Does Tea Tree Oil Help With Stretch Marks?

Tea tree oil is an amazing product for the skin. Thanks to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, tea tree oil will reduce the effects of scars and stretch marks. Tea tree oil is drawn from the leaves of the Melaleuca alternifolia tree, popularly known as the Australian tea tree. It is an essential oil with a long record of medicinal use mostly because of its powerful antimicrobial values.

Stretch marks form mainly because of a sudden change in body size. This can be as a result of being pregnant, acquiring puberty or rapidly gaining or losing weight. These rippled, streaky line in the skin come in assorted colors. Stretch marks dim from red or pink to purplish-blue to lighter, pale. You may not notice them as much. Continue reading to learn more about what tea tree oil can do for stretch marks.

Tea tree oil and why it is good for stretch marks

Stretch marks and what causes them?

Stretch marks are medically known as striae or striae gravidarum. They happen when the middle layer or dermis of the skin becomes overstretched to the point of tearing. These tears cause scarring that appear as stretch marks on the skin's surface. This often occurs:

during pregnancy, which affects up to 90 percent of women
during the growth spurts of adolescence
after weight gain or weight loss
Weight lifting
High levels of steroid hormones in the body caused by medication or illnesses, like Cushing's syndrome and Marfan syndrome, have been linked to getting stretch marks.

They appear as red or purple lines that are somewhat raised initially. They turn white or silverish and become flat and shiny as time goes on. Women are more susceptible to getting stretch marks than men, and they usually develop in the following areas: breasts, buttocks, hips, stomach, thighs, and upper arms.

Why use Tea Tree Oil?

Melaleuca Alternifolia leaves are used to derive tea tree oil. It is an essential oil, derived by steam distillation. Tea tree oil is utilized in many beauty products as an important ingredient. It offers antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Terpene is the main ingredient that destroys bacteria and keeps the skin clean. Tea tree oil also provides antiseptic action and helps heal the wounds. It gets absorbed fast and penetrates deeply into the skin and does ‘damage control’ for the skin.

Use this oil sparingly, especially if you have sensitive skin. It’s advised to mix it with a carrier oil, whether sweet almond, olive, or jojoba. Tea tree oil is usually used in natural acne care and to remove dandruff, but one of it's not so widely known properties is its ability to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scarring.

Application of Tea Tree Oil Stretch Mark Home Remedy

Before starting, dry brush or exfoliate while bathing, this can lessen the look of the marks by removing the accumulated dry skin, increasing your circulation, and making it easier for the treatment to soak into the skin.

Be sure to apply the concoction to your skin after a shower or bath when possible since your skin pores will be open and whatever you put on your skin will be more easily absorbed. Of course, you may not always manage that if you’re applying something throughout the day, but don’t forget to apply your concoction post-shower.

Blend a few options if you’d like. For instance, you can combine in a few drops of tea tree oil with your almond oil, or aloe vera juice or gel. Do a test patch always and wait some hours or overnight before applying something to a large area. The essential oil should be safe for application if there is no reaction after 24 hours.

How to use Tea Tree Oil to treat stretch marks?

Essential oils should be mixed in carrier oils and then used topically on stretch marks and massaged well into the skin. Do not use them undiluted directly on the skin as it can cause burning, inflammation, and irritation. This is especially relevant for those with sensitive skin. Carrier oils include coconut, grapeseed, jojoba, olive, sweet almond, rosehip oil, etc. Mix 15 to 30 drops of Tea Tree with an ounce of a carrier oil of your choice. Put in a few drops first and work your way up, as your skin tolerance allows.

Apply a tiny quantity of the mixture to your stretch marks nightly before going to bed. Only apply the mixture at night because Tea Tree has a powerful medicinal smell.Do this daily until your preferred results are obtained. It may take some weeks or months. When your stretch marks have reduced, you can stop the treatment.

Using Tea Tree Oil during pregnancy

Stretch marks are very common in pregnancy, and many pregnant women prefer natural ways to prevent or treat stretch marks. Experts suggest that tea tree oil should be used with cautiously when pregnant, particularly during the first trimester. When Tea tree oil is misused, it can trigger uterine contractions and negatively affect the growing fetus in its initial growth stages. The risk slightly reduces during the second and final trimester as the baby develops.

Care to take while using Tea Tree Oil for stretch marks

It is recommended to discuss the use of essential oils with a doctor before trying them, particularly if you are using medications, pregnant or using topical treatments. Here are some precautions to take while using tea tree oil:

To avoid an allergic reaction always do a skin patch test first. Spread some oil on a small patch of your skin and observe it for any possible adverse response. Leave it on overnight to 24 hours.
Refrain from using tea tree oil in its concentrated form. The safest way to use it is by diluting it with a carrier oil or water.
Note the expiry date when purchasing a bottle of tea tree oil. Expired tea tree essential oil can be harmful as the oil starts to hoard cancer-causing substances after expiration.
Be cautious while using tea tree oil through a diffuser in a closed room as it has a noticeable smell which can cause nausea when pregnant.
Diluting the oil for use during pregnancy is advisable to reduce its likely risks. In case of uncertainty about the correct concentrations, consult a doctor before using tea tree oil who can prescribe an appropriate dosage after examining your condition.
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid the use of essential oils on the skin unless advised differently by their doctor.
Sometimes the topical use of tea tree can cause skin dryness, rashes, and blisters in some pregnant women.
Tea tree oil can also cause hormonal imbalances in some women.
A pregnant lady with a history of eczema using Tea Tree oil can cause an adverse reaction.

Medical methods for treating stretch marks

People with severe stretch marks or those allergic to essential oils may try other treatments, like:

What to eat to help heal your skin?

Even as you apply the Tea Tree concoction don’t forget to work on healthy, smooth skin internally, too. Some foods help heal the skin when eaten, not just when they’re rubbed on it.

Avocados help reinvigorate the skin from the inside out thanks to folic acid and omega 3s that heal and soften the skin.
Because of the high manganese content in pineapples, it helps in healing
Try adding some walnuts to your food to heal and repair your skin. The L-arginine (an amino acid) may help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Pumpkin seeds are a good zinc and vitamin E source. Getting plenty of zinc and vitamin E in your diet could lower your chances of getting more stretch marks, too.
Dark, leafy greens contain vitamin K, which aids in healing the skin.
Drink your water, too! Hydrated skin looks and heals better than dry skin.

What to apply topically to remove stretch oils?

Despite what you choose to rub to your stretch marks, you should be consistent. It might take a number of months to see any remarkable change.

Potato juice for stretch marks

Potatoes naturally brighten and lighten stretch skin, thus can help to remove stretch marks. Do not apply potato juice during the day, especially when going out as it can make you smell funny. Cut a piece of raw potato and apply the pieces ever the stretch marks. Allow the juice to dry on your skin for about fifteen minutes and then wash it off with warm water. Dab dry and apply your moisturizer. You can do this a few times daily if you have the time.

Lemon Juice for stretch marks

You may have tried rubbing lemon juice in your hair to lighten it in the sun during your younger years, or maybe you have heard it can fade freckles. Lemon juice, just like potato juice, is a natural skin brightener and lightener that may work on stretch marks, too. You can apply the same process you do the potato juice—slice, rub the juice on, allow it to rest it for ten to fifteen minutes, and wash off. Rub your moisturizer, and you are all set.

Shea Butter or Cocoa Butter stretch marks remedy

Shea butter and cocoa butter are both great for moisturizing the skin, and they can help fasten the healing procedure or prevent future occurrence of stretch marks. If you decide to use cocoa butter over shea, you will smell delicious too. Put in some drops of vitamin E oil to increase the advantages.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is one of the best nourishing body moisturizers out there. It is rich in antioxidants and helps to lessen the appearance of stretch marks and prevent more from developing. Use it all over the areas which have stretch marks daily, for the best results.

Rosehip Oil

Rosehip oil has vitamins A, C, and E, as and fatty acids, making it a star when it comes to healthy skin cells. Rosehip oil is not precisely inexpensive; thus, you may want to add a few drops to another oil before applying it onto the skin.

Almond Oil

Almond oil has vitamin E which can help repair your skin. Use almond oil as a moisturizer all over your body, taking special care to massage it into the areas where you have stretch marks. Studies show that the combination of bitter almond oil and massage reduced stretch mark development in pregnant women.

Be Patient when using these Tea Tree remedies

When you’re reading up on how to get rid of stretch marks naturally, it’s easy to visualize this miraculous transformation overnight, and you may be lucky to see rapid results. However, in most cases, the marks will fade gradually. Stay consistent, eat well, and hydrate for the best results.

Important Tips to Treat and Help Prevent Stretch Marks

Along with these effective Tea Tree remedy, following a few tips will help to prevent and treat existing stretch marks faster.

Moisturization is essential to avoid stretch marks. So, keep your skin well-moisturized every day.
Eat a diet abundant in vitamin C, zinc, proteins such as leafy greens, dairy products, fish and citrus based fruits for reducing stretch marks naturally.
Exercise and stretch regularly so that your skin gets enough nutrients, vitamins, and oxygen to repair itself and heal faster. It is a way of keeping your weight in check preventing excessive weight gain or rapid weight loss causing stretch marks.
Resist scratching the affected area as it can make the skin damage worse causing more stretch marks.
Hydrate by consuming at least 8 to 10 glasses of water daily as a well-hydrated skin is less prone to stretch marks.
Avoid corticosteroids based creams and lotions as they make the skin more inclined to developing stretch marks.
Try dry brushing the skin to promote elasticity and increase the absorption of the stretch mark home remedy.
Avoid using any kind of anti-stretch marks cream or lotion while pregnant opt for natural alternatives like using essential oils like Tea Tree.

The next time you are unclear about how to reduce stretch marks avoid getting expensive anti-stretch marks creams and try these using Tea Tree oil. The tips as mentioned above and remedies in this are safe, inexpensive and completely natural. Stretch marks cannot be completely erased although the appearance can be made barely visible. In case of an allergic reaction or rash to a certain ingredient in the remedy, it is best to discontinue the use immediately and consult a doctor