Rosehip Oil & Stretch Marks
When the collagen and elastin in your skin tear, it forms scars known as stretch marks. Many factors and conditions can cause the marks to form, including weight gain and pregnancy.
When the collagen and elastin in your skin tear, it forms scars known as stretch marks. Many factors and conditions can cause the marks to form, including weight gain and pregnancy. Although many doctors assert that genetics play a big role in whether or not you develop stretch marks, there are also a range of products available to help fight their formation, including rosehip oil, or rosehip seed oil as it's also known. This essential oil is considered a "dry" oil since it is readily absorbed by skin and doesn't leave it feeling greasy.
Characteristics of Rosehip Oil
Rosehips are ripe fruit typically harvested from the Cherokee rose (Rosa laevigata), god rose (Rosa canina) or the sweet briar (Rosa eglanteria). These deciduous rose shrubs typically have pale to moderate pink flowers that give way to bright red fruits that are very acidic and can be used internally to treat influenza and other illnesses. The oil that is extracted from these bright red fruits is widely reputed to reduce scars, minimize wrinkles and moisturize skin. It contains high levels of linoleic and linolenic fatty acids, which are believed to support skin texture, prevent discoloration and reduce wrinkles. Its healing power is what's believed to help prevent the formation of stretch marks.
How It Works
Rosehip oil penetrates your skin and is easily absorbed, delivering soothing, protective elements such as fatty acids and vitamin C, which can decrease discoloration and help stimulate collagen production. In addition to softening and moisturizing the epidermis, the fatty acids in rosehip oil convert into prostaglandins once they are absorbed into your skin. These prostaglandins help stimulate your skin's regenerative powers, working to heal scars and protect against stretch marks.
Using Rosehip Oil
Unlike most essential oils, rosehip oil doesn't have to be diluted. Apply it directly to your skin in the areas that you're concerns about, including your chest and abdomen. Alternatively, use rosehip oil as a carrier oil, which is a base oil used to dilute and help deliver essential oils into the skin. Although rosehip oil can be used on its own, it can also be used in a mixture combining other soothing essential oils that are thought to make your skin more resilient. Some examples include neroli, lavender, lemongrass and frankincense oils.
Considerations
Although there's a lot of anecdotal evidence that rosehip oil is beneficial to skin, there's no scientific proof to support claims that it enhances your skin's ability to regenerate or has any lasting effects on stretch marks. Additionally, like most other products that you use on your skin, rosehip oil may cause an allergic reaction, particularly if you have sensitivities. Test the oil before applying it in large areas by dabbing it on in an inconspicuous place, such as a small spot on your arm, to make sure that it won't irritate your skin.