Olive Oil to Help Stretch Marks

Olive oil has been used alone or in skin care products because of its softening attributes. But is it an effective treatment for stretch marks? It appears that olive oil may have a legitimate role in the war against lessening the unattractiveness of stretch marks. But it is not a miracle cure.

Skin Care Benefits

Olive oil has long been used to treat a variety of skin conditions. It can be applied to any part of the body as a skin moisturizer. Olive oil has been touted as an effective night cream when mixed with vinegar and water. The softening and smoothing effects of olive oil can slow the signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles. Because of its gentle, smoothing properties, olive oil is also beneficial treatment for minimizing the effects of stretch marks. Olive oil may not make stretch marks disappear, but it can help make their appearance less unsightly.

Stretch Mark Formation

Stretch marks are produced by hormonal imbalances that cause thinning of the skin, making it vulnerable to tearing when stretched. The result is visible linear scarring.

Ingedients in Stretch Mark Creams

Olive oil is one of several ingredients in some stretch mark creams. Most of these creams include a variety of other oils and vitamins, including Vitamins E, B, A, K1, Emu Oil, Aloe Vera Gel, Collagen, Glycolic Acid, Vitamin A, Coenzyme Q10, Grape Seed Extract and Vitamin B.

Minimizing Sretch Marks

Olive oil and other natural treatments such as vitamin E probably won’t make existing stretch marks completely disappear, but they might work to soften their appearance. Olive oil may be a better preventative remedy than a cure for existing stretch marks. Olive oil can promote elasticity in the skin, thereby reducing the likelihood of stretch marks.

Enhancing Olive Oil Benefits

There are a few steps you can take to enhance the benefits of olive oil treatment for minimizing the appearance of stretch marks. Make sure to drink generous amounts of water, because proper hydration will keep your skin soft and supple, making existing marks less notable. Adequate hydration will also make the formation of stretch marks less likely in the first place. Keep an eye on your diet. Eat plenty of foods rich in zinc and Vitamins C and A. That will encourage skin health. Stock up on fish and nuts as well as citrus fruits and milk.