The skin is bound by collagen. Sudden stretching of the skin causes it to weaken damaging the skin. This, in turn, results in stretch marks appearing.
Stretch marks tend to change the pigment of one’s skin. In many cases, these marks occur with pregnancy or with a sudden weight increase.
For many women, stretch marks are heart-wrenching. No one wants to have them, sadly though they keep appearing.
The downside is that there is no known cure to these silvery colored lines on one’s body. There is no known preventive measure either. Nevertheless, there are a number of products available that claim to fade out and or treat stretch marks making them less visible. Unfortunately, some of these treatments have been said to cause adverse effects. Many of them are also quite expensive and not affordable for the average person.
A number of plant-based creams and oils like avocado oils and olive oil have been praised for stretch marks removal. This article focuses on coconut oil. One might be asking, is coconut oil good for stretch marks? Please read on for a few beneficial tips on how to use coconut oil for stretch marks.
Using Coconut Oil for Stretch Marks
How does coconut oil remove stretch marks?
One of the efficient ways to prevent stretch marks is by keeping the skin well hydrated, supple and elastic. Coconut oil is a good aid in this as it is a great natural skin moisturizer. An application of coconut oil hydrates the skin keeping it elastic thus reducing the chances of stretch marks occurring.
Real Benefits of Using Stretch Mark Coconut Oil
Moisturizes the skin
Using stretch mark coconut oil will not only help fade existing stretch marks but also prevent new ones from occurring. Coconut is renowned for its moisture retention reducing the chances of skin breakage caused by rapid stretching.
Skin lightening pigments
Coconut oil for stretch marks naturally aids the skin in lightening darker segments that appear like marks. This is said to help stretch marks fade out as time progresses.
Boosts collagen production
Collagen plays a major role in the skin’s elasticity. However, its natural production can diminish with time due to age, poor diets, poor health or other related factors. Some researchers say stretch marks coconut oil helps promote the skin’s health, while naturally increasing collagen production.
How to Use Coconut Oil For Stretch Marks Effectively
One can find coconut oil at the drug stores, beauty shops or supermarkets. However, does coconut oil help stretch marks? Here is how to effectively use coconut oil on stretch marks
Wash the affected areas carefully before making any applications. Pat them dry.
Take a generous amount of coconut oil on the palm of the hand and apply. People with dry skin are advised to be more generous, but those with oily skin types should use smaller amounts.
Apply and massage this oil on all the affected areas. Be sure to rub until it is well absorbed.
For better results, one may leave the oil on overnight.
For more effective results, users are advised to warm the coconut oil a little before application, leave it overnight and rinse off the following morning with lukewarm water. Do this while taking note of coconut oil stretch marks before and after applications.
Coconut oil can be blended with castor oil for skin moisturization.
Note: Coconut oil can leave stains, users are advised to take precautions with bright fabrics.
Advantages of Using Coconut Oil for Stretch Marks
As already mentioned, coconut oil has many benefits as compared to other stretch mark treatments.
Below are some benefits associated with coconut oil and stretch marks
- It is affordable and available
- A soothing fragrance. Many people find the coconut scent appealing
- It is a natural remedy; no reported side effects
- Dermatologists say coconut oil is rich in anti-aging pigments
- Coconut oil is a natural source of vitamin E which keeps the skin healthy
- It has antibacterial benefits which help prevent scars and infections
- It is well absorbed through the dermis and epidermis layers
Other Health Benefits of Coconut Oil
Besides skin care, coconut oil has hundreds of health benefits. These benefits include but are not limited to hair care and immunity boost.
Hair care
Besides using coconut oil stretch marks, consider introducing a coconut based hair product for your hair. This oil is said to boost healthy hair growth while giving it a shiny appearance. Users say coconut oil also serves as a dandruff remedy. Some people use coconut oil with the intent to repair damaged and broken hair.
Weight loss
Coconut oil has fatty acids responsible for shedding off excess weight. Research suggests that coconut oil boosts metabolism thus burning energy helping obese people lose weight.
Boosts immunity
Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, antimicrobial lipids, and other acids. Some of these acids have antibacterial benefits.
Precautions
Stretch marks do not occur in one day. They cannot disappear in one day either. Treatment calls for patience and consistency. Using coconut oil on stretch marks does not guarantee that they will disappear in a flash.
Does coconut oil help with stretch marks? Yes they do but here are a few things one should know
Do not expect instant results. However, coconut oil will help stretch marks stay less apparent and properly moisturized
Always apply coconut oil for stretch marks on clean skin
The effectiveness of stretch marks removal products is dependent on the intensity of the stretch marks
Other recommended stretch marks removal items are Shea butter, avocado oil or cocoa butter
The most efficient way to limit the occurrence of stretch marks is by keeping one’s skin well hydrated at all times. The surest way of doing this is by taking enough amounts of water.
Even after using coconut oil on stretch marks, remember to drink water.In a nutshell, coconut oil is a natural, affordable way of treating stretch marks from the comfort of your home. Go on, give it a try.
