If you are looking for a natural solution to help minimise and possibly prevent stretch marks, then plant oils and essential oils are what you need. They moisturise and nourish the skin, improve firmness and elasticity, and make your skin smell and feel beautifully.

What Causes Stretch Marks ?

Stretch marks are a form of scarring, a natural consequence of stretching of the skin.  However there are key factors which influence stretch marks forming over a woman’s life time.

Collagen deficiency, puberty, significant weight loss or weight gain, multiple pregnancies can affect a woman’s skin tone. Smoking and genetic factors also play a role.  Chances are, if your mother had them, you probably will too, but it is not definite yes!

When Do Stretch Marks Start During Pregnancy?

You will start to notice these beauty marks somewhere around 13 weeks to 21 weeks pregnant. But they can also appear in later stage of pregnancy. You’ll most likely notice them across your abdomen, buttom, thighs, hips or breasts.

What Can You Do About Stretch Marks?

There are a few natural ways to try to minimize their appearance:

• Moisturize.  Moisturizing daily with appropriate vegetable oils and essential oils will help improve skin’s elasticity. It will also reduce dryness and itchiness associated with stretch marks.
• Maintain a healthy weight. The best way for pregnant women to prevent stretch marks is to gain pregnancy weight slowly and steadily. Try to follow the general recommendations for caloric intake during pregnancy.
• Stay hydrated.
• Eat a nutrient-rich diet. Make sure your diet includes foods rich in:
  • vitamin C
  • vitamin D
  • vitamin E
  • zinc
  • protein

Can You Prevent Stretch Marks?

The best time to treat stretch marks is before they happen. Prevention is better than the cure. Dedicated daily massage is the best way to increase the elasticity of the skin. Expectant mothers should massage their tummy, breasts and hips daily from the forth of fifth month of pregnancy for best results.

Can You Expect Stretch Marks to Go Away?

Once they  formed, they are very difficult to eradicate. But dedicated daily massage with plant oils and essential oils can help reduce them. Fortunately, they usually fade to a less noticeable silvery grey color.

Are Essential Oils Safe To Use During Pregnancy?

I have covered that topic in my other article “Pregnancy and essential oils safety.”

Oils To Prevent Stretch Marks

Coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, avocado oil, rosehip oil, sea buckthorn, wheat germ oil, almond or argan oil, shea butter, lavender essential oil, neroli essential oil, mandarin essential oil are generally used in aromatherapy and massage to bring firmness to the skin.

Stretch Marks Products to Keep Your Skin Supple

Stretch Marks Oil

Breast Balm

In both products, Sea Buckthorn oil is a primary ingredient used. All because it:

• encourages healthy skin cell growth through vitamins and fatty acids
• improves elasticity in the skin
• lightens the appearance of stretch marks
• keeps skin moisturised and nourished.