Do you struggle with stretch marks, or worry about them appearing on your stomach, thighs or bottom? What if argan oil, used for centuries by Berber women, earned a place in your stretch mark routine? Let’s head to the foothills of the Atlas Mountains to discover argan, the small fruit that everyone covets… In this article: how to choose a good argan oil, what it contains, how to use it on stretch marks (on its own, in a balm or with essential oils) and which products to pair it with.
What is argan oil?
Argan oil is a plant-based oil extracted from the fruit of the argan tree — a tree with the remarkable distinction of growing in only one place on earth: Morocco. The word “argan” means “Berber almond” in Arabic, and Moroccan women have used argan oil since time immemorial, both in cooking and in skincare.
The process of making argan oil is relatively complex, as it is more delicate than other vegetable oils. The argan fruit — a kind of large berry — is harvested and sun-dried. Once the pulp has dried, the kernel is removed and cracked open to extract a small nut. The oil is then pressed from this nut. Sometimes the nuts are roasted, sometimes not. This is the key difference between culinary argan oil and the kind used in cosmetics.
- Culinary argan oil is made from roasted nuts. It is dark, with a rich, nutty flavour reminiscent of hazelnuts. It is used in a variety of preparations but is never heated to high temperatures. Highly nutritious, it lends dishes an unmistakable depth of flavour.
- Cosmetic argan oil (the one we care about most!) is lighter in colour. The nuts are not roasted — they are simply cold-pressed. The pressing must be done at low temperature, as argan oil is highly sensitive to heat. Above 60 °C, the oil loses most of its beneficial properties.
In summary: to choose a good argan oil, make sure it is 100% pure and natural (manufacturers often blend it with other vegetable or even mineral oils), cold-pressed, free from chemical processing or roasting, and of cosmetic grade. A quality argan oil will have a subtle scent (not deodorised), a pale yellow colour and an oily feel.
Why use argan oil on stretch marks?
Argan oil is highly sought after because it is rare, but also because it contains many components that are wonderful for skin and hair. It is especially prized for its anti-ageing qualities, but it also has its place in caring for stretch marks and helping to prevent them. Let’s take a closer look at its composition to understand why it is so interesting for our skin.
1- Oleic acid
Virgin argan oil contains between 40 and 50% oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid from the omega-9 family. This acid is the most abundant fatty acid in the human body, and is found in particularly high concentrations in sebum. Its rich texture makes it a pleasant oil for massaging areas marked by stretch marks.
2- Linoleic acid
Argan oil contains another fatty acid: linoleic acid. This is an omega-6 essential fatty acid (meaning the body cannot produce it on its own).
3- Other components
Virgin argan oil also contains vitamin E (tocopherols), an antioxidant. Argan oil can find its place in your routine, including on early-stage stretch marks (red or purple). Finally, argan oil contains:
- Sterols: they are part of the oil’s unsaponifiable fraction
- Triacylglycerides: they have softening and smoothing properties
- Triterpene alcohols: they also belong to this unsaponifiable fraction
Virgin argan oil is a cosmetic product designed to nourish and soften the skin. You can include it in your routine during growth spurts, pregnancy or any other change in body shape, whether your stretch marks are old or recent.
How to use argan oil on stretch marks?
1- Combined with other plant oils
Virgin argan oil can absolutely be used on its own on stretch marks. However, some people find its rich, oily texture a little heavy. In that case, it can be blended with other natural plant oils, such as macadamia oil or sweet almond oil. That way, you bring together the qualities of several oils!
2- As an anti-stretch mark balm
You can combine the benefits of argan oil with the richness of a plant butter to create a homemade anti-stretch mark balm. To do so, you will need:
- 24 g of shea butter
- 3.5 g of coconut oil
- 11 ml of argan oil
- 10 ml of rosehip oil
- 1.5 g of plant-based hydranol (the vegan alternative to petroleum-derived vaseline or animal-derived lanolin)
Gently melt the shea butter, coconut oil (if solid) and hydranol together in a bain-marie over low heat. Do not exceed 60 °C, as higher temperatures will degrade the active ingredients. Once the mixture is liquid, remove from the heat and allow it to cool slightly without re-solidifying. Then add the argan and rosehip oils. Mix everything together and pour into a clean 50 ml jar. Store your anti-stretch mark balm in the fridge to keep its smooth, creamy texture.
3- Combined with essential oils
Virgin argan oil can also be used as a carrier oil for essential oils. Please note, however, that essential oils are strongly discouraged for pregnant and breastfeeding women. If this does not apply to you, here is a homemade anti-stretch mark oil recipe. You will need:
- 20 ml of rosehip vegetable oil
- 10 ml of argan oil
- 10 drops of Italian helichrysum essential oil
- 10 drops of rose geranium essential oil
- 10 drops of true lavender essential oil
- 10 drops of cistus ladanifer essential oil
Blend all the ingredients and pour into a bottle of your choice, ideally one with a 30 ml capacity. Then massage your stretch marks regularly with your homemade oil.
What about argan oil for cellulite?
Argan oil is best known for stretch mark care, but its nourishing texture also makes it a pleasant oil for massaging the thighs, bottom or tummy. As with stretch marks, choose one that is pure, cold-pressed, unroasted and of cosmetic grade.
That said, cellulite and stretch marks are two different things. If it’s orange-peel skin that bothers you more, a massage oil designed for this purpose, combined with regular massage, can round off your routine. You’ll find more ideas among our anti-cellulite products.
What other solutions complement argan oil for caring for stretch marks?
If you’d like to take your argan oil routine further, you can easily pair it with our Cellublue routine. The Stretch Mark Pack contains 3 products designed to help prevent and care for stretch marks of all kinds.
- The Stretch Mark Scrub, to be used 2 to 3 times a week on damp skin, gently exfoliates areas marked by stretch marks. It helps clear away dead skin cells and smooth the skin’s texture.
- The Stretch Mark Prevention Oil is a carefully crafted blend of 6 pure natural plant oils. Suitable for all skin types, young and mature alike, it supports your stretch mark prevention routine. It provides the skin with protection (jojoba oil), nourishment (soybean oil), hydration (sesame oil) and suppleness (avocado oil).
- The Stretch Mark Repair Cream cares for all skin types, even the most damaged. It is rich in provitamin B5 and natural actives (98%).
The complete stretch marks routine, from shower to massage, during and after pregnancy
- Instructions for use
- Friendly advice
Alternating the Stretch Mark Pack products with your argan oil routine lets you care for inflammatory stretch marks, mature stretch marks and deeper grooves… for skin that looks healthy and cared for!
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Useful categories: Stretch Mark Care, Stretch Marks.
