Sweet Almond Oil: What are its effects on stretch marks during pregnancy?

Stretch marks aremicro-lesions, visible on the skin's surface, very common and comparable to scars that affect many people, both women and men, although they are more frequent in women. Stretch marks are located on certain parts of the body such as the thighs, abdomen, buttocks, hips and chest, the lower back, upper arms and the inner side of the knees. They appear on the skin aselongated lines or streaks, often purplish at first, then pink and finally pearly white.

The depth and colour indicate the stage of stretch mark evolution. Indeed, we can distinguish two phases:

• Theacute/inflammatory phasewhich is characterised by lesionsthat are purplish-red with a somewhat raised appearanceat the time of their formation, due to the dilation of blood vessels, and which can be, in some cases, symptomatic either painful or irritating.

• The chronic/scarring phase is characterised by hypopigmented (white) streaks and is asymptomatic.

During pregnancy, stretch marks are primarily caused by a rapid stretching of the skin, which disrupts and disorganises its structure. This sudden stretching leads to a breakage of collagen fibres and triggers the formation of stretch marks that resemble cracks on the skin's surface. Stretch marks are typically located on parts of the body that can gain volume such as the thighs, breasts, hips and particularly the abdomen during pregnancy. Stretch marks are common during this period, especially in cases of early pregnancy, rapid weight gain, a large baby or a certain position of the uterus.

The vegetable oil of sweet almond is naturally abundant in essential fatty acids. Its application on the skin thus allows it to be nourished and softened in depth. Depending on how it is used, it has numerous interesting properties for preventing and/or reducing stretch marks.

• Healing

Sweet almond oil was already used in traditional medicine to promote healing. It has restorative properties when applied to the skin, which makes it interesting for reducing the appearance of stretch marks.

• Soothing

When they begin to appear, stretch marks bring about unpleasant sensations of tightness and pulling. They also cause the skin to dry out. The application of sweet almond oil can alleviate these feelings of discomfort and moisturise the parched skin.

• Softening

In order to limit the formation of stretch marks due to sudden skin stretching, it is recommended to apply sweet almond oil to soften it. Containing vitamin A, sweet almond oil enhances the natural suppleness and elasticity of the skin.

• Gentle and without contraindications

Naturally derived, sweet almond oil is suitable for all skin types. Unlike essential oils, vegetable oils can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Therefore, it is a natural and safe way to combat stretch marks during pregnancy.