Beauty Tips

10 Beautifying and Healing Oils (That Aren't Coconut Oil)

Use these inexpensive wonder oils to better your skin, hair, body and mind

by Katie McCarthy | 1 COMMENT

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The Oil That Stops Stretch Marks in Their Tracks How many times have you read a story touting one ingredient or another as the cure for stretch marks? But there may be an honest-to-god solution for preventing stretch marks and reducing the appearance of existing marks -- and it only costs a couple bucks and a few minutes of your time.

In 2012, researchers found that stretch marks (aka striae gravidarum) were less prevalent in pregnant women who received regular 15-minute massages with bitter almond oil than those who received no treatment. While it's true that the blood-flow-encouraging massage may have had more to do with preventing stretch marks, multiple studies have been done on olive oil's ability to prevent stretch marks with less encouraging results.

Remember: Bitter almond oil is not the same as sweet almond oil. The sweet variety is found in many products that claim to treat stretch marks, but it hasn't been clinically shown to improve the condition.

DIY: Massage any problem areas with pure bitter almond oil while you're watching your favorite TV show. Once you get to the third commercial break, you're done. Or try combining the oil with sugar or salt for a homemade body scrub.

SEE NEXT PAGE: The Oil That Makes You as Wrinkle-Free and Glowy as a Supermodel

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