Best Essential Oils For Stretch Marks

Stretch marks usually fade with time, though the severe ones don’t. No treatment can make them disappear completely, but they can improve their texture and appearance. Essential oils are popular home remedies for many skin issues, including stretch marks. However, there is no scientific proof supporting the efficacy of essential oils for stretch marks. Most of the remedies involving essential oils focus on replenishing and moisturizing your skin. That is how they are said to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. In this article, we have discussed the best essential oils you can use to treat your stretch marks.

Can Essential Oils Reduce Stretch Marks?

The answer is, maybe.
There is not enough scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of essential oils as a treatment option for stretch. There is only anecdotal evidence claiming the positive effects of different essential oils in reducing stretch marks. Different essential oils have different skin-improving effects. When mixed with other ingredients, especially oils, they may have a positive effect on your stretch marks.

A study conducted on pregnant women found that the topical application of emollients and moisturizers can improve the appearance of stretch marks (1). Moreover, the topical use of plant oils (fixed oils) keeps your skin healthy and moisturized (2). These might be the reasons for the positive effect of essential oils on stretch marks.

However, the results also depend on your skin type, so not everyone may experience the same effects. If you want to try essential oils for stretch marks, check out the list given below.

Best Essential Oils For Stretch Marks
Note: These essential oils have different skin benefits and may not have any direct effect on the stretch marks.

1. Bitter Almond OilThere is no study supporting the efficacy of bitter almond oil for the reduction of stretch marks. One study found that it has no direct effect in reducing the appearance of early stretch marks in pregnant women. However, massaging the affected area with any oil for 15 minutes daily may help reduce stretch marks (3).

2. Tea Tree OilNo scientific research has been done on the effect of tea tree oil on stretch marks. But, this essential oil has multiple skin benefits. It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that keep your skin healthy and prevent multiple skin issues. However, it can also irritate your skin and cause allergic reactions, so be careful while using tea tree oil (4). Do a patch test to find out if your skin can tolerate it.

3. Bitter Orange OilBitter orange is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is effective in treating multiple health-related issues. When applied on the skin, bitter orange oil may help improve skin issues such as jock itch, ringworm, and athlete’s foot (5). Anecdotal evidence suggests that it could also help treat stretch marks.

4. Lavender OilLavender oil is widely used for aromatherapy to relieve stress, anxiety, and pain. A study done on rats found that lavender oil promotes collagen synthesis to heal wounds (6). Thus, it may also trigger collagen synthesis in humans, which could help reduce stretch marks. However, more research is required for human subjects to prove the same.

5. Neroli OilNeroli oil is commonly used for multiple dermatological issues such as dry skin, wrinkles, acne, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, and scars. It is used to treat stretch marks and maintain the overall health of the skin (7).

6. Patchouli OilWhen studied on mice, patchouli oil was found to be effective in preventing photoaging. It prevented wrinkle formation and reduction in elasticity and improved collagen formation (8). This collagen-boosting property of patchouli oil may help in the treatment of stretch marks.

7. Frankincense OilFrankincense oil is widely used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for maintaining overall skin health. It helps in wound healing and stimulates the fibroblast (the cells that produce collagen) (9). Therefore, it may be of some help in treating stretch, though there is no scientific evidence that proves the same.

All these essential oils have specific skin benefits. When you mix them with other oils, they might help in reducing stretch marks.

How To Use Essential Oils For Stretch Marks?

The best way to use essential oils is by mixing them with carrier oils. This is because essential oils are very concentrated and can irritate your skin if not diluted. Some carrier oils that you can use are:

• Argan oil: Improves skin elasticity and skin hydration and repairs skin barrier (10)
• Rosehip seed oil: Protects the skin from inflammation and oxidative stress (10)
• Pomegranate seed oil: Has antioxidant properties (10)
• Coconut oil: An emollient that keeps your skin hydrated (11)
• Grapeseed oil: Has antibacterial and wound-healing properties(10)
• Jojoba oil: Prevents skin infections and skin aging and promotes wound healing (10)
• Olive oil: Promotes wound healing by stimulating dermal reconstruction (10)
• Sweet almond oil: Can stop the stretch marks from itching and prevent them from spreading (10)
• Apricot kernel oil: An emollient that keeps the skin healthy (12)
• Wheat germ oil: Contains vitamins A, D, and E that supports the skin’s natural regeneration process (13).

The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy suggests a standard dilution rate for essential oils (14).

In 1 US fluid ounce carrier oil (2 tablespoons), you may use:

• 15 drops of essential oil for 2.5% dilution
• 20 drops of essential oil for 3% dilution
• 30 drops of essential oil for 5% dilution
• 60 drops of essential oil for 10% dilution

It is best to start with a lower dilution rate. So, start by adding 2-3 drops of essential oil in a tablespoon of carrier oil, then increase the dilution as per your skin tolerance level.

The usage of essential oils during pregnancy is hotly debated and still being studied. One of the main concerns is that the essential oils may penetrate the skin and reach the placenta. Find out more about this below.

Is It Safe To Use Essential Oils During Pregnancy?

The International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists has specific guidelines for using essential oils on pregnant women (both for massage and aromatherapy). The main concerns are the quality of the oil used and the risk of the oil crossing the placental barrier. However, if used in proper dilution, the chances of these oils harming the fetus are low (15).

The recommended dilution of essential oils for pregnant women is not more than 1% for topical application.

Since pregnant women are sensitive to smell, 1% dilution is well tolerated. Since the skin of pregnant women is sensitive, they are recommended to avoid tea tree and chamomile oils (15).

If you are pregnant, do not use any essential oil without consulting your doctor. Discuss your medical history with the doctor, and use essential oil only after proper assessment and getting a go-ahead from them.

Applying essential oils on the skin or inhaling them may trigger adverse reactions. So, be careful about these risks.

Side Effects And Risks of Using Essential Oils

An allergic reaction is the most common side effect of using essential oils (16). The common symptoms of an allergic response include:

• Hives
• Rashes
• Itching
• Redness
• Nausea

Some essential oils may also cause dermatitis (17).

Citrus essential oils also cause sun sensitivity and make your skin prone to sunburn and rashes (16). That’s why you must use essential oils under the supervision of a doctor.

Stretch marks are tough to erase. While some essential oils and carrier oils may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks to a great extent, studies are lacking to prove their efficacy. How well your skin responds to these oils also depends on your skin type and the severity of the stretch marks. If the marks are severe and old, it is difficult to get rid of them. Moreover, it also depends on how early you are starting the treatment. Usually, fresh (red) stretch marks respond to treatment.

Ultimately, it comes down to how you take care of your skin and your overall health. Try to maintain a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle so that you do not lose or gain weight quickly. Keep your skin and body hydrated.

We hope that this information helps you deal with your stretch marks. If you have any more queries, drop them in the comments section below, and we will get back to you.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What oil is good for stretch marks during pregnancy?
A: You may use any plant oil, such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, or argan oil. They keep your skin moisturized and may reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

Q: Does carrot oil clear stretch marks?

A: Anecdotal evidence suggests that carrot seed oil may help in reducing stretch marks, though there is no scientific evidence to prove the same.

Q: Does baby oil reduce stretch marks?

A: Baby oil is mineral oil. It may keep your skin moisturized, which might improve the appearance of stretch marks.