Is Olive Oil Good For Stretch Marks? How To Use It

Stretch marks are purple or silver thin lines that can develop due to several reasons such as weight gain or pregnancy. While commonly seen on your thighs, hips, buttocks, or abdomen, it can make you feel conscious and not so comfortable. Stretch marks fade as time passes, but you can use natural remedies to reduce their appearance. While many studies don’t favor olive oil for stretch marks, some people believe that using it is one of the best ways to reduce them. In this article, we look at some of the benefits and risks along with a few home remedies for olive oil you can use for stretch marks.

Can Olive Oil Help Treat Stretch Marks?

While current research suggests that olive oil may not be highly effective in preventing or treating stretch marks, it still offers moisturizing benefits that could support overall skin health.

• A study found that applying olive oil could not prevent the development of stretch marks in primigravidae (women who were pregnant for the first time) (1).

• In another study performed on subjects in their second trimester of pregnancy, the intervention group massaged olive oil on abdominal skin twice a day, while the control group did not use any oil.

Around 40% of the subjects in the intervention group and 50% of the subjects in the control group developed stretch marks. The researchers concluded that olive oil was not effective in reducing the occurrence of stretch marks by the end of the second trimester (2).

• Another study evaluating the effect of olive oil came to a similar conclusion. The randomized controlled clinical trial involved 100 nulliparous pregnant women (women who gave birth to a stillborn baby or didn’t give birth yet). Fifty women in the treatment group applied 1 cc olive oil twice a day on the abdominal skin until delivery. The control group did not apply anything at all.

The study found that the frequency of severe stretch marks was lower in the group that used olive oil, but there was no statistical difference in the results of both the treatment and control groups. Olive oil increased the development of mild stretch marks. The study concluded that olive oil could not prevent stretch marks (3).

However, one non-experimental study found a link between olive oil and lower incidence of stretch marks (4).

Most studies found olive oil not suitable for the skin for the following reasons:

• It may aggravate atopic dermatitis and xerosis (abnormal skin dryness) (5).

• It affects the skin barrier and causes erythema (redness due to inflammation) (6).

• It affects increases the rate of transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which means that your skin loses moisture fast. This affects the natural skin barrier (7).

On the other hand, olive oil was also found to have wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects when applied topically.

However, the study was done on mice, and olive oil may not have the same effect on human skin (8).

The graph below shows the minimum and maximum levels of the main antioxidants found in extra virgin olive oil. The data was taken from a 2020 study published in Antioxidants in which oil samples were used from different regions of Italy. As depicted in the graph, tocopherols (vitamin E) and secoiridoids are the primary contributors to olive oil’s antioxidant activity. This shows that olive oil is brimming with antioxidants that may boost skin health.

Concentration Of The Main Antioxidants In Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Source: Antioxidants in Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Table Olives: Connections between Agriculture and Processing for Health Choices

If you want to go ahead and use olive oil for stretch marks, use it along with other skin-protecting and nourishing ingredients. Here are a few DIY remedies that you may try.

How To Use Olive Oil For Stretch Marks

Use olive oil with other nourishing ingredients for wholesome results against stretch marks. Here are some easy combos to try.

Note:

When using olive oil, make sure you are using cold-pressed or extra virgin olive oil.

1. Olive Oil And Shea Butter

Shea butter is widely used in skin care and cosmetics products, especially moisturizers. Any cream containing shea butter has the same effect on the skin as ceramideⁱ  A family of lipids that act as a glue between skin cells, thus keeping the skin barrier intact and healthy. -containing products (9).

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of raw shea butter
• 1 teaspoon of cold-pressed olive oil

Method

1. Mix shea butter and olive oil.
2. Massage the stretch marks with the mixture.
3. Leave it on overnight.
4. Repeat every day.

2. Olive Oil And Coffee Grounds

There is no proof that scrubbing can reduce stretch marks. However, using coffee grounds for scrubbing may help get rid of dead skin cells and keep the area soft.

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of coffee grounds
• 1-2 teaspoons of cold-pressed olive oil

Method

1. Mix the coffee grounds and olive oil.
2. Scrub the stretch marks with the mixture for 5 minutes.
3. Leave it on for another 5 minutes.
4. Wash off and apply a moisturizer.
5. You can use this as a body scrub.
6. Repeat thrice a week.

3. Olive Oil And Coconut Oil

Coconut oil prevents TEWL or transepidermal water loss to keep your skin moisturized. It also protects the skin from sun damage or UV damage (10). Additionally, it provides hydration and nourishment as well.

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon of cold-pressed coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon of cold-pressed olive oil

Method

1. Microwave the coconut oil for a few seconds (optional).
2. Mix the two oils.
3. Massage the oil blend onto the stretch marks.
4. Leave it on overnight.
5. Repeat every day.

Caution:

Olive oil absorption into the skin takes time. Anecdotal evidence suggests that this heavy oil can act as a breeding ground for bacteria, clog pores, and cause acne. Therefore, do not use this remedy if you have oily, combination, or acne-prone skin and if you frequently get pimples on your face or body.

4. Olive Oil And Turmeric

Turmeric may not have any direct effect on stretch marks, but it has a therapeutic impact on your skin and can keep it healthy (11).

You Will Need

• ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 1 tablespoon of cold-pressed olive oil

Method

1. Mix the turmeric and olive oil.
2. Massage it onto your stretch marks.
3. Leave it on for at least half an hour.
4. Wash it off and apply a moisturizer.
5. Repeat every day.

5. Olive Oil And Aloe Vera

You can use aloe vera for stretch marks, as it has hydrating properties that benefit skin health. It contains mucopolysaccharides that help bind moisture to your skin. It also promotes the development of collagen and elastin fibers (12). This may improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

You Will Need

• 1-2 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera pulp
• ½ teaspoon of cold-pressed olive oil

Method

1. Whisk the aloe vera pulp and olive oil in a bowl.
2. Massage the mixture onto your stretch marks.
3. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes.
4. Wash it off and apply a moisturizer.
5. Repeat every day.

6. Olive Oil And Brown Sugar

The coarse sugar scrub is a natural way of sloughing off the dead skin cells and dirt from the skin. This helps to keep your skin soft and smooth. Anecdotal evidence suggests that this scrub may help with stretch marks prevention.

You Will Need

• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon of cold-pressed olive oil

Method

1. Mix the sugar and oil.
2. Scrub your stretch marks with the mixture for 5 minutes.
3. Wash it off and apply a moisturizer.
4. Repeat once every two days.

7. Olive Oil And Bitter Almond Oil

A study found that massaging the stretch marks for 15 minutes with bitter almond oil during pregnancy reduced the development of stretch marks (13).

You Will Need

• 2-3 drops of bitter almond oil
• A tablespoon of cold-pressed olive oil

Method

1. Mix the two oils.
2. Massage your stretch marks with the oil mixture for 15 minutes.
3. Leave it on for some time and wash it off.
4. Repeat every day.

8. Olive Oil And Lemon

Lemon is a rich source of vitamin C. Studies show that vitamin C boosts collagen production, which makes the skin look smoother. While the topical application of vitamin C is common, its efficacy compared to dietary intake is unclear. Additionally, research suggests that vitamin C has great potential for improving skin texture as well (15). Thus, it may be effective in reducing the appearance of stretch marks.

You Will Need

• 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
• Juice of half a lemon

Method

1. Mix the olive oil and lemon juice well.
2. Massage the mixture onto your stretch marks.
3. Leave it on for about 15 minutes, then rinse it off.
4. Repeat this process daily for the best results.

These are a few ways to use olive oil for treating stretch marks. However, you need to be careful while using it.

Precautions While Using Olive Oil For Stretch Marks

Olive oil may not be the right choice for topical application as it may:

• Cause skin dryness
• Aggravate atopic dermatitisⁱ  Itchy inflammation of the skin that commonly develops in children and individuals with a family history of the condition.
• Affect the skin’s natural barrier
• Cause redness

If you have any skin condition, such as atopic dermatitis or eczema, it is better to avoid olive oil. Also, if you have sensitive skin, avoid olive oil. There is a possibility that you might be allergic to olive oil. Hence, do a patch test before using it.

If you are keen on using olive oil for stretch marks and scars, always opt for good quality, cold-pressed olive oil. Also, make sure that you are storing it in a glass bottle, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Otherwise, it may turn rancid. In case of any adverse effects, contact your doctor immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of olive oil is best for stretch marks?

Olive oil may not fade stretch marks. However, if you want to try it out, use cold-pressed or extra virgin olive oil.

Does olive oil fade stretch marks?

No. Studies state that it may not be suitable for your skin and can cause dryness and moisture loss.

How long do stretch marks take to fade?

Stretch marks usually take about 3 to 6 months to fade and almost a year to mature and disappear.

Does olive oil lighten skin?

Olive oil doesn’t have skin-lightening effects. But it does offer mild UV protection, and potentially helps reduce redness and wrinkles. It also tones the skin (14).

Illustration: How To Use Olive Oil To Get Rid Of Stubborn Stretch Marks

Check out the video below and learn how to use olive oil to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Get tips on the best way to apply it for maximum results and bid goodbye to those pesky marks easily!

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