Black seed oil, a trick to make stretch marks disappear?

Theblack seed oil, also known as black cumin oil, is a vegetable oil with multiple benefits. Indeed, its composition rich in fatty acids and active principles gives it properties on several targeted skin problems. As for stretch marks, no study has so far been conducted with black seed oil. However, this botanical extract has healing, protective and antioxidant virtues, which are interesting for preventing stretch marks. Moreover, the topical application of black seed oil is possible during pregnancy.

• Nigella oil has healing properties.

  Oleic acid, an omega-9, plays a role in the healing process of damaged or injured skin, although the exact mechanism is currently unknown. A recent experiment conducted on injured rats demonstrated that, following the application of a gel containing 10% black seed oil and the placement of a dressing for 7 days, the sizes of the rats' wounds were reduced by 40%. As this study was conducted on rats, caution is advised. However, a similar mechanism can be hypothesised for human skin, and the potential effect of black seed oil on purple stretch marks.

• Nigella oil protects collagen fibres.

  The thymoquinone found in black seed oil upregulates the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase, and catalase, antioxidant enzymes that play a key role in eliminating free radicals. This protects proteins such as collagen and elastin from damage caused by the oxidative stress. Strengthened, the collagen fibres are less likely to break, a phenomenon that leads to the formation of stretch marks.

• Nigella oil softens the skin.

  This property of black seed oil is derived from the oleic acid it contains. Indeed, this fatty acid is a component of the sebum. This is part of the hydrolipidic film present on the skin's surface, which helps to limit water loss. With less susceptibility to dehydration, the skin becomes more supple and the risk of stretch marks is reduced.

• Nigella oil contributes to the elasticity of the skin.

  Nigella oil is rich in linoleic acid, a fatty acid that plays a role in the synthesis of acylceramides, a family of ceramides. Ceramides are lipids of the epidermis that act as intercellular cement and ensure the cohesion of the stratum corneum. When this is consolidated, the skin is more resistant to weight fluctuations and strains.

In prevention of the appearance of stretch marks, during pregnancy for example, or to diminish the appearance of purple stretch marks, you can apply diluted black seed oil in another vegetable oil (dilution at 10%) on 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 the development of stretch marks and may potentially contribute to the healing process of already formed stretch marks.

Note : while black seed oil can potentially prevent the onset of stretch marks and reduce the appearance of purple stretch marks, it will have no effect on white stretch marks.