4 Reasons Why You Should Use Coconut Oil for Stretch Marks

Coconut oil has been gaining popularity in recent years for its many health benefits, and many people now swear by it as a natural remedy for a variety of skin issues including stretch marks. 

There are claims that coconut oil for stretch marks can reduce the appearance of these marks and even help to prevent them from occurring in the first place. But is there any truth to these claims? 

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the science behind using coconut oil for stretch marks to determine if it really can make a difference.

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What are Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks, also called striae, are scars on the skin caused by rapid stretching. They usually appear during rapid growth stages like puberty, pregnancy, or muscle building. 

Stretch marks usually start as red or purple lines, and over time they may become lighter and resemble white or silvery streaks on the skin. 

Common areas for stretch marks to appear are the stomach, thighs, hips, lower back, and breasts. 

While not a health risk, many people find stretch marks to be aesthetically displeasing. Coconut oil is often thought to be an effective way of reducing the appearance of these scars.

Read: Top 10 Best Stretch Mark Creams Reviews – Prevent and Fade Stretch Marks

What Causes Stretch Marks

Stretch marks occur when the skin’s lower layers of connective tissue, called the dermis, are stretched beyond their capacity. When the skin is stretched to its breaking point, it weakens and breaks the collagen fibers within its layers, allowing the blood vessels underneath to show through and creating the characteristic ridges of stretch marks. 

Dry skin is less elastic and more likely to tear than nourished, hydrated skin, making it more likely to form stretch marks. Keeping skin hydrated and supple with coconut oil for stretch marks can help reduce the occurrence or even eliminate them altogether. 

Coconut oil provides much needed moisture and nutrients that help keep skin strong and resilient. Applying a layer of coconut oil regularly can make all the difference in preventing stretch marks.

What is Coconut Oil? 

Coconut oil is a natural, white substance extracted from the meat of mature coconuts. It is rich in nutrients, such as fatty acids, Vitamin E, and lauric acid, which are known to have health benefits when used topically. 

When it comes to stretch marks, coconut oil is commonly used to reduce their appearance because of its moisturizing properties. 

Applying coconut oil to stretch marks can help them fade faster, improve the texture of the skin, and prevent new ones from forming. 

The antioxidants found in coconut oil can also help heal existing stretch marks, making them less visible. 

4 Benefit of Coconut Oil for Stretch Marks

1. Keeps skin moisturized: Coconut oil is an excellent emollient and can help keep skin hydrated, making it less prone to stretch marks. 

2. Increases Collagen: Its high lauric acid content makes it easy to absorb deep into the skin’s layers, promoting healthy collagen production. 

3. Reduces inflammation: Existing stretch marks may benefit from coconut oil’s anti-inflammatory properties. The deep hydration it provides may also reduce the itching accompanied by stretch marks.

4. Tones skin’s complexion: coconut oil can even out blemishes and dark spots when massaged directly into the skin. 

Application of Coconut Oil for Stretch Marks

To use coconut oil for stretch marks, simply apply a small amount of it directly onto the affected area and massage it into the skin. Let it soak in for around 15 minutes before dressing.  

For best results, repeat this process twice daily, and be sure to use pure, organic coconut oil that has not been processed or had any additives added.

Kirkland Organic Virgin Coconut Oil 

Kirkland Organic Virgin Coconut Oil is an affordable and effective way to treat stretch marks. It is a cold-pressed, unrefined, organic oil that has never been chemically treated or altered. This oil has an excellent moisturizing effect and can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks by helping the skin retain moisture.

Kirkland Organic Virgin Coconut Oil can be applied directly onto the affected area, or it can be mixed with shea butter, cocoa butter, and other natural oils. 

It is essential to massage the coconut oil into the affected area in a circular motion until it is fully absorbed. This helps the oil penetrate deeply into the skin to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

Other Ways to Prevent Stretch Marks

Aside from using coconut oil for stretch marks, there are other ways to prevent them from forming or make existing marks less visible. 

Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly:  This helps improve skin elasticity which can reduce the occurrence of stretch marks. Avoid crash diets as they lead to sudden weight loss, which can cause the skin to become weak and more prone to stretch marks. 

Stay moisturized: Keep your skin moisturized with lotions, creams, and oils. This helps the skin retain its elasticity and prevents any further damage. 

Avoid hot showers: Use warm water instead since hot water strips away the natural oils from your skin and makes it dry and brittle. 

Stay hydrated: Dehydration can cause your skin to lose its elasticity, making it more prone to developing stretch marks.

For more tips on how to prevent and fade stretch marks read our: Top 10 Effortless Home Remedies for Stretch Marks.