Apr 01, 2022

Feel Confident Again: How Castor Oil Fades Stretch Marks

What exactly are stretch marks?

Many individuals can develop stretch marks at different periods due to certain skin stretching activities such as pregnancy or rapid weight gain. These marks may begin as red or purple and gradually progress to white or silver. To effectively address them, it is crucial to learn the different types and causes of stretch marks; thankfully, castor oil is one natural solution. Some of the main reasons that lead to the appearance of stretch marks include pregnancy, rapid weight gain or loss, puberty, and some medical conditions.

This situation also has a degree of a hormonal cause since hormones also control a person's skin elasticity and damage level. Stretch Marks are of two types; streaie rubrae and striae alba. Within the period of their maturation, red marks, which are referred to as striae rubrae red stretches, appear. This is because the blood vessels that lie beneath the skin become visible owing to the mark formed. With time, these marks are frequently transformed into striae alba, which is white in color or silver and denotes an old scar that has undergone partial or complete depigmentation.

What is castor oil?

Castor oil, obtained from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, has been used for ages. Castor oil also contains about 90% ricinoleic acid which is a unique fatty acid. Ricinoleic acid, being the primary component of castor oil, increases the oil's known anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Castor oil is known to contain, apart from ricinoleic acid, several different types of fatty acids, including oleic and linoleic acids, which add to its healing and moisturizing properties. Castor oil has many applications and is not restricted to the role of an ordinary moisturizer. It makes a good skin emollient that helps hydrate the skin and improves its elasticity due to its deep skin penetration characteristics.

This factor becomes useful for those who seek to reduce the visibility of stretch marks as the oil has nourishing properties that assist in cell regrowth and may make such scars less visible with time. Castor Oil also has antimicrobial properties that may assist the skin in avoiding infections and other diseases and hence contribute to skin health. Adding castor oil to the background of skincare is not difficult. Whether applied directly to the skin or mixed with other natural ingredients like coconut oil or essential oils, it can deliver a potent boost of hydration and healing.

How effective is castor oil in reducing stretch marks?

Stretch marks, which are referred to as striae in medical terms, are some of the skin conditions that most people suffer from, particularly where this has been caused by development changes like pregnancy, weight gain, and growth spurt. To appreciate how efficiently castor oil works on these marks, it is important to know what comprises the oil and its specific properties. Castor oil, which comes from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, contains high levels of ricinoleic acid, which is a therapeutic fatty acid.

Due to its perfect consistency, when castor oil is rubbed onto the skin, it is absorbed further, thus deeply moisturizing and restoring skin suppleness. This is an important consideration for people who have just had the skin treated for recent stretch marks, as newly formed stretch marks are more likely to be inflamed and have a red-purple color from the skin expansion. Castor Oil has anti-inflammatory features that help reduce this inflammation, which in turn will help in achieving a more even tone of the skin in due course.

What Are the Benefits of Using Castor Oil?

Among the many beneficial properties of castor oil, first aid treatment should be its primary resort due to the high content of ricinoleic acid. This type of acid is a powerful anti-inflammatory. In regular use, it has a moisturizing and nourishing effect on the skin. Therefore, any improvement in the skin’s health will likely be subjective.
There is also a potential fair side effect as Castor oil is rich in antioxidants. These may potentially be harmful by free radicals to the surface of the skin tissue in the affected areas. Since these types of antioxidants have the unique ability to support the recovery and renewal of the affected area, there is great hope for many who seek out castor oil for treatment. By helping to restore the skin, castor oil has the potential to both inhibit the development of new stretch marks as well as help eliminate existing ones.
In addition to its emollient properties, castor oil also has a humectant effect that maintains moisture in the skin and reduces its capacity to tear, which is one of the mechanisms that lead to the formation of stretch marks. Furthermore, the application of castor oil has the added effect of encouraging blood flow to the region which may enhance nutrient supply to the skin and assist in its healing mechanisms.
Although individual results may differ, there are possibilities whereby the potential benefits of using castor oil regularly can be enormous. These benefits are numerous because it is a natural, cheaper alternative when battling skin problems, and more and more are advocating for these types of treatments. Even alone or within a complete skincare program, castor oil is one of the options worth considering while trying to control and minimize the appearance of stretch marks.

How to Use Castor Oil for Stretch Marks?

1. Prep Your Skin

The first step is to wash your skin thoroughly in the areas where you want to apply the castor oil. Use a mild soap and warm water to eliminate dirt and germs. Using a clean towel, dry the part of the skin that is to be treated.

2. Heat the Oil

Though it is advisable to use castor oil directly from the bottle, the oil should be slightly warmed. Locate a heated castor oil in a microwave-safe bowl and control the temperature within a few seconds avoiding further heating. The heat allows for the pores to open up making it easier for the oil to go deeper through the skin.

3. Apply Oily Skin

Now take the warmed castor oil and generously apply it over the stretch marks. While applying the oil, use your fingertips to rub it on your skin, in circular motions. This works synergistically with the applied oil as it encourages blood supply over the area and, therefore, may enhance the results of the treatment.

4. Rinse Off

If it is not desired to leave the oil on the skin, one may wash with lukewarm water and a mild soap after the desired time. Still, it could be that the oil is more beneficial if left on for a longer period, such as overnight.

5. Frequency of Application

It is advisable to apply castor oil at least once a day for maximum effectiveness. When dealing with stretch marks, they require time to fade which would mean employing consistency in applying the oil.

6. Be Patient

It is also good to note that natural solutions will not offer overnight results and one has to continue with their routine over time. Eventually, over a few weeks, patients may begin to observe visible changes where their stretch marks have become less visible.

Are there any potential side effects of using castor oil?

Even though it is regarded as a ‘safe’ topical agent, castor oil has the potential to elicit allergic or irritant responses on the skin of some individuals. So, before using castor oil on your skin, you need to first do a patch test to avoid skin troubles. Simply take a little of the oil and rub it on a small area, preferably a skin fold, and observe for any reactions for the next twenty-four hours.
Similarly, considering other uses of castor oil, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should be careful, for there are no studies on the effects of castor oil on a developing fetus or a lactating baby. If stretch marks are your concern, and you're going to use castor oil, enquire from the healthcare provider if it’s safe.
Also, although castor oil can boost skin health, too much of anything is always dangerous, and excessive use can block the pores or leave behind an oily mess that is hard to clean. There are correct amounts to use — small amounts in combination with other ingredients are less likely to cause any problems and will enhance positive outcomes.

Moksha is an established Wholesaler, manufacturer, and exporter of essential oils and other Essential oil products in India. Depending on the intended usage, offers the most genuine essential oils of only the highest quality. They contain no chemicals, additives, or fillers. Furthermore, this does not include synthetic colors, synthetic preservatives, or synthetic fragrances. In other words, that makes them excellent for everyday use. Practically speaking, while the essential oil is 100% natural, it is prudent to use carrier oil before applying it to the skin because of the high concentration level. We carry out several tests and quality checks to make sure only the best and the real essential oil is delivered to you.