Stretch Marks - Oh Why Do We Get Them?
So What Exactly Are Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks are scars which appear in the dermis, the layer of skin which helps skin maintain its shape. When the dermis is put under strain the collagen fibers actually tear and the result is similar to scarring. They mostly appear in areas of the body with higher fat layers like thighs, under arms, across the tummy, on the buttocks and on the breasts. Stretch marks can appear after a radical change in body shape like gaining and losing weight quickly, going through puberty, weight training and they are an occupational hazard of pregnancy – these are the times when the skin is stretched and parts of the dermis are damaged.
The marks will fade in time and are not hazardous to our health, however that doesn’t mean we have to like them!
Stretch marks are most common in women, but they do appear on men as well especially if they have gained extra weight and then lose it again very quickly or if they are involved in strenuous weight training regimes.
There are many treatments on the market at the moment, like laser treatments, special creams and unguents, fasting, special diets etc.
All have their pros and cons, some will work on the stretch marks and maybe others will not be so effective. It depends on the severity of the stretch marks and your emotional response to the look of them as to what methods you use to try to reduce them.
Stretch Marks Essential Oils Recipes
Essential oils can reach through the dermis and reduce the scarring. But the best solution is to try to prevent them in the first place! Consider ensuring sufficient Vitamin C intake during the early stages of stretch mark formation to help with collagen formation. Continue to exercise – walking is great for keeping the skin toned. And, to prevent stretch marks on the breasts, perform pectoral muscle stretches and strengthening exercises.
Please remember that it is best not to use essential oils if you are pregnant or breastfeeding without the advice of a qualified Aromatherapist as the oils can be transferred to your baby and she may not respond well to them.
Recipe One
Ingredients:
- 15 drops Geranium essential oil
- 15 drops Lavender essential oil
- 30mls carrier oil
Directions:
Massage over thighs and breasts after a warm shower. Do this daily.
Recipe Two
Ingredients:
- Fennel essential oil
- Lemongrass essential oil
- Angelica essential oil
- Spearmint essential oil
Use a combination of these oils in a carrier oil in a ratio of 30 drops of essential oil to 30ml carrier oil.
The best carrier oils to use are Grapeseed or Sweet Almond.
Directions:
Massage over each breast and your thighs each day after a warm shower.
Recipe Three
Ingredients:
- 30ml Sweet Almond oil
- 15ml Wheatgerm oil
- 10 drops Borage Seed oil
- 5 drops Carrot oil
Directions:
Mix together and use wherever the marks are by the method outlined above.
