Coconut oil — the new remedy for stretch marks? Let’s find out! One thing is certain: this delicately scented oil has become the ultimate star of both beauty and nutrition. It’s found its way onto every kitchen table… and into every bathroom cabinet! So, what exactly does virgin coconut oil have in store for us?
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What is coconut oil?
No need to introduce the coconut itself — that fruit whose flesh and water are beloved for their sweet flavour and exotic scent. However, it’s worth clarifying what coconut oil actually is, because there aretwo types:
- Virgin coconut oil, obtained by cold-pressing fresh coconut flesh.
- Copra oil, a refined oil produced by hot-pressing dried coconut flesh. It is therefore a treated, refined and deodorised oil. It is used in the production of monoï — a macerate of tiaré flowers in copra oil.
The first type is particularly interesting for skincare, thanks to its composition. However, this composition can vary depending on production conditions. Before using it — and to ensure the best results on yourstretch marks— it’s best to choose an extra virgin oil, first cold-pressed, and ideally organic and eco-responsible.
Finally, one last thing to know: coconut oil can appear in two forms:
- When cold, it solidifies and takes on the consistency of a plant-based butter. If you prefer solid textures, you can store your coconut oil in the fridge.
- When kept at a temperature above 25°C, coconut oil is perfectly liquid.
Don’t worry if your coconut oil changes texture — it doesn’t mean it has gone off. You can use it on your stretch marks without any concern.
How effective is coconut oil on stretch marks?
Virgin coconut oil is credited with many benefits, largely due to its richness infatty acids:
Oleic acid
An omega-9 that helps strengthen the skin’s hydrolipidic film, supporting its elasticity, suppleness and hydration. Recent studies have also shown that regular application of coconut oil can improve the skin’s healing process. This makes it particularly beneficial for inflammatory stretch marks, whether they arered orpurple.
Linoleic acid
An omega-6 that is essential to the human body, which cannot produce it on its own. Linoleic acid can address many skin concerns, including stretch marks, as it prevents skin deterioration (intense dryness, dull complexion) by accelerating cell renewal. It strengthens cell membranes — including those of fibroblasts, the subcutaneous cells responsible for collagen production.
Palmitic acid
A saturated fatty acid — not ideal when consumed (we all know the bad reputation of palm oil…), but excellent for the skin. Palmitic acid is an important component of the skin’s acid mantle. It reinforces the skin barrier and has emollient properties (softening the skin).
Lauric acid
This acid is responsible for the “hardening” of coconut oil. It is often used as an additive in cosmetics to give them a firmer consistency. Lauric acid is highly compatible with the skin, as human sebum naturally contains it. It helps maintain the skin’s natural hydrolipidic film and preventsskin dryness— which can make stretch marks appear more visible.
Myristic acid
Another saturated fatty acid, which contributes to the skin’s protective function against external aggressors. The myristic acid found in coconut oil also makes it highly absorbable — improving penetration into the skin; ideal for daily application on stretch marks!
Coconut oil also containsvitamin E (protecting fibroblasts) andprovitamins A (antioxidant beta-carotene),B3 (soothes skin reactivity) andB5 (accelerates healing). Finally, virgin coconut oil containsphytosterols, highly valued ingredients found in many cosmetic formulations. Why? Because they have a nourishing, anti-inflammatory and restructuring effect on the dermis. They are particularly beneficial for damaged skin (wrinkles, burns, scars,itching… and stretch marks, of course!).
As you can see, virgin coconut oil is a true beauty elixir for the skin, thanks to its rich and complex composition.
How to use virgin coconut oil?
1- Pure application
You can use coconut oilpure: simply take a small amount in your hand, warm it in your palm, then apply it directly to your stretch marks. It will melt quickly with the warmth of your skin and be absorbed rapidly.
2- Anti-stretch mark scrub
You can also make astretch mark scrub using coconut oil. You will need:
- ½ cup of coconut oil
- ¼ cup of fine salt
- 6 drops oflemon essential oil (preferably furocoumarin-free, to avoid the photosensitising effect of this EO)
Mix these three ingredients together: your scrub is ready! Massage it directly onto your stretch marks using your homemade exfoliant, on dry or slightly damp skin.
3- Anti-stretch mark oil
It is also possible to prepare atreatment oil for stretch marks using natural ingredients. You will need:
- 1 teaspoon of coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon ofshea butter
- 15ml of wheat germ oil
- 15ml ofmacadamia oil
- A natural fragrance of your choice: tiaré, vanilla, frangipani (optional)
The recipe is very simple to make:
- Melt your coconut oil and shea butter together in a bain-marie.
- Once melted, remove from the heat and add the remaining ingredients one by one.
- Mix everything together and transfer into a clean container of approximately 30ml.
- Remember to patch test your blend on a small area of skin before applying it more generously to your stretch marks. Allow 48 hours to assess skin tolerance.
If you’d rather skip the DIY, at Cellublue we have developed a100% natural oil containing a blend of 6 plant oils, each with different and complementary properties to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
4- Anti-stretch mark gel
Finally, coconut oil can be used to make ananti-stretch mark gel. Nothing could be simpler: just mix 100g of solidified virgin coconut oil with 100g of pureAloe Vera gel. Stir for 5 minutes until you get a smooth, creamy blend. If you’d like to add fragrance or boost its effectiveness on stretch marks, add 10 drops of spike lavender or rosemary verbenone essential oil (unless otherwise advised — for example, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding). Both EOs are recognised for their healing properties. Transfer your blend into a container and store in a cool, dry place.
What are the complementary solutions to coconut oil for treating stretch marks?
Looking to enhance the results of coconut oil on your stretch marks, whetherold or recent? Or to give yourself every chance of preventing stretch marks from appearing? OurStretch Mark Pack is the perfect complement to your coconut routine! These three products will help you build an effective, gentle and skin-friendly routine.
- TheNew Skin Brushexfoliates the skin without aggressing it. It removes dead skin cells while smoothing the uneven texture of stretch marks (whether caused byadolescence,pregnancy or weight fluctuations).
- TheStretch Mark Treatment Oil, a natural elixir of 6 plant oils (including jojoba andavocado), works both as a preventive and corrective treatment. Daily application helps prevent the appearance of stretch marks or address existing ones. 95% of women who have used it noticed a visible reduction in the appearance of their stretch marks.
- TheStretch Mark Creamis a repairing cream and the perfect complement to the softening and nourishing coconut oil. Its velvety texture, quickly absorbed, leaves skin feeling soft and delicately scented. A universal cream, suitable for everyone — including pregnant and breastfeeding women!
Related articles
- Cocoa butter: an effective solution for stretch marks?
- 10 effective plant oils for stretch marks
- Microdermabrasion: the solution to fade stretch marks?
Useful categories : Stretch Mark Care, Stretch Mark Solutions.