Despite all the joy it brings, pregnancy rarely leaves the body unchanged. Pregnancy stretch marks are among those marks we would happily do without! Avocado is known for its richness in unsaturated fatty acids, as well as its vitamin and mineral content. Extracted from avocado pulp, the oil derived from the fruit can help prevent and reduce stretch marks linked to pregnancy. Here is an overview of the components of this plant oil that make it especially suitable for improving the appearance of these skin marks.
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Pregnancy and the appearance of stretch marks
The remarkable potential of avocado oil lies in its composition. Stretch marks result from skin fragility. During pregnancy, the surface of the epidermis increases and the skin can “crack,” leading to the appearance of the unsightly marks known as stretch marks. You can help treat and prevent them by acting deep within your epidermis!
We are not all equal when it comes to the appearance of stretch marks! Some women naturally have more elastic skin, while others need to be especially diligent about keeping their epidermis hydrated. The best way to avoid seeing these small tears appear is to take care of your skin. Avocado oil can then become a precious solution!
Avocado oil helps improve the appearance of pregnancy stretch marks thanks to fatty acids
Avocado oil is well known for its ability to repair skin damage. Rich in fatty acids that are beneficial for skin repair, avocado plant oil can help you tackle existing stretch marks. A scientific study revealed that this specific oil could lead to regeneration of the cutaneous epithelium (1). It helps increase collagen synthesis and can therefore help reduce the appearance of scars.
This reparative property is one of the benefits of its high content of omega-3 fatty acids and oleic acid. These components help reduce the number of inflammatory cells. The oleic acids in avocado oil play a repairing role. The combination of increased collagen synthesis and reduced inflammatory reactions plays a key role in the repair process. The epithelium rebuilds itself and scars gradually fade. Omega-3 fatty acids also allow the skin to be better nourished, strengthened and hydrated.
Avocado oil hydrates and protects thanks to vitamins and antioxidants
Avocado plant oil is also characterized by its richness in vitamins A, D and E. These effectively contribute to skin hydration! Indeed, they are very easily absorbed by the outermost layer of the skin: the epidermis. This layer becomes firmer. It readily absorbs the nutrients from this oil, which also contribute to the formation of new skin. These vitamins and antioxidants thus help strengthen the protective barrier function of the epidermis. Your skin becomes less vulnerable. In addition, the properties of this oil help the skin retain its elasticity
Avocado oil nourishes the skin thanks to lecithin
Avocado oil contains lecithin. You know this lipid substance! It is very abundant in egg yolk! Beyond its many properties, it is known for its contribution to the formation of cell membranes. It can therefore help to redensify the skin and nourish it. When a pregnant woman uses this oil, it not only helps restore hydration to her skin, but also maintain it. As the oil is absorbed, this component revitalizes the skin and helps prevent it from tearing. Lecithin is therefore an essential component of this oil that helps fight pregnancy stretch marks
Avocado oil gives the skin better elasticity thanks to healthy fats
Also called unsaturated fats, healthy fats are mainly made up of several unsaturated fatty acids that are beneficial to health. In this oil, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids support the skin in its effort to preserve its elasticity. They therefore reduce the risk of tearing and allow the skin to be more supple. The risk of stretch marks appearing during pregnancy then becomes lower.
Avocado’s healthy fat content helps restore the skin elasticity needed to improve the appearance of stretch marks. Dry skin is more fragile and sensitive. It can crack, and that is how stretch marks can appear during pregnancy as weight increases. During this period, it is therefore essential to maintain your skin’s elasticity!
How to use avocado oil to reduce pregnancy stretch marks?
As you will have understood, avocado plant oil is an ideal skincare product for pregnant women, or even those planning for a baby. With this oil, you can therefore act in two ways:
- the prevention, even before pregnancy begins
- the treatment, during pregnancy and after childbirth
How should you apply it before pregnancy?
Even if you do not yet have stretch marks, massage your skin with avocado oil on the areas most prone to these small streaks appearing. Focus particularly on your belly, of course! But do not overlook other potentially vulnerable areas: breasts, thighs, buttocks and arms. Your skin will then be more elastic and will adapt more gently to the extra pounds and to baby taking up more room.
How should you use it during and after pregnancy?
If you already have pregnancy stretch marks, focus your massages on the affected areas. Be diligent and consistent, as skin repair always takes time. You must allow the cell membranes to rebuild and the epidermis to regain a smoother appearance. Avocado oil absorbs quickly into the epidermis. Do not hesitate to repeat the process daily.
You can use the oil on its own, but you can also mix it with a moisturizing cream, scrub or another body care product. Skincare is one of the keys to your well-being and self-confidence! Pregnancy stretch marks can be very unsightly. If the necessary steps are not taken, they can become a real source of insecurity. So dare to use natural plant oils to care for your body and your skin!
A few precautions to take
Do not forget that natural products always require precautions for use. If you have a known avocado allergy, you should seek medical advice. As a precaution, always start by applying the oil to a small area while waiting to observe how your skin reacts. If you have the slightest doubt (for example, if redness appears), stop using it and consult a doctor!
THE COACH’S TIP
As each plant oil has different properties, using several oils helps to maximize results on stretch marks. Have you heard of Huile Vergetures Cellublue ? Made with a unique blend of 6 plant oils including avocado oil, it works on all types of stretch marks and scars. Thanks to its dual preventive and appearance-improving action on stretch marks, it will be an essential part of your pregnancy routine to deeply nourish your skin and help prevent the appearance of stretch marks on the belly and breasts. This anti-stretch mark oil is completely natural. It can be used by pregnant women without any risk !
Sources and references
(1) de Oliveira, Ana Paula et al. “Effect of semisolid formulation of persea americana mill (avocado) oil on wound healing in rats.” Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM vol. 2013 (2013): 472382. doi:10.1155/2013/47238