Stretch marks are among the common blemishes observed in pregnant women. Known for its content of unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and polyphenols, the oil extracted from the avocado fruit is considered an ally in preventing and reducing pregnancy-related stretch marks. But is avocado oil truly predisposed to eliminate the lesions of this common issue?
Avocado oil against pregnancy stretch marks?
Summary
Published on October 4, 2024, by Pauline, Chemical Engineer — 5 min of reading
Themes:
Connection between pregnancy and the onset of stretch marks.
Pregnancy stretch marks are streaked lines, similar to scars. They appear when the structure of the dermis is altered due to a rupture of collagen fibres. Common during pregnancy, stretch marks, however, do not impact health. It is more their aesthetics that are called into question, which can cause discomfort and complexes in individuals who are prone to them. There are two main causes for the appearance of stretch marks:
A sudden stretching of the skin, which can occur following a rapid and significant weight gain, as can be the case for pregnant women. The skin tissues then undergo high tension, leading to a rupture of the collagen fibres.
A hormonal dysfunction. During pregnancy, the production of cortisol is increased, which leads to a reduction in the synthesis of collagen by the fibroblasts.
Does avocado oil help combat pregnancy stretch marks?
It is often said that the use of avocado oil can help prevent the onset of pregnancy stretch marks. First and foremost, it should be noted thatno scientific study has been conducted on the effects of this oil on this issue. However, it is true that this ingredient has protective, antioxidant and healing properties that are beneficial in preventing the appearance of stretch marks.
Avocado oil softens the skin.
A study on willing male participants has indeed demonstrated that avocado vegetable oil has a occlusive effect on the skin. In fact, insensible water loss (IWL) was measured before and 30 minutes after the application of this botanical extract, and researchers observed a significant decrease in this IWL. This implies that avocado vegetable oil has helped to protect the skin from dehydration.
Avocado oil has healing properties.
Rich in omega-3, avocado oil has healing properties. Indeed, a study conducted on rats showed that its application increased the synthesis of collagen fibres and accelerated theepithelialisationprocess. This study was carried out on rats, so caution is advised. However, we can hypothesize a similar mechanism on human skin and an effect of avocado oil on purple pregnancy stretch marks.
Avocado oil protects collagen fibres.
Furthermore, the antioxidant power of avocado oil allows it to protect proteins, such as collagen and elastin, from damage caused by free radicals. It's worth noting that these unstable species are generated following the skin's exposure to the sun's UV rays. Strengthened, the collagen fibres are less likely to break, a phenomenon that leads to the formation of stretch marks.
Avocado oil contributes to the elasticity of the skin.
Avocado oil is rich in linoleic acid, an active ingredient that plays a role in the synthesis of acylceramides, a family of ceramides. Ceramides are lipids of the epidermis that act as intercellular cement, ensuring the cohesion of the stratum corneum. When this layer is strengthened, the skin is more resistant to weight fluctuations and strains. In fact, a study has shown that the daily application of a cream based on avocado oil results in a noticeable increase in skin elasticity.
Avocado vegetable oil and pregnancy stretch marks: method of use.
In prevention of the appearance of stretch marks, you can apply pure avocado oil to the most at-risk areas (breasts, stomach, buttocks and thighs). Then perform circular motions to massage and allow the oil to penetrate. This will help to minimise the risk of tearing and development of stretch marks. We recommend you to continue applying avocado oil for the 3 months following your childbirth, as your body is still fragile and prone to these concerns.
Please note : that while avocado oil may potentially prevent the onset of purple stretch marks, it is important to remember that once these are established, it is impossible to completely remove them.
Sources
HAUSER M. & al. In vivo studies on the absorption of different oils and their impact on the skin barrier. Skin Research and Technology (2012).
DE SOUSA MAIA M. B. & others. The impact of semisolid formulation of Persea americana Mill (Avocado) oil on wound healing in rats. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2013).
ORTIZ-VIEDMA J. & al. Avocado oil: characteristics, properties, and applications.Molecules(2019).
