As a new mum-to-be, you might wonder about the best ways to remove pregnancy stretch marks. These marks can pop up in any part of your body, the most common being your tummy, buttocks, thighs, and breasts. While they are a little annoying and can sometimes make you self-conscious about your look, stretch marks from pregnancy are perfectly normal.
The good news is that you can reduce their appearance with a little extra TLC and moisturisation. Now, we all know that vegetable oils are excellent skin moisturisers. However, out of all of them, castor oil is touted as the best ingredient to reduce stretch marks.
Also Read: How to remove stretch marks
What Causes Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
Stretch marks occur due to the skin’s inability to catch up with the body’s growth. Due to the weight gain during pregnancy, the elastic fibres, and collagen that otherwise keep the skin taut, stretch and snap, leaving pinkish streaks on your body.
Stretch marks usually develop around 13 to 21 weeks of pregnancy and affect almost all women. Fresh stretch marks appear pink in colour and may itch. However, they may appear brown, purple, or red, depending on your skin tone.
Can Castor Oil Treat Pregnancy Stretch Marks?
Castor oil is an excellent remedy for improving hair health and reducing hair fall. It is also used in many skincare products and has shown positive results in reducing stretch marks. Here’s why castor oil may reduce the look of stretch marks:
- It contains ricinoleic acid, which is an unsaturated omega-9 fatty acid, along with certain salts and esters. All of which have a skin-conditioning effect and keep your skin moisturised.
- Castor oil prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
- Another study found that moisturisers can improve the symptoms of scars, and anatomically stretch marks are like scars. Therefore, using castor oil can properly moisturise affected areas and minimise the look of stretch marks.
Now that we know how castor oil can improve stretch marks, let’s take a look at some remedies to treat stretch marks at home.
How To Use Castor Oil For Pregnancy Stretch Marks
Did you know that cold-pressed plant oils contain higher nutritional and better therapeutic properties than refined oils? Hence, you must always use cold-pressed castor oil for better results. Here are some remedies:
Castor Oil And Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has a soothing effect on the skin and is a perfect moisturiser. It can keep the skin nourished for long hours and reduce stretch marks.
You will need:
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon of castor oil
Method to follow:
- Mix the two oils together.
- Massage it onto your stretch marks.
- Leave it overnight.
- Repeat this remedy every day.
Castor Oil And Aloe Vera
Aloe vera keeps the skin hydrated and also stimulates collagen production, which in turn reduces stretch marks.
You will need:
- 1 tablespoon of natural aloe vera gel
- 1 tablespoon of castor oil
Method to follow:
- Mix the castor oil and aloe vera gel.
- Massage the mixture on your stretch marks for 5-10 minutes.
- Leave it overnight.
- Repeat this remedy every day.
Castor Oil And Almond Oil
You can use both bitter and sweet almond oil. Bitter almond oil reduces the look of stretch marks and also prevents new ones, and sweet almond oil alleviates itching.
You will need:
- 2-3 drops of bitter almond oil
- 1 tablespoon of sweet almond oil
- 1 tablespoon of castor oil
Method to follow:
- Mix the castor oil and almond oils together.
- Massage the mixture on your stretch marks.
- Leave for an hour, or even overnight.
- Repeat every day.
Castor Oil And Oatmeal
Oat extracts improve skin dryness and reduce skin roughness and stretch marks.
You will need:
- 2 tablespoons of ground oatmeal
- 1 tablespoon of castor oil
- ½ cup of water
Method to follow:
- Mix the ground oatmeal in water until you get a paste-like consistency.
- Add the castor oil and give a final mix.
- Massage the mixture on your stretch marks for 15 minutes.
- Rinse with water and apply moisturiser.
- Repeat every day.
Castor Oil And Clove Oil
Clove oil has rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in reducing scars and stretch marks.
You will need:
- 2-3 drops of clove oil
- 1 tablespoon of castor oil
Method to follow:
- Mix the oils together.
- Massage it on your stretch marks.
- Leave it overnight.
- Repeat this remedy every day.
These remedies will keep your skin nourished and moisturised, and you may get good results with continuous use.
Some Other Tips To Prevent Stretch Marks
Apart from these remedies, you can also follow some skincare rules to reduce the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy.
- Keep the skin moisturised: A well-nourished and moisturised skin is less prone to wear and tear due to stretching. Use a natural body butter with hydrating ingredients like shea and cocoa butter, seabuckthorn oil, and rosehip oil.
- Use products such as stretch oils: You may also try products that improve stretch marks. Opt for a natural stretch oil with Vitamin E, coconut oil, jojoba oil, and almond oil to promote collagen synthesis and improve skin elasticity.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water every day to improve skin elasticity and control your stretch marks.
- Consume Vitamin C-rich foods: Consume foods like oranges, tomatoes, lemons, berries, and grapefruits to support collagen production and improve skin firmness.
Castor oil will keep your skin nourished and moisturised. With regular application, it may also improve the appearance of your stretch marks. However, be informed that you may not get quick or overnight results. So be patient and just trust the process. Also, if you notice any skin allergy after using castor oil, consult your doctor and stop its usage on your body.
