Coconut Oil for Stretch Marks: 5 Beauty Remedies That Work Wonders

In today’s day and age, everyone wants to be perfect with the ideal body structure, sharp features and flawless skin. Nothing much can be done about the first two as they depend on one’s genes, but the latter can be worked towards. Stretch marks, also known as striae distensae, are long, depressed bands on the skin that appear as either red, purple or silvery white, depending on skin colour. They are dermal scars or disfiguring lesions that tend to occur near the hips, buttocks, thighs, armpits, stomach, chest, etc. They can be found in both men and women, but more commonly affect women, almost up to 40-90% of women.

According to Dr. Jangid, a senior dermatologist at SkinQure, New Delhi, “Stretch marks are formed due to the incapability of the lower skin (dermis) to stretch as much as the upper skin. During pregnancy or bodybuilding, the skin is stretched as the body grows. But after pregnancy or when an individual stops working out, the body regains its previous size. The skin isn’t able to go back to its original size and leaves stretch marks behind. It doesn’t just affect the superficial skin, but also the deeper dermis. To get rid of the scars, both the layers of the skin need to be treated.”

Coconut Oil for Stretch Marks

Coconut oil can be used in the following ways:

1. Plain Coconut Oil

•    Take a few drops of coconut oil and massage it on the affected area.
•    Wait for a while for it to be assimilated by the skin.
•    Apply daily.

2. Coconut Oil with Castor Oil

•    Take and blend equal amounts of coconut oil and castor oil.
•    Rub it on the affected area.
•    Wait for a while for it to be absorbed.
•    Apply daily.

3. Coconut Oil with Turmeric

•    Take 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and blend it with 1 teaspoon of turmeric oil.
 •    Rub the blend on top of the scars.
•    Wash it with water after 15 minutes.
•    Apply daily.
•    Add an extra teaspoon of lemon juice for additional benefits.

4. Coconut Oil with Salt and Sugar

•    Take half a cup of coconut oil and blend it with one cup of salt and sugar each.
•    Rub the paste on the marks for 5 minutes and wait for 10 minutes for it to settle.
•    Wash it and dry it off soon after.
•    Apply daily.

5. Coconut Oil with Olive Oil

•    Blend a few drops of coconut oil and olive oil together.
•    Carefully rub it onto the affected area.
•    Wait for a little while until the skin absorbs it in.
•    Apply daily.