Stretch marks are a common cosmetic concern, appearing as initially purple then white streaks on the skin, and can be a source of self-consciousness. It is often said that vegetable oils are good ingredients for combating stretch marks. Is this the case with moringa oil? Can it prevent and/or reduce stretch marks?
Moringa oil, an ally against stretch marks?
Summary
Published on July 3, 2024, updated on October 4, 2024, by Pauline, Chemical Engineer — 5 min of reading
Themes:
The effects of moringa oil on stretch marks?
Stretch marks, also known as striae distensae, are scars that form when the skin undergoes a rapid stretch. This causes the collagen and elastin fibers located in the deep layers of the skin to break. There are many causes for the appearance of stretch marks: pregnancy, rapid weight gain or loss, hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, diet... Initially, stretch marks are red or purple in color as they signal the inflammation of the dermis due to the stretching of the skin. They then turn white. It is almost impossible to act on white stretch marks that have been present for a long time.
Rich in active molecules, moringa oil is sometimes cited as a natural solution for stretch marks. In reality, there currently exists no clinical study supporting this theory. We can only suppose that the moisturizing, nourishing, antioxidant, and healing properties detailed below of the moringa oil could potentially be beneficial in combating stretch marks.
Moringa oil hydrates and softens the skin.
The high content (≈ 70%) of oleic acid in moringa oil allows it to strengthen the hydrolipidic film present on the skin's surface. Half aqueous, half oily, this protective veil primarily serves as a barrier to limit water loss. By keeping the skin hydrated, it is likely that moringa oil ensures its suppleness, which may reduce the risk of stretch marks. Furthermore, moringa oil contains linoleic acid, a fatty acid involved in the synthesis of certain types of ceramides. Ceramides are lipids of the epidermis acting as intercellular cement and ensuring the cohesion of the horny layer. When this layer is consolidated, the skin is more resistant to weight variations and pulls.
Moringa oil protects the dermal fibers from oxidative stress.
Free radicals generated by UV rays, pollution, or tobacco are known to degrade collagen and elastin, thereby weakening the structure of the dermis. They indirectly promote the occurrence of stretch marks. However, it is possible to protect skin tissues from the effects of free radicals by incorporating antioxidants into your skincare routine. Moringa oil, containing carotenoids, vitamin E, and phytosterols, can fulfill this role. These compounds indeed have anti-radical properties. Moreover, studies in vitro have shown that moringa oil has an activating effect on catalase and superoxide dismutase, which are antioxidant enzymes.
Moringa oil promotes healing.
The high oleic acid content of moringa oil also gives it healing properties. Studies in vitro have shown that this fatty acid can stimulate collagen synthesis in healing situations. Collagen is a key constituent of granulation tissue synthesized by fibroblasts. As a reminder, granulation tissue is a temporary tissue that forms during the repair of inflammation. Furthermore, moringa oil seems capable of intensifying angiogenesis, that is, the development of new blood vessels. It can be assumed that these healing effects of moringa oil could allow it to act on purple stretch marks.
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How to use moringa oil against stretch marks?
In prevention of the onset of stretch marks, during pregnancy for example, or to diminish the appearance of purple stretch marks, you can apply daily the moringa oil to the most at-risk areas (breasts, belly, buttocks, and thighs). It is then best to perform massages lasting 5 to 15 minutes, ideally making relatively firm rotational movements. The massage not only allows the oil to penetrate the skin but can also help to minimize the risk of tearing and potentially promote the healing of already formed stretch marks. The practice should be established over time in order to achieve good results.
If moringa oil can potentially prevent the onset of stretch marks and reduce the appearance of purple stretch marks, it will have no effect on white stretch marks.
Sources
JIN X. & al. Moringa oleifera stem extract safeguards skin keratinocytes from oxidative stress damage through the amplification of antioxidant defense mechanisms and activation of PPARα. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy (2018).
JUNIOR D. & al. Moringa oleifera seed oil: A review. Journal of Research in Agriculture and Animal Science (2021).
CHIN TAN T. W. & others. Scoping Review: Assessment of Moringa oleifera (Lam.) for Potential Wound Healing in In Vivo Studies. Molecules (2022).
PATEL B.C. and OAKLEY A.M. Stretch Marks. StatPearls (2023).
