Can body oil help with stretch marks?

While not everyone gets stretch marks during pregnancy, they are pretty common. It’s estimate around 70-80% of women will get them, with them typically appearing during the sixth and seventh months of pregnancy, most commonly on the abdomen, breasts, thighs, and hips.

Remember, stretch marks are simply a sign of your body doing exactly what it needs to do to grow your baby, but if you want to treat them, there are ways to do this. 

What are stretch marks?

Stretch marks are lines and streaks that appear on the skin due to body growth. They appear most often where the skin is being especially stretched. This may be due to puberty related growth, pregnancy, or general weight gain.

Most of the time, stretch marks appear red, pink, brown, or purple when they first develop. Over time, these pigments will usually fade, and long-term, stretch marks will end up having a white, neutral, or silver-like appearance. The skin on stretch marks streaks may be slightly depressed as well.

Stretch marks appear slowly over time as the skin is being stretched. Quite often, you may wake up one day to find a few new stretch marks, but in reality, it takes time for them to develop.

Can stretch marks be prevented?

When it comes to preventing stretch marks during pregnancy, there's no simple yes or no answer. The truth is, while you can take steps to support your skin's health, whether or not you'll get stretch marks largely comes down to factors like genetics and how quickly your body changes during pregnancy.

Think of your skin like a balloon - when it stretches quickly, it can leave marks. During pregnancy, your body goes through some amazing changes in a relatively short time. While keeping your skin moisturised and healthy can help it stretch more comfortably, it's not a guarantee against stretch marks.

What we do know is that staying hydrated, maintaining healthy skin, and gradual weight gain during pregnancy may help reduce their appearance. Many women find that regularly moisturising with oils or creams makes their skin feel more comfortable as it stretches, even if it doesn't completely prevent marks from forming.

What is the best thing to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy?

When it comes to stretch marks, hydration is your skin's best friend - both inside and out! 

Let's start from within: drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin elastic and supple. But that's only half the story. What you put on your skin matters just as much. While there's no magic solution to completely prevent stretch marks, keeping your skin well-moisturised can help it adapt more comfortably to all those amazing changes your body is going through. 

The most effective moisturizing ingredients to look for include hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, cocoa butter, and natural oils like almond or coconut oil. Body oils are particularly fantastic because they work with your skin's natural moisture barrier. They help prevent your skin from becoming too dry and potentially developing those telltale streaks we know as stretch marks. Plus, they can help tighten loose skin and - bonus! - they often smell wonderful.

Here's a pro tip: don't wait until you're pregnant to start your skincare routine. Many dermatologists recommend beginning before pregnancy, continuing throughout, and even after your baby arrives. Think of it as a lovely bit of self-care that you can start now - a little preparation for the incredible journey ahead.

Which essential oils are best for stretch marks?

Want to prevent or reduce stretch marks naturally? Essential oils can help when used consistently! The most effective options are lavender, mandarin, and petitgrain oil – just remember to mix a few drops with a carrier oil like jojoba or almond oil. Never apply essential oils directly to your skin.

For best results, apply your oil blend generously twice a day to areas prone to stretch marks – typically the abdomen, hips, buttocks, and breasts. Regular use is key, and many people find their oils "don't work" simply because they aren't using them consistently enough. Take time to really work the oil into your skin with a gentle massage rather than just applying it on the surface. Better yet, ask your partner to help – you'll get the dual benefits of stretch mark prevention and relaxation!

While not as well-studied, some people also find success with neroli, pomegranate, and patchouli oils. You might also consider pregnancy-specific body oils that combine multiple beneficial ingredients.

Don't forget about vitamin E oil – it's another great option that can be used alone or combined with your essential oil blend. Just be sure any products you choose are safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Are essential oils safe to use during pregnancy?

Essential oils can be safe during pregnancy, but there are a few important things to keep in mind. While most oils are fine to use, some aren't pregnancy-safe – check with your midwife or healthcare provider about specific oils you're interested in using.

Never apply essential oils directly to your skin. Instead, dilute 1-3 drops in a carrier oil like almond or coconut oil. You can also enjoy their benefits through pregnancy-safe candles, balms, and lotions.

Watch how your skin reacts, especially when trying a new oil. Though allergic reactions are rare, stop using the oil and contact your midwife or GP if you notice any redness, rash, itching, or discomfort.

What else can you do to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy?

While some people are naturally more prone to stretch marks than others, there are several ways to minimise their appearance during pregnancy:

Maintain healthy weight gain. While every pregnancy is different, rapid weight changes can increase the likelihood of stretch marks. Your healthcare provider can help you determine what's right for you.

Stay active with regular exercise and stretching. This helps maintain skin elasticity. It's also worth knowing that stretch marks can run in families, so checking if your close relatives got them during pregnancy might give you an idea of your own likelihood.

Keep in mind that stretch marks are incredibly common during pregnancy, even with preventive measures. They're a natural part of your body's changes as it grows to accommodate your baby.