Macadamia… the name of this nut is probably very familiar to you. And for good reason: it’s delicious and often used in ice creams and desserts. But did you know that the oil extracted from these nuts has incredible properties for the skin, including in the prevention and treatment of stretch marks? Let’s take a closer look at this little nut from the land of koalas!
What is macadamia oil?
Macadamia oil is obtained by pressing macadamia nuts. These are the fruit of the Queensland Nut tree, or Macadamia tree, a shrub native to Australia. A fluid, highly penetrating oil with a delicate nutty scent, it is exceptionally rich in proteins and fatty acids. Among these acids, two stand out in particular:
- Oleic acid: it belongs to the omega-9 family, the most abundant long-chain fatty acid found in our bodies. Deeply nourishing, it improves skin suppleness and radiance while preserving its hydrolipidic film. It is particularly beneficial for dry and damaged skin.
- Palmitoleic acid: this is an omega-7, notable for its ability to protect the skin from oxidative damage (sun, pollution, chemicals) by promoting the production of skin cells. Studies have shown that this acid can boost the synthesis of elastin and collagen, the proteins responsible for skin firmness and elasticity.
Another beneficial component of macadamia oil: vitamin E. This antioxidant vitamin helps reduce inflammation and prevents skin deterioration. Combined with vitamins C and A, it plays a key role in the prevention and healing of stretch marks.
As you can see, the chemical composition of macadamia oil makes it one of the most interesting oils to use when you want to prevent or address stretch marks, whether old or recent. Its fine, light and smooth texture means it absorbs very quickly into the skin without leaving a greasy finish (dry oil). It is also highly appreciated for massages, direct application or bath use. It makes an excellent carrier for essential oils too. In short, it has a natural place in any anti-stretch mark routine.
How to use macadamia oil for stretch marks?
First and foremost, it is essential to choose a quality macadamia oil if you wish to incorporate this ingredient into a stretch mark prevention or treatment routine. Before purchasing, make sure it is cold-pressed and 100% pure. If it is also organic and ethically sourced, even better!
As mentioned above, macadamia oil can be used pure, massaged in or applied directly to areas affected by stretch marks, or to body parts that are prone to them: bust, hips, thighs or buttocks.
Macadamia oil can also be used in synergy with other natural products:
- Plant butters, such as shea butter.
- Vegetable oils, such as wheat germ oil, which is rich and deeply nourishing, or inca inchi oil, which helps repair damaged skin.
- Essential oils – unless you are pregnant or breastfeeding, such as rosehip, rose geranium or calendula essential oil.
- Oil macerates, such as those made from the flowers mentioned above.
- Aloe Vera gel.
For example, to make a stretch mark balm, you can follow this recipe:
- Melt approximately 45 g of shea butter in a bowl over a bain-marie.
- Once the butter has melted, add 30 ml of macadamia vegetable oil, 10 ml of avocado oil or sweet almond oil and 16 ml of rosehip or calendula oil macerate.
- Mix everything together.
- If you’d like to add a scent to your balm, add around thirty drops of your favourite natural fragrance (vanilla, pear or jasmine – the choice is yours!).
- Place the mixture in the freezer. When it starts to harden and turn opaque, stir it until smooth, then pour it into a container.
Why is macadamia oil beneficial for pregnancy stretch marks?
During their first pregnancy, 50 to 70% of women develop stretch marks. These are caused by:
- The inevitable weight gain
- The pressure of the baby on the skin of the belly
- The natural increase in breast volume
- The hormonal changes that come with pregnancy
- The dry skin that is typical during pregnancy
Macadamia oil, thanks to its fine texture, high penetrating power, stability and properties, is a genuine ally against pregnancy stretch marks. It can be used daily to help prevent inflammatory stretch marks that appear during pregnancy, thanks to the vitamin E and palmitoleic acid it contains. If you are pregnant and already experiencing red or purple stretch marks, massage them daily with macadamia oil: the oleic acid will strengthen and nourish your skin, helping your stretch marks to gradually fade.
A word of caution: if you are pregnant, do not use macadamia oil combined with essential oils, as these are not recommended during pregnancy. Also, if you have a nut allergy, avoid using macadamia oil on your stretch marks and opt for an oil that is not nut-derived (such as avocado oil or wheat germ oil).
What are the complementary solutions for preventing and treating stretch marks?
If you are a fan of macadamia oil treatments for your stretch marks, you can easily complement your routine with other products made from natural active ingredients to achieve even better results.
- A gentle scrub 2 to 3 times a week not only improves the absorption of macadamia oil’s active ingredients, but also smooths skin texture for less pronounced stretch marks. Our Stretch Mark Scrub, formulated with firming mango butter and nourishing wheat germ, is perfect for gently exfoliating stretch marks.
- Can’t live without natural plant-based oils? Our Stretch Mark Oil is made for you! A blend of 6 oils with soothing, nourishing and repairing properties, it perfectly complements macadamia oil. You can alternate between the two oils without any issue, and enjoy a wider range of benefits for your stretch marks.
- Want to amplify the benefits of macadamia oil? Try our Stretch Mark Cream – it actually contains macadamia oil! 98% of people who have tried it would recommend it! No surprise there: its velvety texture melts into the skin and regenerates it deeply, for visibly reduced stretch marks.
