10 Natural Remedies (That Work!) for Stretch Marks, Scars and Acne
If you’ve been battling with different stretch mark and scar products for years to no avail, then keep reading. There are many natural remedies for stretch marks and other scars caused by wounds or acne, but the most effective lie in the power of essential oils and other plant-based oils like vitamin E and castor oil.
Many essential oils have regenerative properties that stimulate cell renewal, dissolve scar tissue and significantly reduce the appearance of scars.
Don’t fall for chemical-laden creams that will lead to other side effects – give these oils a try! Although there isn’t really any “cure” for stretch marks and scars, these oils will significantly reduce their visibility and you’ll feel more confident in your body in no time.
The skin can be somewhat sensitive to essential oils, so diluting them in a carrier oil like grape seed oil is recommended. Grape seed oil actually contains regenerative properties and helps the skin retain the balance of epithelium and nerve cells, which reduces the appearance of stretch marks.
Lastly, make sure you put each of these oils on at least twice per day (once in the morning, and once at night).
Here are the best 10 oils that help eliminate stretch marks, scars and acne scars:
Geranium Oil
Geranium essential oil is a cicatrisant, meaning that it helps scars and other spots on the skin to vanish and fade. It improves blood circulation below the skin surface, and helps promote a uniform distribution of melanin.
Helychrysum Oil
This oil comes from the evergreen plant, and smells similar to that of honey. It helps to recover damaged skin and improves blood circulation. Helychrysum contains “diketones,” which reduce scar tissue and stimulate the growth of new skin. It also possesses strong antibacterial properties, which is useful for those with acne-prone skin.
Rosehip Oil
Rosehip essential oil is high in fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamin A (a form similar to Retin-A), which is used in many anti-aging products. It contains outstanding skin rejuvenating properties, acting on the cell membranes and initiating their regeneration. It can intensify acne, so maybe just use this oil on the body and avoid the face.
Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter is a great treatment for scarring, thanks to its superior moisturizing abilities. It is a common belief that cocoa butter is the best cure for stretch marks, but this isn’t true unless you ensure the butter is 100% pure. Making sure the skin is adequately moisturized is key when trying to prevent scarring in the first place, making cocoa butter a great moisturizer for pregnant women and their growing bellies.
Frankincense Oil
Frankincense can be used for aging skin, as well as applied to cuts and scraps to help heal and reduce their appearance. It is one of the best oils for fighting the marks left behind by acne, and can improve the look of stretch marks and other wound-related scars.
Lavender Oil
Aside from helping calm and relax, lavender is great for pesky stretch marks. It helps to rejuvenate skin tone, and is known for it’s ability to heal and repair scarring and stretch marks. It can also be used around new wounds, helping the body to regenerate new cells while reducing the likelihood of scarring.
Patchouli Oil
Patchouli isn’t just an oil used by hippies, it is incredibly beneficial to the skin, speeding the healing process of cuts and wounds, while improving the fading of scars. It is also effective in helping eliminate boil, acne and measle marks.
Jasmine Oil
Jasmine essential oil increases the skin’s elasticity and naturally reduces dryness. It can improve the appearance of scarring left by boils, acne and chicken pox and can help firm the skin (great for those with saggy skin) and fade stretch marks.
Castor Oil
According to Ayurveda, castor oil is one of the best remedies for stretch mark removal. It also helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and scars left behind by acne. Castor oil contains undercylenic acid, which disinfects the skin and helps kill the bacteria that normally causes acne.
Neroli Oil
Neroli oil smells beautiful, and it also does beautiful things for the skin, too! Neroli fixes sagging skin, and prevents the appearance of stretch marks and scars. It also helps heal broken capillaries and banishes acne.