Stretch marks, also called striae, form on the skin when the elastic fibers in the body become damaged. This most often happens during pregnancy or other periods of weight gain or loss. Stretch marks are common in women and frequently appear on the thighs, stomach, arms and breasts, though they can be anywhere on the body. They initially appear red, but stretch marks fade and can turn white. Rose hip oil may make stretch marks less noticeable.
The Plant
Roses are often thought of as a symbol of love, and the Romans identified the flower with Venus. There are thousands of different types of roses. The bushes begin to bloom in the summer and will continue to re-bloom through the fall. The petals of roses are used in many cosmetic lotions. The oil derived from the plant is used in colognes and for the treatment of skin problems like stretch marks.
Mechanism
According to the Anyang General International Corporation (AGICO), which produces rose hip oil, this oil can reduce scar tissue and stretch marks. It works best if it is applied twice daily for a period of three months. AGICO also notes that rose hip oil is an anti-inflammatory that can improve the look of any swelling around the stretch marks. Rose hip oil is also a good option for relieving dry skin and improving its appearance.
Properties
The action of rose hip oil in regenerating flawed skin tissue is due to trans-retinoic acids, acknowledges the website Stretch Marks Treatment. Trans-retinoic acids are unsaturated essential fatty acids that act slowly for a time-released effect. Rose hips also contain pectin, tocotrienols carotenoids pigments, anthocyanins and catechins. These are phytochemicals that may not be specifically helpful in fading stretch marks, but Dr. Winston Craig of the Vegetarianism website notes those properties may offer protection against heart disease and cancer.
Research
Studies have been done throughout the world on the use of rose hips for skin disorders. The Acne Help website notes rose hip oil's ability to help with stretch marks, even adding that rose hip oil is a substance that could actually help erase stretch marks. The site points to research performed by Dr Hans Harbst of the Nuclear Research Centre for the University of Heidelberg in Germany. His studies found rose hip oil could heal radiation burns and--even more applicable to stretch marks--reduce hyper-pigmentation so skin doesn't darken as much.
Considerations
The Stretch Marks Treatment website states that rose hip oil is an effective treatment in changing the appearance of skin discolorations, like that of stretch marks. They warn, however, that it could take 16 weeks to see the effects of use. Before using rose hip oil on your skin for four months, consult with a doctor--preferably a dermatologist who specializes in skin problems--about the potential benefits of rose hip oil for stretch marks.
