Macadamia oil: what effect does it have on stretch marks?

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 also has interesting properties for the skin, especially when you want to prevent stretch marks or care for them? Its composition, how to use it (including a homemade balm recipe), its value during pregnancy and the precautions to know: 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. Very nourishing, it brings suppleness and comfort to the skin and helps maintain its hydrolipidic film. It is particularly appreciated by dry skin.
• Palmitoleic acid: this is an omega-7, naturally present in sebum, whose role in defending the skin against external aggressors (sun, pollution, chemicals) is being studied. Research is also looking at its link with elastin and collagen, the proteins responsible for skin resistance and elasticity.

Another beneficial component of macadamia oil: vitamin E. This antioxidant vitamin notably helps protect the oil from oxidation. It is often found, alongside vitamins C and A, in skincare designed for the skin and for 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 care 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 very rich and nourishing, inca inchi oil, appreciated by dry skin, or rosehip oil.
• Essential oils – unless you are pregnant or breastfeeding, such as rose geranium essential oil.
• Oil macerates, such as calendula macerate.
• 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.

Macadamia oil and pregnancy stretch marks: how to use it?

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 an ally of choice for caring for the skin in the face of pregnancy stretch marks. Rich in vitamin E and palmitoleic acid, it can be used every day in a stretch mark prevention routine during pregnancy. If you are pregnant and already affected by red or purple stretch marks, you can massage them every day with macadamia oil to nourish and soften the skin. If in doubt, ask your doctor or midwife for advice.

Macadamia oil: is there any risk?

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 products can you combine with macadamia oil to care for 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.

• A gentle scrub 2 to 3 times a week gently exfoliates the skin and smooths its texture. Our Stretch Mark Scrub, formulated with mango butter and nourishing wheat germ, gently exfoliates areas affected by stretch marks.
• Can’t live without natural plant-based oils? Our Stretch Mark Oil is made for you! A blend of avocado, sunflower, jojoba, sesame and olive oils with soothing and nourishing properties, it perfectly complements macadamia oil. You can alternate between the two oils without any issue, and enjoy their different textures.
• Want to enjoy macadamia oil in another way? Try our Stretch Mark Cream – it actually contains macadamia oil! 98% of people who have tried it would recommend it! Its velvety texture melts into the skin and helps nourish it.

Related articles

• Black seed oil and stretch marks: what you need to know
• Plant oils and stretch marks: 10 oils to know
• Jojoba oil: a treasure against stretch marks

Useful categories: Stretch Mark Care, Stretch Marks.