Use Olive Oil to Reduce Stubborn Stretch Marks (14 Methods)

Last Updated: April 13, 2018

Stretch marks – a dreadful and annoying problem for many of us. Usually, they appear post pregnancy or when your body loses or gains weight suddenly. Why? Because…

The collagen connecting the skin tissues weakens when the skin is stretched. This damages the normal skin cell production which results in the appearance of parallel lines.

Many dermatologists believe that stretch marks can be diminished through various treatments but natural remedies are considered to be safe.

Though you cannot reduce them in a day or two, with some patience and continuous application of olive oil you can observe the improvement.

Wondering how olive oil helps to diminish stretch marks?

Listed are the reasons…

• Vitamin E, phytosterols and polyphenols in it improve collagen production and skin elasticity.
• Olive oil locks moisture in the skin cells.
• The essential nutrients and antioxidants heal the damaged skin cells.
• It improves blood circulation in the tissues of skin.
• The antioxidants present in it reduce the scars and make the skin soft and supple.
• It acts as a lubricant to slow down the skin expansion and itchiness caused during pregnancy.

How to Use Olive Oil?

Listed are methods you can try and combat the problem of stretch marks. Be a little patient and continue repeating the methods regularly to achieve the results.

1. Olive Oil

• Apply lukewarm olive oil on the stretch marks.
• Massage in circular motions for 5 minutes.
• Leave it on for an hour so that the oil can be absorbed by skin.
• Alternatively, wrap the area with saran wrap after massaging olive oil.
• Repeat 2 times daily.

2. Olive Oil with Aloe Vera

Process 1:

• Combine equal parts of olive oil and freshly extracted aloe vera gel.
• Blend and store the mixture in an airtight container.
• Instead of chemical-based moisturizers, use this mixture as a moisturizer.
• For extra benefits, add wheat germ oil.
• Repeat 2 or 3 times daily.

Process 2:

• Mix 1 tablespoon olive oil, 5 tablespoons aloe vera gel, and 4 tablespoons avocado pulp.
• Apply the mixture on stretch marks and leave it on for 40 minutes.
• Rinse off with warm water and pat dry.
• Alternatively, use Neutrogena or Aveeno instead of avocado pulp.

3. Olive Oil with Vinegar and Water

• Combine few drops each of olive oil, vinegar, and water.
• Apply the solution on stretch marks before going to bed.
• Leave it overnight.
• Repeat daily.

4. Olive Oil with Castor Oil

• Mix 1 teaspoon each of olive oil and castor oil.
• Apply the mixture on stretch marks and massage gently for 10 minutes.
• Cover the area with a clean cloth and place a heat compress on it.
• After 20 minutes, remove and rinse the area with water.
• Repeat daily.

5. Olive Oil with Lemon

Process 1:

• Squeeze juice of half lemon and add 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil in it.
• Apply the solution on stretch marks and massage for few minutes.
• Leave it on to dry and rinse off with water.
• Repeat regularly.

Process 2:

• Combine 1 teaspoon each of olive oil and vitamin E oil.
• Add 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice to it and stir well.
• Apply the solution on stretch marks and let it dry.
• Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
• Repeat 2 times a day.

6. Olive Oil with Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds gently exfoliate and stimulate collagen production in the skin.

• Mix 1 tablespoon olive oil with 1 teaspoon coffee grounds.
• Massage the mixture gently on stretch marks.
• After 5 minutes, leave it on for 20 minutes.
• Remove and wash off with warm water.
• Pat dry and apply any moisturizer of your choice.
• For extra benefits, add 1 teaspoon brown sugar.
• Repeat 3 times a week.

7. Olive Oil with Turmeric

• Mix 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon turmeric.
• Apply the mixture on stretch marks and leave it overnight.
• Rinse off with water next morning.
• For extra benefits, add 1 tablespoon of orange juice.
• Repeat daily.

8. Olive Oil with Sugar

• Mix 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons of sugar.
• Massage the mixture on stretch marks for few minutes.
• Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse off with water.
• For extra benefits, add 3 drops of any essential oil of your choice.
• Alternatively, you can use brown sugar instead of white sugar.
• Repeat 3 times a week.

9. Olive Oil with Shea Butter

Shea butter improves collagen production and skin elasticity.

• Mix 1 part extra virgin olive oil and 3 parts Shea butter.
• Massage the mixture on stretch marks for few minutes.
• Leave it on for an hour or till the skin absorbs.
• Repeat daily.

10. Olive Oil with Cocoa Butter

• Mix 3 tablespoons each of olive oil, cocoa butter and coconut oil.
• Massage a small dab of the mixture on the stretch marks for few minutes.
• Leave it on till the skin completely absorbs the mixture.
• Repeat daily.

11. Olive Oil Cream for Stretch Marks

• Combine 1 cup olive oil, 1 cup coconut oil, 1/2 cup beeswax, 2 tablespoons each of rose-hip oil and vitamin E.
• Stir well and pour the mixture in an airtight container.
• Place this container in boiling water and leave until the oils melt.
• Remove the container from boiling water and shake well.
• Store in a clean and dry place.
• Apply nightly before going to bed.

12. Olive Oil with Honey

• Mix equal amounts of olive oil and honey.
• Apply the mixture on stretch marks and massage for few minutes.
• Leave it on for 25 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water.
• For extra benefits, add sugar.
• Repeat 4 times a week.

13. Olive Oil with Salt

• Combine 1 tablespoon each of olive oil and salt.
• Massage the mixture on stretch marks for few minutes.
• Leave it on for 20 minutes and rinse off with water.
• For extra benefits, add 1 teaspoon of honey.
• Repeat 3 times a week.

14. Olive Oil with Methylated Spirits

• Add olive oil and methylated spirits to your cream or moisturizer.
• Apply the mixture on stretch marks 2 times a day.

Olive Oil to Prevent Stretch Marks during Pregnancy

Slash a thin layer of olive oil on your belly. Leave it on until the skin absorbs the oil completely. Repeat daily for 3 times.

Tidbits and Precautions for Stretch Marks

• Avoid olive oil if you are allergic to it.
• Perform a patch test of any home remedy before using it for regular treatments.
• Be gentle while massaging as harshness can damage the skin.
• Eat fruits and veggies rich in vitamin A, C, and E. These vitamins help in repairing the damaged skin tissue.
• Take Omega-3 supplements, as they maintain the skin membrane healthy.
• Exfoliate and moisturize your skin regularly.
• Moisturize the skin with olive oil or coconut oil to avoid the itchiness caused due to skin expansion during pregnancy.
• Drink plenty of water to keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
• Exercising during pregnancy helps to retain the skin elasticity.

Did you find this article helpful? Write your suggestions and queries in the comments section below.

Rajee Datti

Hi everyone, this is Rajee!

I live the beautiful city of Baltimore, where my husband works.

I’m from India. I have been visiting India on and off for past few years and my mom was an inspiration for me to start this site. She has a wealth of knowledge on home remedies for a large number of health problems, and we grew up in an environment where frequent visits to the doctor just wasn’t logistically or financially feasible.

Despite this, she managed to raise a family of healthy kids, and my goal here at Home Remedies for Life is to pass on some of her knowledge of natural remedies.