Superfoods become super-duper foods when their abilities go beyond what they can do for you internally. In that group is coconut oil.

Its popularity has taken off over the past few years or so thanks to health advocates giving it a boost in the media. But this is one that lives up its hype – provided you’re using the right type and a reputable brand. One of the things that coconut oil has worked wonders for is stretch marks.

Do you have some after experiencing fluctuations in your weight? Post-pregnancy? Or just plain old gravity?

Many people are finding success with using the raw oil as a treatment for them. What’s so special about coconut oil for the skin? For starters, it provides hydration, immediately softening the skin anywhere on the body.

The oil also contains vitamins E and K, which help to heal and moisturize the skin. Vitamin E is anti-inflammatory and protects against free radical damage. Vitamin K helps to heal skin damage (like bruises or stretch marks) and aids in preventing wrinkles. Along with iron, these factors combine and help in the formation of new cells.

Over time, the appearance of stretch marks can fade. Its fat content makes cells stronger, and the antioxidants in coconut oil work against free radicals and supports the fading process.

Pregnant women use coconut oil as a stretch mark and cellulite preventive. Rubbing it onto the belly several times a day each day can keep the skin elastic and moisturized. Others apply it to the affected parts of the body.

Preferably, you want to use virgin coconut oil (organic if you’re able) that hasn’t gone through a refining process. Apply it to your skin after getting out the shower, or use 1 to 3 times per day. If you put it on at night, it can work while you sleep!

For an added boost, you can mix coconut oil with something else like lavender essential oil or rosehip oil. Lavender oil smells great, and is used for treating scars and rashes. Rosehip oil is high in vitamin C, aids in preventing and fading scars, and is super moisturizing.

Patchouli, long maligned for being the funky scent of hippies, has properties shown to fight inflammation, the ability to generate new cells (like collagen), prevent sagging, and is friendly for all skin types. Try adding a few drops of any of these oils to a coconut oil base for a power-packed punch to stretch marks.

For more ideas on how to use coconut oil on stretch marks, watch the video below. Keep healthy expectations and know that this remedy won’t work overnight. Months of consistent applications are needed to get noticeable results,
which is especially true for stretch marks that have been on the body for years and years. Some of you may see results much sooner. Grab a jar from your local grocery store and try this remedy out for yourself!

Have you successfully used coconut oil to fight stretch marks? Do you use it in your skin and beauty routine? How were the results?