Olive oil for stretch marks during pregnancy

What are stretch marks and why do they appear during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, the expectant mother's body undergoes significant changes: in particular, the abdomen and breasts increase. As the volume of the body increases, the skin stretches. If there is no decrease in the level of collagen and elastin, the skin successfully adapts to the new conditions. If the amount of collagen and elastin nevertheless decreases for certain reasons (genetic predisposition to the formation of stretch marks, the presence of endocrine disorders, rapid weight changes, the presence of sharp fluctuations in hormonal levels), stretching or rupture of collagen and elastic fibers occurs. As a result, striae appear on the surface of the skin - scar formations. Usually they are located longitudinally (less often transversely), parallel to each other.

Striae do not pose any danger to the health of the expectant mother, but they are a cosmetic defect. Depending on their number and color, stretch marks can be either subtle or pronounced. They are usually localized in those areas of the body where the skin is subject to the greatest stretch. During pregnancy, such areas become the abdomen, chest, and less commonly, the hips and buttocks. The width of the striae ranges from 1 to 5 mm, the length from 0.5 to 10 cm. The color varies from flesh-pearl (almost imperceptible) to dark pink, bluish and purple.

Types of scars

To get rid of a scar after a cut, you need to correctly determine its nature:

normotrophic;
atrophic;
hypertrophic;
or keloid.

Normotrophic - a thin light line at the same level with the surrounding skin, almost invisible and elastic. Such a scar does not disappear on its own, but it does not interfere with normal life.

An atrophic scar is a depression, that is, a pockmark or hole, and is clearly visible on the body. Unlike a normotrophic one, an atrophic scar makes the skin flabby and ages prematurely. This is due to a lack of protein and collagen in damaged cells.

Hypertrophic and keloid scars are similar in appearance: they rise above the surface of healthy skin, and young scars are red or pink in color due to internal pressure on the capillaries. With age they fade to white. Scars differ in that keloid tends to grow over time, while hypertrophic scars remain within the boundaries of the injury.

Olive oil against stretch marks: what are its benefits?

When choosing olive oil for stretch marks as an alternative to professional cosmetic products, some women doubt its effectiveness. Such doubts are due to the relatively low cost of oil compared to professional cosmetics and services. Let's figure out whether olive oil helps with stretch marks and, if so, what causes its beneficial effects on the skin.

Olive oil contains the following active components that have a positive effect on the condition of the skin:

Vitamin E (tocopherol). Tocopherol takes part in the synthesis of collagen and elastin fibers, the lack of which leads to the formation of stretch marks. In addition, vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps remove free radicals and slow down the aging process of the skin. It also provides a tightening effect by restoring skin tone, improves cellular respiration and the processes of regeneration of damaged cells.
Vitamin B4 (choline). This vitamin helps normalize the condition of skin membranes, increase skin elasticity, and nourish it.
Vitamin K. The action of vitamin K, which is part of olive oil, is aimed at improving blood circulation in the small vessels of the skin and evening out its tone. This property of olive oil for stretch marks is especially important if the color of the stretch marks stands out against the background of healthy skin.
Vitamin A (retinol). Retinol helps improve blood circulation, affects cellular renewal processes, has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin's texture, and increases skin elasticity and firmness.
Potassium. Potassium moisturizes the skin and is involved in the renewal of its cells.
Magnesium. Magnesium is involved in the synthesis of the main building material of the skin - protein, and also helps eliminate free radicals.
Phosphorus. This microelement takes part in protein synthesis.
Calcium. Calcium improves keratinization processes, participates in the regulation of lipid production, increases the tone of the walls of small blood vessels, and improves skin lymphatic drainage.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic and oleic). The effectiveness of olive oil against stretch marks during pregnancy is due to the presence of essential polyunsaturated acids in its composition. Linoleic and oleic acids inhibit the destruction of collagen, the lack of which is what causes the formation of stretch marks. They also help improve skin elasticity and tone, improve the condition of small blood vessels, accelerate cell regeneration processes, provide normal nutrition, and restore the lipid barrier.

As you can see, thanks to its valuable composition, the use of olive oil for stretch marks during pregnancy can reduce their signs and speed up the process of restoration of damaged skin.

Mechanism of action

During pregnancy, the mother's skin stretches significantly as the fetus grows. The process is quite fast, during which the woman’s body does not have time to produce enough collagen, which ensures the elasticity and correct structure of the skin.

As a result, there is a rupture of the deep fibers of the epidermis, more pronounced in problem areas, such as the surface of the abdomen, chest, thighs and buttocks.

Long, unsightly stripes that are a different color from the surrounding fabric. The skin underneath, lacking sufficient blood supply and, accordingly, nutrients, ages faster, aggravating the problem with an even flabby and sagging appearance.

Tanning will not help here; it only more clearly marks the boundaries of problem areas, creating a contrast in color due to pigmentation.

Important factors of heredity and hormonal changes contribute to the development of the problem.

The following will help prevent sprains:

competent selection of lingerie items specially designed for pregnant women;
a thoughtful daily routine, with a balanced diet, optimal physical activity and proper rest;
use of appropriate modern cosmetology products.

Of the numerous external care products intended for pregnant women, the advantage of natural, natural compositions is undeniable.

For example, vegetable oils, among which olive oil occupies a leading position. It has unique properties to moisturize the skin and promote collagen production. Stretch marks violate the integrity of the skin structures, and the properties of the oil help restore its structure.

Other oils can bring no less benefit to the expectant mother. For example, almond oil is effective in the fight and prevention of stretch marks, castor oil will help to begin labor if it does not occur, tea tree esters can be used for various unpleasant conditions that accompany pregnancy (toxicosis, candidiasis, hemorrhoids, varicose veins and others)

The mechanism of action of olive oil is due to the presence of the following components:

Vitamin E accelerates skin restoration at the cellular level and is included in all known remedies for stretch marks and stretch marks.
Vitamin A increases skin elasticity and stimulates collagen production.
Vitamins K and D improve not only the structure of the skin of mother and child, but also strengthen their skeletal system.
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, high-density lipoproteins, and other numerous beneficial elements with antioxidant effects improve the overall health of a woman and her unborn child, nourish and regenerate the skin, enhancing its protective functions.

Olive oil for stretch marks during pregnancy: how to use?

In order for the use of olive oil to give maximum effect, it is important to choose and apply it correctly. The best option would be to purchase a pure, unrefined, natural cold-pressed product - this type of olive oil is called Extra Virgin. It retains the maximum amount of nutrients and vitamins.

To get rid of stretch marks during pregnancy, olive oil can be used both on its own and as a base for preparing homemade scrubs, wraps, and creams. In this case, auxiliary components are added to it - for example, essential oils, sea salt, oatmeal, mumiyo, etc.

Olive oil to prevent stretch marks

This herbal product should be used regularly, every day. In addition, the best effect will be obtained when combined with the following essential oils:

Lemon is a good antioxidant. Helps resolve scars and improves overall skin condition before and after childbirth.
Tangerine - helps in the prevention and prevention of stretch marks.
Cypress - helps to lose weight by strengthening the vascular system and water-electrolyte balance. Normalizes metabolism.
Grapefruit - used to prevent stretch marks.
Geranium – reduces swelling and improves skin condition.
Tea tree oil – normalizes metabolic processes.
Rosemary oil - used against swelling during pregnancy.
Jasmine – used as a skin tonic.
Orange and ylang-ylang oils are used to moisturize the skin.

For good results, you should use several ways to consume olive oil. They will be described below.

Home Remedies with Olive Oil for Stretch Marks: Recipes

To combat stretch marks, you can use the following methods to prevent their formation:

Use olive oil for a gentle massage. The oil can be used in its pure form, or you can add a few drops of essential oils to it. Essential oils of geranium, frankincense, mandarin, and lavender fight stretch marks well.
You can achieve good results by adding a few drops of olive oil to professional creams for stretch marks.
You can take warm (but not hot) baths with 200 ml of olive oil.
Good results are obtained by using a homemade cream prepared from 1 sachet of badyagi powder, diluted with olive oil to a thick mushy mass.

Compresses

Compresses are especially good for treating local areas of skin prone to stretch marks. It is especially convenient to use them to combat stretch marks on the chest during pregnancy.

Anti-stretch mark oil recipe for compresses during pregnancy

2 drops of lavender oil;
1 drop of geranium oil;
1 drop of petite grain oil;

Dilute the prepared mixture in 200 ml of water at room temperature. Soak a gauze napkin in water and apply a compress to the problem area. Soak the gauze napkin in this mixture and apply a compress to the problem area for 15 minutes. Carry out this procedure 3-4 times a week.

La-Cri products are an effective remedy for combating stretch marks

In addition to using olive oil for stretch marks during pregnancy, you can use special La-Cri products that prevent the formation of stretch marks.

La-Cri MAMA emulsion is used as a prophylactic agent that provides effective skin protection in high-risk areas and prevents the formation of stretch marks in them. La-Cri MAMA Emulsion contains wheat germ, ylang-ylang, mandarin, peach and almond oils, vitamin E, licorice and violet extracts.
Oil for the prevention of stretch marks La-Cri MAMA is excellent for performing a delicate massage. It is made on the basis of wheat germ oil, rosemary essential oil, bisabolol and vitamin E.

How to remove an old cut scar

To get rid of cut scars older than 1 year, home applications and physical therapy may not be enough. In serious cases, for example, overgrown keloids, the doctor may even prescribe surgical excision of the scar - a full-fledged operation with anesthesia.

What can you do about old scars:

contact a cosmetologist;
undergo a course of physiotherapy in combination with Fermenkol applications;
surgery (prescribed in the most extreme cases).

Let's talk in more detail about each method.

Using cosmetology

The nature of the scar determines which method of reducing it will be effective. So, for atrophic scars, the cosmetologist will offer filler injections and needling. To eliminate a keloid or hypertrophic scar - the introduction of hormones, radiotherapy, peelings and cryotherapy.

Filler injections involve the introduction of fillers into the pits of the skin, which should nourish the depleted cells with collagen and various vitamins, while filling the space until the relief is completely aligned with healthy skin.
Needling is the making of small wounds in the area of a scar, as a result of which, when healing, it rises to the surface of the adjacent skin.
The introduction of hormones prevents the formation of connective tissue, thereby inhibiting the process of keloid growth.
Radiotherapy is carried out immediately after surgical removal of the keloid. Despite the fact that the effect of ions is local and the dose of radiation is small, this method is contraindicated for pregnant women.

Any of the procedures involves additional damage to the problem area and is associated with a feeling of discomfort. In addition, you cannot get rid of a scar in one session; you need to take a whole course.

Through medical operations

In any case, before starting any manipulations with the scar, you should consult your doctor. This applies to both fresh and old scars!

For an overgrown keloid or large hypertrophic scar, a specialist may recommend surgical excision or skin grafting.

Excision of a scar is accompanied by a serious risk : the scar may develop complications, increase in size larger than before, grow inaccurately, or cause bleeding. The success of the operation depends not only on the professionalism of the surgeon, but also on the characteristics of the patient: his immunity, the presence of a genetic predisposition to the formation of scars or diseases such as diabetes, oncology or AIDS.

Skin grafting is performed in cases of large areas of injury: burns or serious wounds, especially if the scar is in a visible place, for example, on the face or arm.

In addition to the risks and the presence of contraindications (which in the case of surgery are greater than in the case of physiotherapy or cosmetology), any of the methods provides for a rehabilitation period, physiotherapy procedures and applications with anti-scar agents are prescribed.

Clinical researches

The effectiveness, safety and tolerability of products for children and adults has been proven by clinical studies. The products are also suitable for daily skin care of children with mild to moderate forms of atopic dermatitis (including the period of remission), accompanied by a decrease in the quality of life of patients. As a result of therapy, a decrease in the activity of the inflammatory process, a decrease in dryness, itching and flaking was noted.

La-Cri cosmetics, according to research results, are recommended by the Russian Union of Pediatricians. All products are approved for use in pregnant women. The safety of “La-Cri” is confirmed by research by scientists from the AILC of the Federal State Institution “R.R. Vreden Russian Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics” and numerous government certificates.

Sources:

Schneiderman Paul, Grossman Mark, Differential diagnosis in dermatology. Atlas, Binom, 2021.
Yagodka Valentina Stepanovna, Medicinal plants in dermatology and cosmetology, Naukova Dumka publishing house, 1991.
Molochkova Yulia Vladimirovna, Dermatology. Brief reference book, GEOTAR-Media, 2021.

Vitamins and minerals

Olive oil for stretch marks during pregnancy is recommended not only because it is a natural remedy without contraindications. It has already been said that it is safe and does not harm either the woman or the unborn baby. Therefore, you should pay attention to the basic properties of this substance.

The thing is that olive oil is enriched with vitamin E. It is extremely important for improving the condition of the skin and its elasticity. Vitamin E is generally used not only during pregnancy. With its help, you can not only get rid of stretch marks, but also prevent the early appearance of wrinkles.

This product also helps moisturize the skin. Olive oil is an excellent natural moisturizer that does not cause allergies. Another key to success in preventing the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy!

Calcium is another substance that olive oil is rich in. It helps not only bones, but also skin. This means that there is a possibility that this remedy will really help cope with skin problems that arise during the period of “interesting situation”.