Baobab Oil: What benefits against stretch marks?

Originating from Africa, theBaobab oil (Adansonia digitata) has become a trendy ingredient due to the numerous properties that make it applicable in a wide range of skincare products. It has been particularly mentioned as an effective natural solution against stretch marks thanks to its richness in essential fatty acids. Apparently, baobab oil would help both to improve the appearance of existing stretch marks and to prevent the formation of new ones. Although no scientific study has been conducted at present on the effects of baobab oil on stretch marks, this natural ingredient possesses properties that could be interesting for preventing stretch marks and reducing the appearance of these micro-skin lesions.

• Baobab oil for boosting collagen production.

  Combined with its content of essential fatty acids, baobab oil is rich in vitamins, which will stimulate the skin's synthesis of collagen, protein fibres whose role is to provide strength and elasticity to the skin. Thus, the stimulating action of baobab oil on collagen could potentially fade and prevent stretch marks. By being strengthened, collagen fibres break less and therefore are likely to result in a reduced number of stretch marks.

• Baobab oil to reduce the impact of free radicals.

  Exposure to free radicals can damage collagen fibres and promote the appearance of stretch marks. Baobab oil, containing vitamins C and E, exhibits antioxidant activity, enabling it to combat free radicals through electron donation.

• Thebaobab oil to promote the healing process.

  The vitamin K, found in baobab oil, promotes the coagulation process and thus the blood supply during the inflammatory phase. This blood supply enables the mobilisation of anti-inflammatory agents. Therefore, by recruiting coagulation factors, it allows a quicker transition to the healing process.

• Baobab oil for providing hydration to the skin.

  Supported by scientific research, baobab oil possesses moisturising properties. The fatty acids (linoleic acid, oleic acid, etc.) it contains help to maintain skin integrity, and promote skin hydration and elasticity. As a result, the skin becomes more supple, thus reducing the likelihood of stretch marks.

Given its rich composition of micronutrients, thebaobab oil could potentially be used to make stretch marks less visible. The skin would gain elasticity and could thus withstand the significant tensions exerted on the skin tissues. The emollient properties of baobab oil would also help to soften the skin and minimise the appearance of stretch marks. However, these are hypotheses that require further studies.

Baobab oil could potentially be used, either alone or in combination, in the prevention or reduction of stretch marks. It can be used by pregnant and breastfeeding women and does not require any special precautions. To ensure optimal use and effect, applying the oil through massage is the best way to use baobab oil. Massaging helps to promote good circulation, maintaining skin elasticity and stimulating cell renewal.

The best approach is to perform daily massages lasting between 5 to 15 minutes, ideally using circular movements and applying a relatively intense pressure. This practice should be maintained over time to achieve the best results. To protect your skin from stretch marks, you can use pure baobab oil or combine it with a skincare product, such as our stretch mark gel-to-oil which is composed of baobab oil, Maracuja concentrate and shea olein.

If you wish to attempt to make your stretch marks less noticeable, ensure you apply it to early-stage stretch marks, which are still in the inflammatory phase. You will not observe any effect on mature stretch marks, which are permanent.

• VILJOEN A. & al. An updated review of Adansonia digitata: A commercially important African tree South African Journal of Botany (2011).

• BAYAT A. & al. Topical management of striae distensae (stretch marks): prevention and therapy of striae rubrae and albae. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (2015).

• MARIKKAR J. M. N. & al. Evaluation of antioxidant capacity and physicochemical properties of Sudanese baobab (Adansonia digitata) seed- oil. International Food Research Journal (2015).

• VILJOEN A. & al. Beauty in baobab: a pilot study of the safety and efficacy of Adansonia digitata seed oil. Brazilian Journal of Pharmacognosy (2016).

• ANDERSEN F. & al. Safety assessment of plant-derived fatty acid oils. International Journal of Toxicology (2017).