Table of Contents
In our previous article, we vividly explained and out listed some essential oils for stretch marks. However, in this article, we thought we should also bring to your awareness about some carrier oils which also possesses the potentials towards reducing stretch marks appearance and improves its texture.
Therefore, if you’re battling with stretch marks, introducing carrier oils into your stretch marks treatment routine will be a very good idea. In this article, we shall detail out some best carrier oils for stretch marks, But before we go into that, let’s know more about stretch marks.
You May Be Wondering….., What Are Stretch Marks & What Causes It.
Stretch marks on the contrary is common, as it occurs when the skin rapidly changes shape due to rapid growth in the body. Rapid growth such as pregnancy, rapid weight gain, increased muscle mass, or growth spurt (due to puberty). This scars develops when the skin stretches. They normally appear in a red, pink or purple line on the skin, takes different textures around the skin.
Dr. Melanie Palm, board-certified dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon, and founder of the Art of Skin MD, in San Diego, CA. – “Stretch marks, known in medical terms as ‘striae distensae,’ are caused by rapid changes in skin tension or hormonal changes that affect the second layer of the skin, the dermis”.
Also, there has been some reports that long-term application of topical cortisone or steroidal creams, ointments, gels and lotions, can also trigger the appearance of fresh stretch marks too. This steroidal creams breaks down the connective tissue in the skin which can result to formation of new stretches.
Although, stretch marks naturally fades on their own (overtime), but there haven’t been any approved treatment to completely get rid of stretch marks or fade them completely, but there are several OTC products which can aid towards reducing its appearance and you know what? Some carrier oils are inclusive.
Why Use Carrier Oils For Stretch Marks?
Carrier oils which are mechanically extracted from plants, nuts and seeds, and also used in diluting essential oils contains healthy fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins and essential minerals which offers anti-aging benefits to the skin, by stimulating collagen production (which promotes elasticity), encourages cell regeneration while deeply hydrates the skin which in turn helps minimize the appearance of stretch marks, smoothen wrinkles, fine lines and improves overall skin texture.
Some carrier oils has proven to reduce skin aging signs and improve overall skin texture by promoting elasticity which helps with prevention and treatment of stretch marks.
Below Are The Best Carrier Oils For Stretch Marks
1. Argan Oil.
Argan oil is made from argan tree kernels.
Asides its wonderful hair conditioning benefits, this oil also offers hydrating and anti-aging benefits to the skin, thanks to its abundance of vitamin E, which is a fat-soluble antioxidant that can help improve water retention in the skin.
A 2016 study reports that, argan oil helps increase skin’s elasticity, by inducing collagen production and encouraging cell regeneration. Also, a 2015 study found both consuming argan oil and applying topically helped increased skin’s elasticity in postmenopausal women.
Cliganic USDA Certified Organic, Cold-Pressed Moroccan Argan Oil.
A 100% pure cold pressed virgin, USDA certified, organic moroccan Argan oil produced by Cliganic. A deep skin moisturizer treatment for dry & damaged skin (and hair).
Pros
- Cruelty-Free.
- 100% pure & Cold Pressed.
- USDA Certified, Organic.
- Does not contain parabens, hexanes, additives, preservatives.
Cons
- None.
Ingredients:
Unrefined, cold-pressed Argan oil.
2. Castor Oil.
Castor oil is also one of the best carrier oils for stretch marks. Asides being great for hair loss and hair growth treatment, this oil also possesses anti-aging properties which benefits our skin.
This vegetable-like oil from the Ricinus communis plant offers deep moisturizing effect to the skin, thanks to its rich in monounsaturated fat, which is a type of “healthy” fat we can eat.
Specifically, 90 percent of castor oil consists of a monounsaturated fat called ricinoleic acid. For the skin, this fat helps to balance out moisture while offering extra conditioning effects. This can prevent stretch marks from drying out and looking more obvious over time.
The deep moisturization effect from castor oil on the skin helps smoothen and soften stretch marks, making them look less visible.
Sky Organics Cold-Pressed & USDA Organic Castor Oil.
A USDA organic cold-pressed 100% pure castor oil for dry skin, hair growth & damaged skin treatment.
Pros
- Best seller.
- Cruelty-Free.
- 100% pure & Cold Pressed.
- USDA Certified Organic.
- Does not contain parabens, hexanes, additives, preservatives.
Cons
- None.
Ingredients:
Unrefined, cold-pressed Castor oil.
3. Rosehip Seed Oil.
Rosehip oil is also known as rosehip seed oil. It’s derived from the rosa canina rose bush, which is mostly grown in Chile. This seed oil is pressed from the fruit and seeds of the rose plant.
This oil is rich is unsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamins such as vitamin A, C, & E.
Asides brightening skin complexion and improves skin texture (due its vitamin C content), this wonderful oil also promotes elasticity due to its richness in vitamin A (or retinol) which is known to stimulate collagen production and encourage new cells growth which in turn helps fade stretch marks and anti-aging signs.
According to Dr. Jessica Krant, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at SUNY Downstate Medical Center and one of New York City’s top dermatologists, Says; Rosehip oil, also known as rose hips oil, is a light, absorbable oil that has shown benefits for both the face and scalp. It contains beta carotene, or vitamin A, which is known to help promote a healthy skin cell lifecycle, as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components.”
According to a 2013 study, a moisturizer containing rosehip oil helped prevent the severity of stretch marks in pregnant women with previous stretch marks. It proved to be more effective than placebo in preventing new stretch marks.
As an anti-inflammatory oil, rosehip is rich in both polyphenols and anthocyanin, which may help reduce inflammation. It also contains vitamin E, an antioxidant known for its anti-inflammatory effects which helps calm skin issues such as rosacea, psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis.
PURA D’OR Organic Cold Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil.
PURA D’OR organic rosehip seed oil is USDA Certified, and 100% unrefined and cold pressed. This skin and face oil- moisturizer helps reduce the visibility of stretch marks, wrinkles, fine lines, and appearance of other signs of aging.
Pros
- Cruelty-Free.
- 100% pure & Cold Pressed.
- USDA Certified Organic.
- Does not contain parabens, hexanes, additives, preservatives.
Cons
- None.
Ingredients:
Unrefined, cold-pressed Rosehip seed oil.
4. Shea Butter.
Shea butter is made from the nuts of the shea tree. Shea butter offers deep skin moisturizing effect which has shown to help minimize stretch marks appearance. It contains vitamin A, which stimulates collagen, encourage cell turnover and promotes cell regeneration which in turn boost skin’s elasticity and makes it look plumper.
It also contains essential oleic fatty acids and vitamin E which helps sooths dry skin and also smoothen dry-looking stretch marks including wrinkles and fine lines.
The fatty acids in sheabutter helps nourishes both hair and skin, soothe insect bites, calms skin irritations and Inflammatory conditions such as eczema.
Key West Health & Beauty Organic Unrefined African Raw Shea Butter.
A pure, unrefined USDA approved African sheabutter. No artificial coloring or added ingredients other than pure unrefined raw organic shea butter.
Pros
- Cruelty-Free.
- Grade A Quality.
- USDA Approved.
- 100% Pure, unrefined & Cold pressed.
- Does not contain parabens, hexanes, additives, preservatives.
Cons
- None.
Ingredients:
100% pure Unrefined Sheabutter.
5. Pomegranates Seed Oil.
Pomegranates fruits are popularly known as “The Fruit of Life”. Pomegranates seed oil is pressed out from Pomegranate seeds. This oil offers potential benefits to both hair and skin, as it contains high omega 5 fatty acid (Punicic acid) which has strong anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties by helping to fend off free radicals, regenerates and repairs skin, and effectively reduces and prevents stretch marks, wrinkles & fine lines in the epidermis and also relieves the discomfort associated with psoriasis and eczema, and accelerates the reconstruction of skin to speed wound healing.
Leven Rose Pomegranate Seed Oil.
If you actually want a pure and cold-pressed pomegranates seed oil, then Leven Rose pomegranates seed oil is your choice. As it’s mechanically extracted without heat, making the oil pure, undiluted and cold-pressed.
Pros
- Cruelty-Free.
- 100% Pure & Cold pressed.
- Does not contain parabens, hexanes, additives, preservatives.
Cons
- None.
Ingredients:
Unrefined, cold-pressed pomegranates seed oil.
6. Coconut Oil.
Coconut oil is extracted from the meat of coconut fruit. It’s rich in fatty acids such as lauric acid and capric acid. It also has antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.
Coconut oil has proven to help minimize the appearance of stretch marks when used in its pure form, because of its high emollient and moisturization effect. That being said, keeping the skin moisturized helps soften and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Coconut oil being rich in fatty acids offers deep skin moisturizing effect by keeping the skin hydrated and supple.
Nutiva Organic Cold-Pressed Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil
This is an extra-virgin cold-pressed coconut oil, naturally extracted, non-GMO, most flavoured, without harmful chemicals, hexane, or heat.
Pros
- Cruelty-Free.
- 100% Pure & Cold pressed.
- Does not contain parabens, hexanes, additives, preservatives.
Cons
- None.
Ingredients:
Unrefined, cold-pressed Extra-virgin Coconut oil.
Possible Questions & Answers.
Q: Can i dilute essential oils meant for stretch marks in carrier oils meant for stretch marks?
A: Yes you can. Diluting essential oils which are effective towards combating stretch marks in carrier oils which has proven to fade stretch marks will add more boost towards achieving your goals.
Q: How do i properly apply carrier oils on stretch marks?
A: When you apply the oil on the affected area (stretch marks), ensure you massage the oil thoroughly.
This is because massaging scars like stretch marks softens and flattens scar tissues while also increasing moisture and blood circulation to the area.
Q: Can pregnant women use carrier oils?
A: Carrier oils are moisturizing, nourishing and can be applied directly on the skin without any adverse side effects (except you’re allergic to some). And therefore they are safe for pregnant women and kids too.
Q: Are there other ways to treat stretch marks?
A: Yes of course, There are other ways which has proven to significantly reduce the appearance of stretch marks, a combination of hyaluronic acid and Tretinion has proven to help fade stretch marks. Microneedling treatment using a dermaroller on stretch marks affected area has also proven to stimulate collagen production which in turn helps reduce stretch marks appearance.
Also Read: Best Carrier Oils For Radiant Skin.
Like what you just read? Then you'll love to like our Facebook page. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram. You can as well be a Beautysparker by joining our Facebook group, for discussions on skincare.
