For years unknown, coconut oil has been used to eradicate the stretch marks that occur as a result of pregnancy or weight gain. Regular use of virgin coconut oil is said to totally avoid the occurrence of stretch marks. However one must remember that stretch marks are inevitable and cannot be avoided totally during pregnancy, though its existence can be minimized by fading away the discoloration that occurs as a result.

Coconut oil as a great moisturizer for the skin is readily absorbed by the skin. It provides the skin with softness and suppleness, preventing it from drying and flaking. Coconut oil is absorbed in a better way when it is used right after a bath when the body is still wet. As far as stretch marks are concerned, coconut oil is really helpful in fading away the marks although complete elimination is not assured.

The appearance of the stretch marks is lessened as the coconut oil provides the necessary moisture to the skin that is more prone to having stretch marks. The creams and lotions that are available in the market claiming the complete elimination of stretch marks use coconut oil as the base and have additional ingredients that help in fading the existing stretch marks.

Side Effects and Safety Notes

Besides the coconut oil being used for topical application, it is also used in food and medications. Therefore as it contains fat, high amounts of coconut oil consumption can lead to an increase of the cholesterol. It is essential to keep the quantity of coconut oil to medium levels as the doctors are still not sure about the side effects that might occur if the amount consumed is increased. Other than that, as far as topical applications are concerned, coconut oil does not pose any major side effect and is healthy for an adult as well as for children.