Stretch marks can sometimes really take a dig at your self-confidence. But why fear when we have these magical essential oils to our rescue? Bid adieu to your stretch marks, cellulite, scars, and loose skin with these great essential oils for stretch marks!

Stretch marks and scars are dreaded all around the world. A lot many times, people hide them, feel embarrassment or feel underconfident to wear certain clothes due to their stretch marks. However, these stretch marks, scars, cellulite, and even loose skin are hugely common, especially during and after pregnancy. We also see men and women get stretch marks and loose skin if they deal with heavy weights or undergo major weight loss. Usually, these marks tend to heal on their own over a period of time. But if you wish to speed up the process, there are some highly effective essential oils for stretch marks available in the market today to help you.

This article is the ONLY guide that you will ever need. You will learn the hows and whys of essential oils and stretch marks. Plus, we will guide you on how to use essential oils, what carrier oils you can combine them with, and the risks involved (if any). So, without further ado, let's soak in all the information!

In plain and simple words, the long strips or thin lines that you see on your skin - above the belly button, above the knee, across the lower back, lower stomach, inside area of upper arms, inside of thighs, hips, breasts - are stretch marks.

These stretch marks occur because your skin (middle layer of your skin) stretches to the point of breaking or tearing. This may be due to pregnancy, hormones, genetic factors, and weight loss or gain. These marks appear as purple or red lines initially, i.e., when they start to rise. And turn white (or silver - very rarely) as they start becoming flat with time. Also, as per the studies, stretch marks mostly affect or attack women more than men.

Although these stretch marks in themselves do not cause any physical pain or complications, they attack the emotional and mental being of a person, i.e., men and women with scars feel highly insecure, uncomfortable, and even embarrassed at times to reveal them. Hence, they want to eliminate these nasty scars as soon as possible. Here essential oils come to your aid.

Before we learn about the best essential oils for stretch marks, let us first understand what essential oils are and why we should prefer them to treat scars.

Essential oils are known as the volatile oils extracted from the oil of the plants like rosemary, clove, lavender, etc. Basically, they are the natural treatments that offer your skin the ability to restore its elasticity, healing, and regenerating properties. These characteristics make these oils the best remedy to treat, prevent, or heal stretch marks.

NOTE: A vital point to remember here is that there is no scientific proof that essential oils for stretch marks really work. But there are anecdotal pieces of evidence that claim these natural oils work effectively.

Now, the question is why you should use essential oils for your skin. The answer lies in the points mentioned below -

It has multiple skin benefits due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. However, it can also cause skin irritation because it is very highly concentrated. Our dermatologists recommend mixing it with any of the carrier oils before applying it directly to your skin. It is also one of the most natural essential oils for stretch marks.

It is best known for its healing and calming properties. It enhances the production of collagen, which promotes cell regeneration. This boosts the process of reducing stretch marks, scars, and even blemishes.

(not the same as Sweet Almond Oil) It contains vitamin E, potassium, protein, and fatty acids that reduce skin damage and improves the overall complexion of your skin. It also boosts elasticity, binds the fibers of your skin, renews your skin, and stops the aging of your skin. Hence, it is one of the best essential oils for stretch marks and cellulite.

It is extracted from the buds, flowers, and leaves of orange trees. This oil not only oozes an exceptional aroma but also offers restorative and regenerative essences. Furthermore, it aids in toning and conditioning your skin.

It is extracted from ripe pomegranate fruit. It works wonders in improving the thickness and elasticity of your skin when applied daily, making it one of the widely used and most popular essential oils for stretch marks before and after pregnancy.

This oil has medicinal values and has been used for ages to treat various skin conditions. It also possesses healing properties and easily gets absorbed into your skin. Moreover, it contains nutrients like ferulic acid and vitamins that help to keep your skin beautiful and healthy.

This oil contains powerful antioxidants that help to boost the ability to regenerate new skin cells in your skin, which makes your skin more smooth and youthful than ever.

It not only helps to moisturize aging skin but also regenerates tissues and promotes the growth of your skin cells due to its antifungal and antiseptic properties. And is also known as one of the best essential oils for stretch marks and scars.

It contains astringent, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, analgesic, and diuretic properties, emphasizing blood flow in your body.

Carrier oils are basically vegetable oils that are extracted from the kernels, seeds, or nuts of any plant. These are generally used to dilute essential oils to carry them efficiently through your skin without causing any skin allergies like irritation, itching, or redness. Some of the top carrier oils that dermatologists advise blending with essential oils are as below -

...best known to keep your skin healthy as it contains strong antioxidant properties.

For maximum benefits, blend this oil with Bitter Orange essential oil or Neroli essential oil.

...best known for its skin-boosting properties as it contains vitamin E, Omega fatty acids, and sterols. It is one of the most effective pregnancy-safe essential oils for stretch marks.

...best known for its moisturizing and nourishing properties.

For maximum benefits, blend this oil either with Pomegranate essential oil, Bitter Almond essential oil, Lavender essential oil, Grapefruit essential oil, or Frankincense essential oil.

...best known for its antioxidant, healing, and hydrating properties. Plus, it also stimulates wound healing.

For maximum benefits, blend this oil with Lavender essential oil.

...best known for hydrating your skin as it contains vitamin A and enhances blood circulation and wound healing.

You can use it both ways - alone or by mixing it with essential oils for stretch marks.

...best known to diminish stretch marks, sagging skin, acne, wrinkles, even fine lines, and scars. It is one of the most effective carrier oils.

It blends well with almost all the essential oils.

...best known for its wound healing properties. Additionally, it also hydrates your skin.

For maximum benefits, blend this oil either with Bitter Orange essential oil or Neroli essential oil, or Lavender essential oil.

Apart from the above-mentioned essential oils and carrier oils, you can also use the below remedies to reduce pregnancy stretch marks, scars, cellulite, and fine lines.

...even popular celebs like Kim Kardashian uses it.

...blend it with vitamin E and Bitter Orange essential oil or Neroli essential oil for best results.

Although there are no serious aftereffects or risks of applying essential oils, there are some precautions that you should consider just in case.

Although no essential oil causes any major or permanent damage to your skin, it is better to understand any possible risks (or side effects) to be on a safer side. The most popular risk or side effect of applying topical essential oil is skin allergy, like

Now, it is not necessary that these side effects will affect everyone who uses essential oils. The risks usually depend on your skin type - some people have oversensitive skin and need to be careful. 

Also, to reduce these potential risks or side effects of essential oils for stretch marks, you MUST use only professional or proper quality essential oils.

Lemon essential oil (or any citrus oils, as a matter of fact) will tend to make you more prone to the sun. This will definitely cause sunburn if not a rash. So, avoid going into the direct sunlight immediately after using citrus oils. The best solution is to apply essential oils to your scars at night and let them work their magic.

And never ever forget to dilute essential oils with your preferred carrier oil.

Have you ever used essential oils for stretch marks? Tell us in the comments below.

Also Read: Rosemary oil for hair - Does it stop hair fall?