Can Olive Oil Help Treat Stretch Marks?
No. As per studies, olive oil does not have any impact on stretch marks.
A study found that applying olive oil could not prevent the development of stretch marks in primigravidae (women who were pregnant for the first time) (1).
In another study performed on subjects in their second trimester of pregnancy, the intervention group massaged olive oil on abdominal skin twice a day, while the control group did not use any oil.
Around 40% of the subjects in the intervention group and 50% of the subjects in the control group developed stretch marks. The researchers concluded that olive oil was not effective in reducing the occurrence of stretch marks by the end of the second trimester (2).
Another study evaluating the effect of olive oil came to a similar conclusion. The randomized controlled clinical trial involved 100 nulliparous pregnant women (women who gave birth to a stillborn baby or didn’t give birth yet). Fifty women in the treatment group applied 1 cc olive oil twice a day on the abdominal skin until delivery. The control group did not apply anything at all.
The study found that the frequency of severe stretch marks was lower in the group that used olive oil, but there was no statistical difference in the results of both the treatment and control groups. Olive oil increased the development of mild stretch marks. The study concluded that olive oil could not prevent stretch marks (3). However, one non-experimental study found a link between olive oil and lower incidence of stretch marks (4). Most studies found olive oil not suitable for the skin for the following reasons:
It may aggravate atopic dermatitis and xerosis (abnormal skin dryness) (5).
It affects the skin barrier and causes erythema (redness due to inflammation) (6).
It affects increases the rate of transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which means that your skin loses moisture fast. This affects the natural skin barrier (7).
On the other hand, olive oil was also found to have wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects when applied topically. However, the study was done on mice, and olive oil may not have the same effect on human skin (8). If you want to go ahead and use olive oil for stretch marks, use it along with other skin-protecting and nourishing ingredients. Here are a few DIY remedies that you may try.
How To Use Olive Oil For Stretch Marks
Note: When using olive oil, make sure you are using cold-pressed or extra virgin olive oil.
1. Olive Oil And Shea Butter
Shea butter is widely used in skin care and cosmetics products, especially moisturizers. Any cream containing shea butter has the same effect on the skin as ceramide-containing products (9). You Will Need
1 tablespoon of raw shea butter 1 teaspoon of cold-pressed olive oil
Method
2. Olive Oil And Coffee Grounds
There is no proof that scrubbing can reduce stretch marks. However, using coffee grounds for scrubbing may help get rid of dead skin cells and keep the area soft. You Will Need
1 tablespoon of coffee grounds 1-2 teaspoons of cold-pressed olive oil
Method
3. Olive Oil And Coconut Oil
Coconut oil prevents TEWL or transepidermal water loss to keep your skin moisturized. It also protects the skin from sun damage or UV damage (10). You Will Need
1 tablespoon of cold-pressed coconut oil 1 teaspoon of cold-pressed olive oil
Method Caution: Do not use this remedy if you frequently get pimples on your face or body.
4. Olive Oil And Turmeric
Turmeric may not have any direct effect on stretch marks, but it has a therapeutic impact on your skin and can keep it healthy (11). You Will Need
½ teaspoon of turmeric powder 1 tablespoon of cold-pressed olive oil
Method
5. Olive Oil And Aloe Vera
Aloe vera contains mucopolysaccharides that help bind moisture to your skin. It also promotes the development of collagen and elastin fibres (12). This may help improve your stretch marks. You Will Need
1-2 tablespoons of fresh aloe vera pulp ½ teaspoon of cold-pressed olive oil
Method
6. Olive Oil And Brown Sugar
The coarse sugar scrub is a natural way of sloughing off the dead skin cells and dirt from the skin. This helps to keep your skin soft and smooth. You Will Need
2 tablespoons of brown sugar 1 tablespoon of cold-pressed olive oil
Method
7. Olive Oil And Bitter Almond Oil
A study found that massaging the stretch marks for 15 minutes with bitter almond oil during pregnancy reduced the development of stretch marks (13). You Will Need
2-3 drops of bitter almond oil A tablespoon of cold-pressed olive oil
Method These are a few ways to use olive oil for treating stretch marks. However, you need to be careful while using it.
Precautions While Using Olive Oil For Stretch Marks
Olive oil may not be the right choice for topical application as it may:
Cause skin dryness Aggravate atopic dermatitis Affect the skin’s natural barrier Cause redness
If you have any skin condition, such as atopic dermatitis or eczema, it is better to avoid olive oil. Also, if you have sensitive skin, avoid olive oil. There is a possibility that you might be allergic to olive oil. Hence, do a patch test before using it. If you are keen on using olive oil, always opt for good quality, cold-pressed olive oil. Also, make sure that you are storing it in a glass bottle, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Otherwise, it may turn rancid. In case of any adverse effects, contact your doctor immediately. What kind of olive oil is best for stretch marks? Olive oil may not fade stretch marks. However, if you want to try it out, use cold-pressed or extra virgin olive oil. Does olive oil fade stretch marks? No. Studies state that it may not be suitable for your skin and can cause dryness and moisture loss. How long do stretch marks take to fade? Stretch marks usually take about 3 to 6 months to fade and almost a year to mature and disappear. Does olive oil lighten skin? Olive oil doesn’t have skin-lightening effects. But it does offer mild UV protection, and potentially helps reduce redness and wrinkles. It also tones the skin (14).
