peach oil - 30 ml;
• lavender - 3 drops;
• mint - drops;
• roses - 1 drop.

Also, you can make mono-baths based on one ether, rather than an oil emulsion.

Olive oil for stretch marks during pregnancy: how to use

Olive oil is healthy provided it is of high quality. You need to use virgin oil. It has high oxidative stability and contains more endogenous antioxidants and other minor products beneficial to the dermis.

To achieve good results, it is necessary to use the product at the initial stages of the appearance of stretch marks. In addition, you need to use the product daily for at least 3 months. It can be used as an independent product or as part of various mixtures.

Good results in the fight against stretch marks can be achieved by following simple rules for using olive squeeze:

• Before using squeeze-based formulations, the skin should be prepared. The dermis is steamed and soft peeling is done. This will ensure better penetration of nutrients.
• The compositions are applied with massage movements to the scar strips themselves and the area around them. This will avoid further “spreading” of the stretch marks.
• If the oil is used as an independent remedy, it should be applied 2 times a day. If the product is used in combination with other components, the frequency of use depends on the additional ingredients.
• They try to use freshly prepared formulations; during storage, most ingredients lose their beneficial properties.

During pregnancy, olive oil can be used not only externally, but also internally. It saturates the body with essential microelements, prevents constipation, and reduces cholesterol levels.

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Essential oils in homemade body masks for stretch marks

Body masks have proven themselves to be an effective and efficient remedy. These masks should be applied for a quarter of an hour at the location of the stretch marks. For greater effectiveness, you can cover the mask with cling film for a warming effect. Essential oils for stretch marks are added to each mask - in pure form or as part of an oil emulsion from the above. For one hundred grams of mask you should add four drops of oil or eight drops of emulsion. The best masks with oils against stretch marks are:

1. Grape. Combine ripe grapes with oil and apply to skin. Leave for a quarter of an hour, rinse and cover the skin with cream. The mask tones, perfectly moisturizes and evens out the tone of the upper layer of skin.
2. Yeast. Mix a package of yeast with 50 milliliters of heavy cream and oil of your choice. Apply to skin and leave. The mixture whitens well, eliminates redness and prevents deep stretch marks.
3. With aloe. Masks with aloe perfectly moisturize and regenerate the skin. It is necessary to combine the fleshy pulp of the plant, ether and a couple of vitamin E capsules. Apply the product and leave for half an hour. This mask perfectly eliminates stretch marks, removes redness, prevents deep defects and evens out skin tone.

What to combine with olive oil for stretch marks: 5 best recipes

The squeeze of the subtropical tree combines well with a wide variety of substances, which has allowed women to come up with a lot of recipes for stretch marks.

Universal, easy-to-prepare products are popular:

1. Oil mixture. In a container, combine olive, shea and coconut oils in equal parts, add 4-5 drops of tea tree oil. The composition is applied with massage movements to the stomach, thighs, and chest. Wash off after half an hour.
2. Scrub . Coffee (not instant) is poured with hot water and immediately filtered. A small amount of cold-pressed product is added to the grounds to obtain a thick consistency. Rub the mixture onto the stretch marks for 5 minutes, then wash off. The procedure is repeated every other day.
3. Composition with aloe. Remove the skin from freshly cut aloe leaves and mash the pulp with a spoon. 1-2 tbsp. l. pulp mixed with tsp. refuse. The mixture is rubbed into scar strips, left for 20-30 minutes, then washed off.
4. Moisturizing mask. Wheat sprouts (tbsp) are mixed with the same amount of chopped avocado pulp. Add 1.5 tbsp. l. olive pomace. The resulting mass is applied to problem areas in an even layer, after 20 minutes it is washed off with warm water.
5. Multi-component mask for old stretch marks. Mix tbsp. l. any zest from tbsp. l. sour cream, honey and cosmetic clay, add 2 tsp. olive oil. The mixture is used to treat areas with stretch marks and wash off after 15 minutes.

Recipes can be alternated, but the course must be at least 10 procedures.

Wraps

This method of combating stretch marks is extremely effective due to the pronounced thermal effect. By choosing the right oils and mixtures for wrapping, you can effectively eliminate stretch marks, both new and hardened.

Before performing the wrap, you need not only to prepare the components of the mixture for the spa procedure, but also stock up on cling film, an arsenal of essential oils and clothes that you can wear during the wrap without fear of getting it dirty.

The most effective, and therefore popular, are the following essential oils, which are suitable for all types of stretch mark wraps:

• lavender - prevents stretch marks, relaxes, relieves redness and refreshes;
• orange - fights cellulite, whitens, tones the skin, softens and refreshes;
• juniper - eliminates irritation, prevents deep stretch marks, whitens and polishes the skin;
• cypress - cleanses the epidermis of dead cells, polishes the skin, fights cellulite and increases skin elasticity, eliminates capillary stars;
• clove - improves blood circulation, refreshes, whitens and polishes the skin, removes deep stretch marks;
• cinnamon - removes cellulite, stars from capillaries, prevents the formation of stretch marks;
• lemon - whitens, qualitatively evens out the tone of the epidermis, eliminates redness and prevents the deepening of stretch marks.

The listed essential oils can be added to any composition for home wrapping against stretch marks. They will significantly enrich the prepared mixture with their unique therapeutic properties, and will also become an excellent preventative against cellulite.

The most popular and effective homemade wrapping recipes:

1. To create the mixture you need to prepare 100 grams of clay - blue or green. Dilute the component to a paste-like fatty cream with a mixture of several tablespoons of water and 4-5 drops of essential oil from the list above. This wrap will gently whiten the skin, help fight cellulite and smooth out stretch marks, and make the skin soft and toned.
2. Combine 150 grams of ground coffee and 10 grams of red hot pepper. Dilute the components with water to a creamy consistency and add a couple of drops of ethers. This wrap combats cellulite, eliminates deep stretch marks and prevents their further occurrence.
3. You need to combine 100 grams of blue clay and 50 grams of dry kelp powder. You can also add spirulina to the clay. Dilute the ingredients with milk or warm water and add five drops of essential oil. This type of wrap perfectly removes stretch marks due to its pronounced whitening and exfoliating effect. The skin becomes lighter and stretch marks become less pronounced.
4. Combine 100 grams of coffee grounds with a spoon of honey. Pour a little water into the mixture until the mixture becomes thicker than sour cream. Add five drops of essential oil from the list. This wrap will heal young stretch marks and help prevent worsening.

5. Cinnamon-clay.

   An effective mixture not only against cellulite, but also against stretch marks. You need to combine 100 grams of green clay with 30 grams of aromatic spice. Dilute the ingredients with water and add four drops of aromatic oil of your choice.

Also, such mixtures for wrapping can be diluted with a little less water, but adding more oil base (in this case, it is necessary to include base oil):

• base oil (from the most affordable sunflower or olive, to almond or avocado) - a teaspoon;
• lavender - 2 drops;
• lemon or other citrus - a drop.

This oil mixture can be added in any quantity required to bring the composition to the required thickness.

The wrap should be carried out as follows - apply the mixture to clean, warm skin, preferably after scrubbing the epidermis in the shower or bath, and carefully wrap the mass with cling film. Leave the cosmetic product to act for a quarter of an hour, but no more. Then, you need to take a contrast shower. After rinsing, it is recommended to apply a nourishing homemade cream or any base oil acceptable to you to the area.

Preventing stretch marks with olive oil

The best way to combat stretch marks is prevention.

Measures should be taken from the first weeks of pregnancy.

• After showering, apply a small amount of product to your stomach and chest.
• Do self-massage daily. Places where scar stripes most often occur are rubbed with a soft towel. Apply the oil and distribute it with pinching movements.

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Women with a genetic predisposition to obesity and stretch marks should use the oil for prevention.

Recipes

At this point in time, all types of oils, without exception, can be used in several variations: in their pure form, as an additive to a cream or lotion, as a component of mixtures for wrapping, or as an ingredient for creating a scrub at home. Of course, to achieve the best results it is possible only with their comprehensive use.

You can prepare a scrub at home with your own hands in two ways:

1. Mix badyagi powder, sugar and salt in proportions 1:3:3. Add two parts of any natural oil and 10 drops of an essential extract of your choice to the mixture. The resulting scrub must be applied to slightly damp skin and rubbed vigorously into it for 5 minutes. Badyaga is sold in pharmacies.
2. It is necessary to mix equal parts of natural coffee and honey. Add vitamin E capsules. For 100 grams of the finished mixture you will need two capsules. And here we add 10 drops of cinnamon essential oil. Or 5 drops each of orange and neroli extract. We use the mixture in the same way as in the first recipe.

Masks

The principle of operation of all masks against stretch marks is simple, you need to apply them to previously prepared skin, cover the top with cling film and leave for one hour. After time, the mixture is removed from the body with cool water. The most effective masks are:

1. In cosmetic clay, diluted with warm water or milk, to the consistency of thick sour cream, you need to add essential extracts of grapefruit and lemon. For 4 tablespoons of clay you will need 5 drops of essential extract.
2. To 100 ml of base natural oil, add 10 ml of lavender or geranium ether.
3. If the stretch marks are old, then you should use this mask. For 30 ml of olive base you will need 9 drops of shea and tea tree extract, as well as 5 drops of neroli. Everything is thoroughly mixed and applied to problem areas.
4. Ayurvedic oil can be used in its pure form in the fight against old stretch marks.
5. A mixture of 10 g of jojoba extract mixed with 3 drops of lavender also makes an excellent mask.

Oil lotions

They are all prepared according to the same principle. Essential extracts are added to the base oil base. Such mixtures can be used once or even twice every 24 hours. It is best to use them after water procedures. You can add essential extracts according to your taste and in accordance with your goal.

If you want to reduce sagging skin and give it shine, then extracts of neroli, rose, lavender, honeysuckle, and grape seed are best suited as essential additives.

You can learn even more about essential oils for stretch marks in the following video.

Oil mixtures

Vegetable and essential oils are one of the most effective remedies against stretch marks. They are a natural source of nutritional and regenerating components, soften and increase the elasticity of the skin.

Among base oils, give preference to avocado, macadamia, argan, and rice. They soften the skin well and have high penetrating ability. As a supplement, it is worth introducing the following options in a total dosage of 10-15%. High in gamma-linolenic acid: primrose, currant or borage, reduce inflammation and are partly a building material for ceramides. Rosa Mosqueta and rosehip have a proven effect on scars. Wheat is a classic of the genre for the prevention of stretch marks. Tamanu heals and regenerates well, including reducing old stretch marks. Ximenia improves blood flow, collagen synthesis, and will help in the fight against old stretch marks.

CO2 extracts also deserve attention. To improve healing, add calendula and sea buckthorn. To relieve inflammation and have an antipruritic effect - licorice. Cornflower is a storehouse of flavonoids, helps collagen synthesis, reduces scars during healing.

Essential oils for stretch marks, allowed from the second trimester of pregnancy, are tangerine, orange, rose, lavender, neroli (in low dosages).

Unfortunately, if stretch marks appear, you will not be able to fight them while they are still fresh after giving birth. During lactation, it is better not to use esters at all. Everyone knows how well they penetrate the blood, and from the blood they get into the milk. But do not be discouraged - after breastfeeding is completed, the fight against stretch marks is possible, although it will take a longer time. It will take several months of systematic use. Whether it will be possible to completely remove them or not depends on the specific skin. But the appearance of the skin will definitely improve and the severity of stretch marks will noticeably decrease. During pregnancy, and even during planned weight loss, focus on prevention. It is easier to prevent stretch marks than to fight them in the future.

The choice of mandarin essential oil as the main one to prevent stretch marks is justified by its mild effect and relaxing aroma. After all, during pregnancy, many thoughts arise in your head, including disturbing ones. Mandarin will help you tune into a harmonious mood.

How to use essential oils for stretch marks

To get only positive effects and similar emotions from using essential oils, you need to know the following points:

• Many essential oils cannot be used unless diluted first. Oils can cause skin irritation. To avoid this problem, you can use a carrier oil or add essential oil to a cream or lotion.
• Mixtures of 7 or more types of essential oils should not be used. 2 or 3 essential oils will be enough.
• As a precaution, an allergic reaction test should be performed. It is necessary to apply a small amount of oil to the elbow. If after 12 hours there is no irritation or itching, then you can safely use the selected oil.
• The period of use of the selected oil should not exceed 21 days. After completing the course, you should take a break of one to two weeks. When repeating the course of use, the dosage should be reduced.
• Some types of essential oils have the property of phototoxicity. When applying them, avoid direct sunlight, otherwise burns may occur at the application site.
• You should remember to be careful when using oils during pregnancy. Contraindications should be studied. In particular, the use of rosemary oil is contraindicated for pregnant women.

The use of products based on essential oils should be regular and systematic; procedures should not be skipped or the schedule should not be followed. In this case, the effect will not be long in coming: if the stretch marks are still relatively “young” and have a purple or red tint, then a significant visible effect can be achieved in 5 months, but if the stretch marks are already white, then the effect will begin to appear after a year of using the product. There is no need to be afraid of such deadlines; stretch marks are a complex and quite severe damage to the skin. Making stretch marks invisible in six months to a year, without resorting to surgery, is a very good and worthy result.

Contraindications

Natural remedies, despite their invaluable benefits, have a number of contraindications that must be taken into account before starting treatment.

The use of rosehip extract is prohibited in the following cases:

• with individual intolerance;
• with increased blood clotting;
• with heart failure;
• in acute forms of liver damage;
• with increased stomach acidity;
• with endocarditis;
• with thrombophlebitis.

For cosmetic purposes, it is not recommended to use the drug to treat oily skin or hair prone to oiliness - the product can increase the production of sebum.

• The medicine has its contraindications and side effects. The oil should not be used externally:
• in the presence of purulent wounds;
• hives.

• Contraindications for oral use of the medicine:
• personal intolerance to any of the components included in the product;
• increased acidity in the stomach;
• lactation period in women;
• stomach ulcer;
• urolithiasis disease;
• asthma;
• severe kidney disease.

Did you know? The tallest rose hip bush can be up to 10 m in height, and the shortest - 5 cm.

If recommendations for the use of products based on rosehip oil are not followed, adverse reactions may occur, which will manifest themselves in the form of:

• itching;
• skin redness;
• vomiting;
• diarrhea;
• severe coughing attack.

Rosehip oil has a rich vitamin and mineral composition, which allows it to be used in the treatment of many ailments. It is also used to rejuvenate and moisturize facial skin.

Therapeutics against stretch marks

Like any scars, it is almost impossible to eliminate stretch marks entirely. For this to happen, too many factors must coincide, you need to have a certain skin type and certain genetic markers. However, you can almost always make them almost invisible; it is important to stock up on time and patience, since the removal of scars and stretch marks, unfortunately, is a rather lengthy and energy-consuming process.

There are various healing products that are specifically designed to combat scars and are quite effective on stretch marks. They can come in the form of lotions, creams or gels, but the effect will be approximately the same in all. It is important to remember that the sooner you begin therapy for stretch marks after they appear, the more noticeable and rapid the result will be, so do not delay it.

If you want to get rid of stretch marks that you received during pregnancy or the postpartum period, be sure to consult your doctor before using medications. Some products that are marketed for this purpose contain ingredients, such as retinol, that may be harmful to the baby. In such cases, there is no unnecessary insurance; moreover, a specialist will be able to professionally assess the condition of your skin and, perhaps, select individual products that will give a noticeable effect and will be completely safe even for babies.

As a rule, to combat stretch marks, prolonged exposure to even clinical agents is required, so be prepared for the fact that the course of healing stretch marks can last for one and a half to two months, during which you will need to constantly treat stretch marks, monitor the condition of the skin in general, their nutrition and fluid intake, as they directly affect the regenerative abilities of the body.

Beneficial properties of facial oil

The beneficial properties of rosehip oil are due to its rich composition. It contains a number of micro- and macroelements, saturated fatty acids, vitamins B, C, E and K. Thanks to this composition, the oil has the following effects on the skin:

• moisturizes the skin, prevents moisture loss;
• eliminates acne;
• protects skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation;
• stimulates collagen production;
• helps protect the skin from harmful radicals;
• allows you to maintain elasticity;
• eliminates peeling;
• eliminates pigmentation;
• normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands;
• improves blood circulation;
• eliminates swelling;
• improves complexion.

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Rosehip oil, unlike many other products, can also be used around the eyes, as it does not irritate even thin skin.

Oils suitable for fighting stretch marks

There are many essential oils suitable for eliminating skin blemishes and each has its own benefits. You can choose the one that suits you, based only on the smell of a particular product.

The listed oils are very effective means for eliminating scars; you can combine several oils at once, but you should remember the rules and subtleties of using essential oils.

Stretch marks: exploring the causes

Who gets stretch marks and why? Striae (stretch marks) are a skin defect expressed in the appearance of vertical, narrow stripes with uneven edges in places where the skin is excessively stretched. Simply put, when there is a need to stretch too much, the cells do not have time to divide and microcracks appear. They overgrow and form scars, that is, stretch marks. If the vessels are injured, the stretch marks become dark purple or reddish in color. In the case where the skin is thick and inelastic, the stretch marks are also dark at first; they lighten very slowly, acquiring a milky pearlescent hue.

Striae can appear on the thighs, abdomen, chest, arms, legs. Often, stretch marks form during pregnancy, breastfeeding, after a sharp change in hormonal levels, with a sharp gain of muscle mass or excessive weight. They can also signal a failure of the endocrine system, hypercortisolism, Marfan syndrome and other diseases, so if they appear, you should consult a gynecologist and endocrinologist.

Oatmeal scrub with essential oils

Grind a portion of 10 tablespoons of oatmeal in a mixer, pour oil into the resulting mass - a tablespoon each of wheat germ oil, coconut oil, flaxseed oil;

Take one teaspoon of castor oil and a couple of drops of grapefruit or orange. Mix the resulting mass intensively, apply to the treated area of ​​the body and massage in a circular motion without pressure for 5 minutes, and then rinse.

To achieve maximum effect, you need to apply the cream in the morning after a shower, rub it in the evening in the shower, and apply the cream again at night.

Lemon juice

Another simple way to quickly get rid of stretch marks is to treat them with lemon juice. The acids it contains not only help reduce stretch marks and make them less visible, they are also a good remedy against pimples, acne and many other skin diseases. However, lemon juice should be used with caution so as not to cause unnecessary skin irritation.

The acidic properties of lemon juice help reduce the appearance of stretch marks, as lemon is a natural lightener. Among other things, it speeds up the healing process, at the same time disinfects the skin and relieves itching and redness. To use lemon juice as a home remedy for stretch marks, apply it in a circular motion to the affected areas of the skin. Store-bought juice is not suitable for this; you need to squeeze it out yourself, using juicy lemons with thin, bumpy skin (such fruits have the most juice).

You need to rub in the juice itself for about 3 minutes, then leave it for 10-20 minutes to absorb. Then it is best to rinse the skin without any products, just with warm water. If your skin reacts too sensitively to acid, then try reducing the exposure time, diluting the juice with a few drops of mineral water, or choosing some other method.