Olive Oil for Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

Over the years, we have heard midwives and nannies telling us how olive oil will not give us stretch marks, isn't it? Those of us who listened, saw the results mostly turning out to be negative. This is because, olive oil does not help the removal of the already existing stretch marks. There is no scientific evidence that states olive oil can remove stretch marks that form on a woman's abdomen during pregnancy. Olive oil and cocoa butter certainly help in reducing the formation of stretch marks but the cure is something not many guarantee. Olive oil contains Vitamin E which is very essential for a healthy skin but to what extent can the oil itself help, is something that has not yet been proved. People, from personal experiences, have been suggesting olive oil for stretch marks during pregnancy for years, which is why there is so much of confusion surrounding the effectiveness of this remedy.

Stretch Marks

Stretch marks, called striae in dermatology, are caused when the skin is stretched over its capacity of being elastic in a very short period of time. There are many reasons why one might develop stretch marks but the most common causes in women are puberty and pregnancy. The stretch marks a woman develops due to pregnancy are specifically known as striae gravidarum. With rapid growth of the body due to increase in weight, the dermis is torn and these scars are developed. Complete eradication of these scars is not possible with natural treatments though some remedies are said to be very effective in almost diminishing their existence. The common areas where stretch marks are said to develop easily are the abdomen, upper arms, thighs, hips, buttocks, breasts and the back as these places have large amounts of stored fat.

Olive Oil and Stretch Marks: Facts

The scars of stretch marks are located below the upper layer of the skin and olive oil cannot penetrate to that layer at all. Thus, olive oil cannot cure the stretch marks but might help in preventing them by adding moisture to the skin during pregnancy. The human skin has elastic characteristics but pregnancy outdoes those characteristics and stretches the skin more than what it can allow itself. Massaging your abdomen with olive oil throughout your pregnancy can certainly reduce the amount of stretch marks by replacing tissue with the help of Vitamin E, a nutrient in olive oil. Olive oil acts as a lubricant in the process of stretching. It softens the skin during pregnancy and makes it easier for the skin to stretch. Thus, olive oil should be applied from the second trimester itself for better effects. The benefits of olive oil for skin cannot be denied as it includes vitamin E, A and D which help keep the skin healthy. These vitamins might help in preventing the formation of stretch marks, though not completely and might even reduce their appearance a little. However, there is no evidence of completely eradicating the stretch marks.

Now, we can conclude that olive oil for stretch marks during pregnancy can be used as a preventive measure than as a cure. Olive oil, cocoa butter and lavender oil are recommended during pregnancy as they soften the skin and help in the process of stretching. Thus, olive oil as a moisturizer is certainly beneficial. You can look for creams and lotions that include Vitamin E, collagen and elastin but you are strictly advised to not try any method of treatment or a cream/lotion without the consultation of a doctor. Thus, this olive oil will in no way eradicate the already developed stretch marks during pregnancy but it is certainly a good preventive measure during pregnancy.