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.

Experts have long known the regenerative effects of rosehip seed oil; in a 1983 study, patients with damaged skin saw improved skin tone and texture after using this vitamin C-rich oil. That's what makes this heavenly scented oil so great for treating skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

For those of us who suffer from the more common skin woe of fine lines, rosehip seed oil's high concentration of vitamin A is great for smoothing the look of those baby wrinkles. (Retinol, the No. 1 anti-ager, is a highly concentrated form of vitamin A.) Celebs like Miranda Kerr credit the oil for their glowing visages. Note that you shouldn't use rosehip oil if you're acne-prone -- it's mildly comedogenic, so it's no bueno for pores that are easily clogged.

DIY: Use the oil in place of eye cream, patting it on the under-eye area with your ring finger. Apply morning and night.

Makeup artists like Michelle Phan know that olive oil makes a great eye makeup remover, thanks to its antimicrobial properties and lash-conditioning vitamin E. It doesn't sting if it gets into eyes, and its slippery consistency means that you don't have to scrub to get rid of stubborn mascara or liner. Plus, you rub it off when you're done, so you won't have to smell it for hours.

DIY: If you want to use straight olive oil on those lids, look for a European-made, extra-virgin oil; the designation "extra-virgin" is more strictly regulated in Europe than it is in the U.S. Apply the oil with a cotton pad or cotton swabs. Rinse off excess product by splashing your face with a bit of water.

If you've ever gotten a nasty scrape or mauled your face by popping a pimple, you probably reached for antibiotic ointment in an attempt to turn things around. While it's true that wounds are less likely to scar when moisturized and covered, antibiotic ointment is one of the most common causes of contact dermatitis, aka skin allergy. Plus, research indicates that plain petroleum jelly is just as effective as antibiotic ointment in wound healing. So, there's that.

But a study showed that avocado oil speeds the rate of wound healing in rats faster than petroleum jelly does. Avocado oil's curative powers are due to its anti-inflammatory properties (it contains sterolin, an immune-boosting molecule) and its high content of essential fatty acids, which aid the formation of collagen.

DIY: Gently massage scrapes, scars, calluses or cracked skin with a couple drops of avocado oil two to three times a day. Cover with an adhesive bandage if necessary.

Tylenol probably seems like one of the most benign OTC meds, yet acetaminophen overdose recently overtook viral hepatitis as the most common cause of acute liver failure. Add to that ibuprofen and aspirin's reps for causing stomach ulcers with chronic use, and suddenly, popping a pain reliever doesn't seem like such a simple decision anymore.

Next time your boss is making your head throb, reach for a bottle of peppermint essential oil instead of a pill. If you're not convinced of the power of aromatherapy, check this out: In a study of subjects who suffered from tension headaches, applying a solution of 10 percent peppermint oil across the forehead and temples was basically as effective as consuming 1,000 milligrams of acetaminophen.

DIY: Mix a quarter cup of hot water with a tablespoon of peppermint oil and pour it onto a folded washcloth. Lay the compress on your forehead for 15 minutes and breathe deeply. Repeat if necessary. You can also try massaging it into your temples.