Olive Oil to Reduce Stretch marks, technically called striae gravidarum, are a fairly common but distressing occurrence during pregnancy. It’s easy to see why they’re such an ordeal – they appear as ugly red or purple stripes across the stomach, hips, and breasts. Women who are pregnant often wonder what can be done about stretch marks, but the answer is not always clear. Some remedies (such as oils made from rosehip or lavender) have been shown to help prevent stretch marks, while others, such as cocoa butter can affect already existing ones. You can buy pure cocoa butter online which can help with stretch marks. The womb lining also expands to provide a more stable support structure for the baby during pregnancy. In addition, the skin becomes full of blood vessels which help facilitate blood flow (think of the way red blood cells are packed into an artery). This article discusses some of the possible treatments that may help with stretch marks.
How does olive oil affect stretch marks?
Olive oil is a natural product made from the pulp of olives, a fruit from the olive family.
Before the invention of mechanical methods to extract oil from olives, olives were crushed to release the juice, which easily separated from the flesh. This juice was then heated – either in large pots or in shallow pans called terracotta tiles (tiled terraces) – and sometimes kept for months before it was boiled into a thick paste. When this paste cooled, it formed a solid mass of oil and natural flavours. The ‘oil’ could be scraped off and pressed into containers for storage or transport. A mixture of olive oil and honey has been used since ancient times for healing wounds, skin disorders, and inflammatory issues. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids as well as antioxidant phenols, which help in cell repair and tissue regeneration.
Homemade DIY recipes of olive oil for stretch marks:
- Take 2 tbsp of olive oil (any extra virgin olive oil) and mix it with 1 tsp each of rose water and orange blossom water. Stir well to combine and massage into your skin.
- Mix 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tsp fresh aloe vera pulp, and 10 drops of lavender essential oil. Apply liberally on the affected areas at least twice a day.
- Take 3 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil and mix in ½ cup of fresh organic strawberries, crushed. Massage over your stomach or breasts, avoiding the belly button area where the skin is thinner.
- Massage your body (stomach, thighs, and buttocks) liberally with extra virgin olive oil once a day. Do not use any other moisturiser or soap for the duration of the treatment.
- If you are undergoing laser therapy for stretch marks, add 10 drops of lavender essential oil to 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil and massage this over your body before each treatment session.
- To make a face pack, blend 3 tbsp of ground almonds with 1 tbsp fresh aloe vera gel and 2 tbsp olive oil. Apply this to your face before going to sleep. Leave it on overnight and wash it off in the morning with warm water.
Benefits of olive oil as skincare:
Anti-inflammatory: Olive oil has anti-inflammatory qualities and is used as an ingredient in many cosmetics, soaps, and moisturisers. It is also an ingredient in some medicines for reducing inflammation. In addition to this, extra virgin olive oil contains a large number of antioxidants like vitamin E, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles and acts as a natural skin moisturiser by preventing water loss from the skin.
Rehydrating: Order organic extra virgin olive oil onlinewhich contains essential fatty acids that are crucial for the health of your hair and skin. The oil penetrates deep into the epidermis to strengthen and smooth your skin while strengthening your nails and hair at their roots.
