While you may enjoy eating almonds as a snack, you may not know some of the other health benefits this miraculous nut contains, including helping to eliminate stretch marks. Many skincare products contain almond oil because of its wonderful benefits to the skin, and learning to use almond oil to reduce the appearance of and even prevent stretch marks is very easy for anyone.

Which Type of Almond Oil Should I Use?

Almonds are the seeds of the almond fruit, grown on the almond tree. There are actually two varieties of almonds. One is the sweet almond, which is what we eat and is typically used in products containing almonds and almond oil. The other variety is the bitter almond, which has significant medicinal properties but is much less widely available. All almonds are very high in fat, which is why they are an excellent source of oil.

Oil is extracted from almonds using one of two different processes. The first, which is the most common and economical process, produces refined almond oil. The resulting product contains fewer nutrients than unrefined oil, because the high-heat method and chemicals used during extraction destroy some of the delicate compounds naturally found in this oil. Unrefined almond oil is extracted using a low-heat process that allows the oil to retain most of its nutrients. Unrefined oils are better for use in cooking and may be more effective for use in treating stretch marks.

The fatty compounds in almond oil make it an excellent choice for use on hair and skin. Almond oil is naturally high in Vitamin E. Unrefined varieties of this oil are higher in nutritional content, so if you want the maximum benefit of this vitamin, select unrefined oil to treat your stretch marks.

In addition to Vitamin E, almond oil is also high in saturated fatty acids, zinc, potassium, and proteins that can heal damaged skin. This oil improves skin tone, increases the flexibility of skin, and improves skin’s structure by binding the elastin and collagen fibers. Almond oil is also an excellent source of vitamins A, B2, and F.

Using Almond Oil for Stretch Marks

This oil is also very emollient, which means it prevents unwanted water loss from the skin and keeps skin moisturized longer. Almond oil soaks easily into skin, and it is a natural choice that works well on sensitive skin. The moisturizing properties of almond oil make it a perfect choice for keeping skin moisturized to prevent stretch marks and for helping to reduce the appearance of existing marks.

Research using sweet almond oil to treat stretch marks found that those women who used this treatment in the abdominal area during pregnancy developed fewer stretch marks and experienced less itching and redness on their bellies. Those who apply this oil regularly are much more likely to prevent stretch marks from forming or to reduce the appearance of those that do appear.

Because almond oil is 100 percent natural and contains no added chemicals or ingredients, it is safe to use during pregnancy, which is when many women experience the appearance of stretch marks. Almond oil is safe to use on sensitive skin and during sensitive times, such as while breastfeeding. Many women with sensitive skin or allergies find almond oil to be a safe, natural treatment.

Use almond oil as a natural moisturizer anywhere on your skin. Apply it regularly to areas where stretch marks are likely to develop, including the breasts, abdomen, hips, and thighs. Simply rub the oil directly into the skin, just like any other skin care product. It will absorb quickly, so there is no need to worry about staining clothes.