Native Americans have used jojoba oil for years, and many supporters tout it as a miracle solution for multiple skin maladies, including stretch marks. Jojoba oil possess a myriad of benefits for your skin, but before you start slathering it over your stretch marks, make sure you know the facts so you can decide for yourself if it's a worthwhile ointment in your specific situation.
The Basics
Jojoba oil is a liquid wax extracted from the seeds of the jojoba plant; scientifically known as Simmondsia chinensis, the jojoba plant is native to the southwestern United States, as well as parts of northern Mexico. As a wax ester, jojoba oil mostly consists of chains of fatty acids and fatty alcohols bonded together. According to Leslie Baumann, author of "Cosmetic Dermatology," beneficial fatty acids present in jojoba oil include oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids. These fatty acids may play a role in preventing stretch marks, since they promote healthy, pliant skin, according to Dr. James Balch, coauthor of the book, "Prescription for Natural Cures."
Efficacy
The jury's still out on whether or not jojoba oil is an effective preventive ointment for stretch marks. Medline Plus notes that creams and ointments generally provide little value in the prevention of stretch marks. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that the use of this versatile substance may help in the prevention of striae formation. According to the Mayo Clinic, the only treatments proven to actually help lessen the appearance of established stretch marks are tretinoin creams, laser therapy and microdermabrasion.
Time Frame
Your best option for using jojoba oil for stretch marks is applying it to the skin before the stretch marks occur. In certain instances, you may not be aware of the stretch marks until after they develop; in which case, you'll most likely need to turn to proven treatment options if you wish to significantly decrease their appearance. However, in situations where you know your skin may develop stretch marks, such as during pregnancy, applying jojoba oil topically may help decrease your chances of suffering from them.
Usage
Apply jojoba oil once daily to the area of skin that is being stretched. Maximize the effectiveness of your jojoba oil ointment by practicing other preventative strategies, as well. Joanne Stone, coauthor of the book "Pregnancy for Dummies," recommends that you strive to gain weight slowly and develop the habit of exercising regularly. According to Stone, maintaining muscle tone lowers your chances of developing stretch marks during pregnancy since it reduces the pressure of the uterus on the skin tissues.
Considerations
Mary Ady, author of "An Infant Massage Guidebook," notes that jojoba oil's structural similarities to sebum--your skin's naturally produced oil--allow it to penetrate deeply into the pores, rejuvenating skin cells and stimulating the growth of new cells. If you opt to use jojoba oil as an aid in preventing stretch marks, consider making use of its deep penetration of the skin by mixing it with other helpful ingredients. Balch suggests vitamin E oil, which promotes skin elasticity. Other possible additions to your jojoba oil ointment include cocoa butter, rosehip oil, sweet almond oil and gotu kola.
References
- "Cosmetic Dermatology"; Leslie Baumann; 2009
- "Prescription for Natural Cures"; Dr. James Balch and Mark Stengler; 2004
- Medline Plus: Striae
- Mayo Clinic: Stretch Mark Treatments and Drugs
- "Pregnancy for Dummies"; Joann Stone et al; 2008
