If you have stretch marks, or are worried about them appearing, there are natural solutions to help care for your skin. Plant oils are one of the best options when it comes to anti-stretch mark skincare. To understand why — and to help you make the right choice — here is a list of 10 effective plant oils for stretch marks.
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Why are plant oils beneficial for the skin?
First, it’s worth knowing that the skin naturally produces a fatty substance through its sebaceous glands: sebum. It acts as a natural barrier, protecting the skin from dryness (by limiting water loss) and external aggressors. Sebum and sweat together form what is commonly known as the hydrolipidic film.
However, in certain situations, sebum production can decrease:
- ageing, which is the primary cause of skin dryness
- hormonal fluctuations (cortisol, oestrogens and progesterone, thyroid hormones) also influence the functioning of the sebaceous glands
- certain illnesses or medications can disrupt sebum production
- pregnancy, a major physical upheaval, can also bring changes in skin quality — including the appearance of stretch marks and dry skin
Applying a plant oil daily helps to compensate for the breakdown of the skin’s hydrolipidic film. Depending on its nutritional properties, the oil can also soften, nourish, repair, heal and even regenerate the dermis.
In the specific case of stretch marks, plant oils are particularly useful, as they can:
- Prevent their appearance, by maintaining the skin’s elasticity and resilience
- Reduce their creviced appearance, by deeply nourishing the dermis
- Minimise their visibility, by soothing subcutaneous inflammation and supporting skin healing and regeneration
Here is a selection of 10 highly effective natural plant oils for stretch marks.
Oil no1: jojoba plant oil
jojoba plant oil is excellent for the skin and can be applied to both the body and the face. It has a unique composition, with over 70% gadoleic acid — an unsaturated omega-9 fatty acid. Very similar to sebum, it absorbs easily into the skin and nourishes it without any greasy finish. Jojoba oil is therefore a great choice for preventing stretch marks. It is particularly recommended for women whose skin is naturally dry and/or dehydrated, with a feeling of tightness.
Oil no2: sweet almond plant oil
sweet almond plant oil is undoubtedly the most well-known. It is a true all-rounder, packed with benefits: it nourishes, softens, protects and restructures the skin, thanks to its complex blend of fatty acids. It can be used both as a preventive and a corrective treatment for stretch marks, whether they are coloured (red or purple) or mature (white). In short: a bathroom essential.
Oil no3: rosehip plant oil
Rosehip plant oil is made from the seeds of the musk rose, native to South America. Rich in vitamins E and K, carotenoids, and omega-3 and 6, this oil is particularly renowned for repairing damaged skin (sun damage, signs of ageing, scars and stretch marks, dark spots). Slightly viscous, it can be blended with other plant oils and/or essential oils. It can be used to prevent stretch marks, but truly excels on existing ones, whether caused by growth spurts, pregnancy or weight fluctuations.
Oil no4: marula plant oil
This is a so-called rare plant oil, derived from the marula tree, which grows in Africa. The oil is extracted from the kernels inside the seeds, and is characterised by a high content of fatty acids and phytosterols — the latter of which help improve microcirculation. Marula plant oil is therefore an excellent natural healing agent. It also penetrates deeply to nourish and soften the skin while revitalising it. It makes an outstanding treatment for both old and recent stretch marks, and can be used pure or blended with other oils for an effective anti-stretch mark treatment.
Oil no5: macadamia plant oil
Macadamia nuts are better known for their delicious flavour than for their anti-stretch mark properties — and yet… 5 different fatty acids (including oleic and palmitoleic acids), excellent absorption and nourishing, softening and soothing properties. It’s safe to say that macadamia plant oil is the ideal companion for anyone looking to prevent stretch marks. Its added bonuses: a dry-touch finish that makes it easy to apply every day, and its venotonic properties, which make it a perfect massage oil for heavy legs.
Oil no6: borage plant oil
Borage plant oil is obtained by cold-pressing the seeds of the borage plant, a beautiful blue flower with many beneficial properties. The oil extracted from its seeds contains, among other things, a relatively rare fatty acid found in nature (alongside evening primrose and castor): gamma-linolenic acid. This acid is known for nourishing the skin’s cellular matrix and limiting water loss. Borage oil restores elasticity and firmness to the skin, and helps both prevent and treat stretch marks.
Oil no7: wheat germ plant oil
Wheat germ plant oil is characterised by a rich, dense texture, a gentle cereal scent and a high linoleic acid content. Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid that the body cannot produce on its own — making this oil a precious elixir, especially for very dry and dehydrated skin. Emollient, restorative and protective, it is well suited to both preventing and treating stretch marks, particularly for naturally sensitive skin. For optimal absorption, wheat germ oil works best when blended with a dry-touch oil, such as hazelnut oil (healing and antiseptic), grapeseed oil (antioxidant) or perilla oil (a circulatory tonic).
Oil no8: tamanu plant oil
Don’t be put off by its dark colour — it comes from natural resin residues. Tamanu plant oil boasts unique active compounds: calaustralin, inophyllolide and complex polyphenols, which give it remarkable healing, restorative and revitalising properties. Tamanu oil is therefore an excellent choice for treating stretch marks, helping to fade and heal them. It also solidifies below 25o, making it a great ingredient for crafting anti-stretch mark balms, and it pairs beautifully with other plant butters such as shea.
Oil no9: avocado plant oil
Like coconut oil, avocado oil is obtained by pressing the fruit’s flesh. It has a rich texture and a gentle, fruity scent. What makes it truly special is its composition: palmitoleic acid and sterols, which act as anti-inflammatory and healing agents. Avocado plant oil is therefore excellent for fresh, coloured and inflamed stretch marks, as it accelerates their repair. It can also be used preventively, either on its own (if you don’t mind its rich, thick texture) or blended with faster-absorbing oils (such as jojoba or macadamia).
Oil no10: sesame plant oil
Sesame oil, with its distinctive gentle scent, is a wonderfully pleasant oil to use. Its dry touch, fast absorption and fluid texture make it a truly enjoyable beauty elixir. Its composition — 4 fatty acids, minerals including the precious selenium, and lecithin — makes it respectful of the hydrolipidic film, softening and regenerating. It is perfectly suited to daily massage of stretch mark-prone areas: bust, stomach, thighs or buttocks.
As a bonus: our stretch mark oil
If you’re looking for a blend of plant oils for your anti-stretch mark routine, our Stretch Mark Prevention Oil is the perfect fit. A synergy of 6 natural plant oils, it preserves the skin barrier, deeply nourishes the skin and supports healing. It can be used on all types of stretch marks, as well as preventively. Its vegan, 100% natural formula is suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Users are almost unanimous in reporting a visible reduction in stretch marks, both old and recent. So if you’re concerned about the condition of your skin, our oil seems like a very good option!
