Stretch marks occur when the skin is stretched so tightly that the elastic fibers of the skin break. They usually appear on the breasts, hips, stomach and thighs. There are many commercial creams available for stretch mark removal, but a good natural alternative is rosehip oil. This essential oil contains skin-repairing ingredients such as polyunsaturated fatty acids and Vitamin A. It is also mild enough to be used on even the most sensitive skin.
Rosehip Oil Basics
Rosehip oil is extracted from Chilean rose seeds. According to Mountain Rose Herbs, a study conducted by skin care specialists revealed that rosehip oil greatly reduces the appearance of imperfections in the skin, including wrinkles and stretch marks.
Rosehip oil is the only vegetable oil that naturally contains Vitamin A, which has anti-aging properties such as cell regeneration and collagen promotion. It helps promote skin cell growth and reproduction, in turn regenerating damaged skin. The oil also contains essential fatty acids (oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids) and Vitamin E, which help moisturize skin to keep it radiant and healthy. It is also referred to as a "dry" oil, which means that when applied to the skin, it does not leave an oily film.
Rosehip oil is often sold with about 0.5 percent Vitamin E oil mixed in. This is because the polyunsaturated fatty acids will reduce the shelf life of rosehip oil to less than six months. Adding Vitamin E oil keeps the rosehip oil fresh for at least two years.
Application
Use your fingers to massage about three drops of oil into the area where the stretch marks are the most prominent. It is important to use your fingers, not a cotton ball, because rosehip is a dry oil, it absorbs quickly into whatever surface it touches. If you don't want the oil on your fingers, use synthetic cotton balls instead of real cotton balls. Synthetic cotton balls are made of a non-absorbing material. Rub the rosehip oil into your skin until it is completely absorbed. Once applied, the area does not need to be covered. Rosehip oil is a moisturizer, and can be used like any lotion. Apply the oil two to three times daily, and your stretch marks should look visibly faded after about three weeks.
Rosehip oil is great for sensitive skin, and can be used continuously for a long period of time as a regular moisturizer. Apply after showering just as you would any lotion or moisturizing cream. It is best not to apply the oil right before bathing because it will wash off with soap and water.
Warnings
When applying rosehip oil, it is important to keep in mind that additional sun protection will be needed. Because new cells are being brought to the skin's surface, they are susceptible to more sun damage than already damaged skin. Many times, you can purchase rosehip oil skin serums containing sesame seed oil, which is a natural ultraviolet ray repellent. If you are only using the rosehip essential oil, use a moisturizer with sunscreen in it to protect your skin.
Also, even though rosehip oil is a "dry" oil, it can still stain delicate clothing. Take care when applying by keeping any clothing away from the area until the oil is completely absorbed.
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