Sesame oil to reduce stretch marks?

Stretch marks are micro-lesions that appear on the skin and can resemble scars. They typically manifest in two stages: an inflammatory phase and a mature phase. During the inflammatory phase, the skin exhibits a reddish-purple appearance. At this stage, the stretch marks are still immature and may potentially disappear. During the mature phase, the stretch marks gradually turn white and become permanent. Their emergence is due to changes in the structure of the dermis caused by a rupture of collagen fibres. Significant weight gain or loss, or hormonal fluctuations, are usually the culprits.

Used for several millennia, the sesame oil is known for its multiple benefits. Its rich composition makes it a highly sought-after ingredient in cosmetic formulations for skin and hair. Indeed, the high fatty acid content of the sesame oil gives it healing, soothing, moisturising, softening and antioxidant properties. Its effect on stretch marks has also been recently evaluated in a study by KAMRANI. For 20 weeks, a hundred women in their first pregnancy divided into two equal groups applied sesame oil or a placebo daily. The results of this study, presented in the table below, seem to indicate that this vegetable oil can effectively prevent stretch marks.

If the sesame oil appears to be effective in combating stretch marks, it's because it possesses the following properties:

• Sesame oil has healing properties.

  Sesame oil has an intriguing healing potential, as demonstrated in various clinical studies. Indeed, it can stimulate the epithelialisation of wounds and promote neovascularisation. Furthermore, the fatty acids it contains play a crucial role in cellular regeneration and in increasing vascular permeability, which enhances blood supply and facilitates the healing process. Therefore, it can be hypothesised that the various healing effects of sesame oil enable it to act on purple stretch marks.

• Sesame oil is moisturising and enhances skin flexibility.

  The topical application ofsesame oil provides a significant improvement in skin hydration. This vegetable oil is indeed capable of strengthening the hydrolipidic film present on the skin's surface due to the oleic acid it contains. This compound is also found in sebum, one of the constituents of the hydrolipidic film. Thus, sesame vegetable oil helps to protect the integrity of the skin barrier and reduce water loss. The skin is then more hydrated and supple. It is likely that this may help to reduce the risk of stretch marks appearing and their appearance.

• Sesame oil promotes skin elasticity.

  Sesame oil also contains linoleic acid. This fatty acid is involved in the synthesis of a family of ceramides, the acylceramides. These compounds are part of the lipids of the epidermis and help to strengthen the cohesion of the stratum corneum by acting as an intercellular cement. The skin thus becomes more resistant to tension and stretching. It recovers more easily from deformation and gains in elasticity, a useful property for combating stretch marks.

• Sesame oil possesses antioxidant activity.

  Sesame oil is a significant source of antioxidants such as Vitamin E. This molecule protects the skin from damage caused by free radicals by neutralising them through an electron donation. Furthermore, a study has shown that sesamin, a lignan found in sesame oil, has substantial antioxidant activity and is capable of enhancing the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), which are antioxidant enzymes. Thus, sesame oil helps combat oxidative stress, providing protection to collagen fibres. In doing so, it reduces the risk of rupture, one of the causes of stretch mark formation.

In order to prevent the onset of stretch marks, it is possible to use pure sesame oil or diluted within a blend containing other nourishing vegetable oils. The best way to apply it is to take a small amount of oil and gently massage the risk areas (breasts, buttocks, thighs, stomach etc...) by performing circular movements to allow the oil to penetrate more quickly. These actions can help to reduce the appearance of still purple stretch marks and prevent the emergence of new ones.

While sesame oil may potentially help prevent the onset of stretch marks and reduce the appearance of those in the inflammatory phase, it has no effect on already mature stretch marks.

• KAMRANI A. & al. Sesame, sweet almond & sesame and sweet almond oil for the prevention of stretch marks in first-time mothers: A triple-blind randomized controlled trial. Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal (2017).

• JAVDANI A. & al. The healing effect of sesame oil, camphor and honey on second degree burn wounds in rats. World Journal of Plastic Surgery (2018).

• MENG Q. & al. Sesame (Sesamum indicumL.): An exhaustive review of nutritional value, phytochemical composition, health advantages, food development, and industrial applications. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute Journal (2022).