Castor Oil For Stretch Marks

Castor oil has many benefits for the skin, including aiding in the removal of stretch marks. 

Castor oil is a very thick and sticky vegetable oil made from the seeds of the castor plant. (Ricinus communis)

Originating in 4000 BC in Tropical East Africa, castor oil has been around for centuries due to its anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties.

Due to its many benefits, castor oil is a favorite when it comes to beauty and skincare items! 

Related article: Rubbing Castor Oil on Stomach/ Belly Button

Can castor oil get rid of stretch marks?

Castor oil is made up of almost 90% ricinoleic acid. This is an unsaturated omega-9 fatty acid found mainly in the castor seed plant. 

This is important to note because the fatty content of the oil is what helps to condition and moisturize the skin helping with the appearance of stretch marks. The fatty acids in castor oil penetrate the skin quickly and help to heal the skin around it.

Strech marks are described as a natural type of scarring, or fine lines on the skin that develops from the rapid growth or shrinking of the skin.

They typically occur during a pregnancy, growth spurt, weight gain, weight loss, muscle growth or anytime the skin is greatly stretched or shrunken in a quick period of time. This happens because the collagen and elastin which are keeping the skin moisturized and maintaining its elasticity are broken down due to the skin being stretched. Thus, resulting in a tear and a stretch mark is formed.

Stretch marks can range in color from red, purple, brown or pink depending on your skin tone. They usually appear on your stomach, breast, arms, thighs, butt, and hips. Remember that the color, location and severity can also vary depending on your genetics as well.

Although 90% of people are said to have stretch marks on their body, and are a common thing, they are still something that most people would like to remove or at least fade if possible.

How to use castor oil for removing stretch marks?

Castor oil prevents moisture loss and hydrates the skin. This is due to it being a natural humectant, which means it draws moisture into the skin and keeps it hydrated. This moisturizing power is a big factor as to why castor oil works with lessening the appearance of stretch marks. When the skin is moisturized tears and scarring are less likely to occur.

The best oil to use is 100% pure castor oil. The first thing you need to do is warm the castor oil in a bowl. Warming the oil helps to ensure better absorption.

Next, massage the oil in a circular motion into the skin for a couple of minutes, or until absorbed. Repeat this process twice daily for best results.

If you’re pressed for time, skip the warming and just massage the oil onto skin straight from the bottle.

castor oil mixes for removal of stretch marks

Castor oil works great on its own, but you can also mix it with other oils and ingredients as well. Below are 5 favorites!

• Aloe Vera Gel – A natural healing agent and moisturizer with all of its nutrients and vitamins that it offers. Aloe vera helps lighten and fade the look of stretch marks too.

• Argan Oil – A natural cold-pressed argan oil is such a great moisturizer and works great for the skin. Argan oil is great for improving the elasticity of the skin and aiding in the removal of stretch marks.

• Rosehip Oil – Great hydrating oil and loaded with fatty acid, antioxidants and vitamins like A and C to aid in the fading of stretch marks. Rosehip oil is said to promote the production of collagen and to firm the skin.

• Almond Oil – A cold-pressed unrefined almond oil is a popular oil that increases moisture levels and adds nutrients to the skins. It also works in stimulating cell growth and improves the discoloration of scars and stretchmarks. 

• Coconut Oil – Virgin organic coconut oil is a great moisturizing oil that helps with reducing the appearance of stretch marks and speed their healing.

When to start?

As soon as possible is the name of the game! If you can catch them before they form, your skin will thank you!

Many women start moisturizing their pregnant bellies before the bump has even formed as a way of preventative care.

When you notice a stretch mark starting to form you should immediately begin rubbing castor oil on it twice a day.

how long does it take for castor oil to remove stretch marks?

Stretch marks gradually fade over time, but they may never be removed completely. This is because they are considered permanent scars where the collagen and elastin has broken.

However, with consistency, the use of the right topical oils, and using the methods mentioned above, you will start to notice a gradual fading over time. Most people start to see a difference within a few months of consistent use.

Overall thoughts 

Castor oil is a great natural oil to help fade the appearance of stretch marks. Go ahead and give it a try and let me know in the comments below if you have used castor oil for your stretch marks and how it worked for you!

Remember, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain!