To have beautiful skin, you need to take care of it. But with so many creams, oils, balms and lotions out there, it can be hard to know which product to choose. What if nature had a few secrets for radiant skin? Here is a closer look at sesame oil: its main benefits for the skin, the role it can play in caring for stretch marks, and the different ways to use it: on its own, in a blend or as a ready-to-use product.
Sesame oil benefit no. 1: strengthening the skin’s natural barrier
Like most natural plant oils, sesame oil is particularly valuable for strengthening the skin’s hydrolipidic film. What exactly is that? It is the skin’s natural barrier, a blend of sebum and sweat, which helps to limit water loss and maintain hydration. This is down to its composition, a combination of three fatty acids: palmitic acid, stearic acid and oleic acid. It therefore helps to keep skin comfortable and hydrated, without leaving it greasy (it has a dry-touch finish).
Benefit no. 2: an oil rich in antioxidants
Another quality of sesame oil: it is rich in antioxidant compounds. It contains oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid (omega-9) that nourishes the skin and contributes to its suppleness. It also contains B-group vitamins, including B3, as well as vitamin K. It is rich in tocopherol, better known as vitamin E, known for its antioxidant properties. Finally, it contains lignans (natural compounds) and phytic acid, both recognised for their antioxidant activity. Sesame oil therefore has its place in a skincare routine for skin that needs a little extra gentleness over time.
Benefit no. 3: nourishing dry skin
Sesame oil is well suited to dry and delicate skin. It is rich in linoleic acid, an essential omega-6 fatty acid that nourishes the skin and helps to maintain its barrier. Skin lacking in lipids tends to dry out and feel tight more easily. Sesame oil also contains two notable amino acids, arginine and methionine. Massaged in, it leaves skin feeling supple and comfortable. If you have a wound or a scar that is slow to heal, ask a doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Benefit no. 4: a gentle choice for sensitive skin
Another quality: sesame oil is suitable for skincare routines intended for sensitive skin. It contains alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid. However, if you have acne, eczema, psoriasis, a wound or swelling, ask a doctor or dermatologist for advice before applying anything.
Sesame oil: a good choice for stretch marks?
What about sesame oil for stretch marks? It has its place in your routine! Applied regularly, it takes care of the skin in the areas concerned, whether stretch marks are already there or you simply want to pamper your skin during a period of change. Here is why:
- By preserving the quality of the hydrolipidic film, sesame oil helps to maintain the skin’s resilience, hydration and elasticity, for more supple-feeling skin.
- Its fluid texture and dry-touch finish make daily massage a pleasure, leaving skin feeling softer and more supple.
- Its antioxidant action helps to protect the skin from external aggressors, including pollutants and free radicals caused by sun exposure. And well-protected skin feels more comfortable day to day.
- Its nourishing and soothing properties make it a suitable choice for new, coloured stretch marks, which are often inflamed, as well as for older white stretch marks, to care for the skin in those areas.
Sesame oil is therefore an ally worth considering for all types of stretch marks, whether as a preventive step or as part of your skincare routine.
How to use sesame oil on stretch marks?
1- Applied on its own
As explained above, sesame oil works beautifully on its own. You can therefore apply it neat, massaging it into areas prone to stretch marks: typically the stomach, hips, buttocks, thighs or bust. You may also find that these massages give you a genuine moment of relaxation.
2- Combined with other oils
Sesame oil can also be blended with other natural plant oils, or even with essential oils, to create your own bespoke homemade stretch mark treatment. If you enjoy making your own cosmetics, you could try the blends below (if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor or midwife before using any essential oil):
- mix 15 ml of rosehip oil, 15 ml of sesame oil, 20 drops of Italian helichrysum essential oil and 15 drops of true lavender essential oil, to massage into areas with white stretch marks;
- combine 15 ml of sweet almond oil, 15 ml of sesame oil and essential oils of Italian helichrysum, rose geranium, true lavender and rockrose (10 drops of each), to care for red stretch marks;
- blend sesame, wheatgerm, evening primrose and rosehip oils, to massage your skin during pregnancy and care for areas prone to pregnancy stretch marks.
3- As a ready-to-use skincare product
As mentioned above, sesame oil features in many skincare products thanks to its undeniable qualities. At Cellublue, we were not about to miss out on its benefits. That is why it is one of the ingredients in one of our hero stretch mark products: the Stretch Mark Prevention Oil. This blend of 5 natural oils can be used by all women, including those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, on all areas of the body. Rich, nourishing and easy to absorb, it helps to keep skin supple and protected. Simply apply it every day to sensitive areas of the body and massage it in using small circular movements. It leaves skin soft and nourished, with no greasy residue.
The massage oil that helps prevent stretch marks from appearing*, during pregnancy and beyond
*User test on 21 volunteers over 3 weeks, based on participants' feedback.
- Why does it work?
Frequently asked questions
How do you use sesame oil on your face?
Sesame oil is mainly discussed here for use on the body. Every complexion reacts differently, so if your skin is oily, blemish-prone or sensitive, ask a dermatologist or pharmacist for advice before using it on your face.
Can you use sesame oil during pregnancy?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your doctor or midwife before using any plant oil, and especially before using a blend that contains essential oils. As for ready-to-use products, Cellublue’s Huile Prévention can be used by pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Should you choose pure sesame oil or a ready-to-use product?
It all depends on your habits. Pure sesame oil can be used on its own or in your homemade blends with other plant oils. If you prefer to keep things simple, Cellublue’s Huile Prévention combines 5 natural oils, including sesame oil, in a ready-to-apply product.
Related articles
- Sunflower oil: discover 5 of its benefits for your skin!
- Wheat germ oil: composition and uses for the skin
- Black seed oil and stretch marks: what you need to know
Useful categories: Stretch Mark Care, Stretch Mark Solutions.
