This natural homemade pregnancy stretch mark cream may help to soothe and nourish the skin, and may even help in fading and preventing stretch marks. Ingredients such as unrefined coconut oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, sweet almond oil, rosehip seed oil, and the essential oil of lavender, are used to deeply moisturise and hydrate the skin, assisting in preventing and softening stretch marks during pregnancy.

When my sister fell pregnant with her first child earlier this year, she asked if I could maker her a pregnancy stretch mark salve that would help to minimise or prevent pregnancy-induced stretch marks on her belly.

This stretch mark salve can be used on any part of the skin that is growing or showing signs of stretch marks, including the belly, hips, chest, thighs, and more.

I have heard many stories from friends who have bought some of the best stretch mark creams, belly balms, pregnancy oils and body butters available on the market, but found for one reason or another, that they weren’t very helpful or didn’t provide the benefits promised. So, I decided to make my own homemade belly cream to gift to my sister.

What Causes Stretch Marks?

While stretch marks are largely thought to be genetic, they can arise from a number of factors, including stress and hormones (which can weaken the elasticity of the skin), diet (including a lack of proper hydration or collagen), and itchy, dry skin (which can also weaken the skin’s elasticity).

Stretch marks are formed in the dermis layer of the skin, which is the thick, middle layer just below the epidermis. When the dermis is stretched for long periods of time, this can cause the skin to tear and break down, allowing stretch marks to develop.

When the skin grows and stretches rapidly, such as during puberty, in cases of severe weight gain, or during pregnancy (particularly in the third trimester, around the 6 to 7 month mark), stretch marks are often the result. However, the good news is there are ways of diminishing, even eliminating these marks on the skin! The key is a healthy diet and proper skin care.

Natural Skin Care Tips for Stretch Marks

Below are some natural skin care tips to assist in preventing or fading stretch marks:

• Drinking plenty of homemade meat stock, consuming pasture-raised poultry and eggs, wild-caught fish, grass-fed and finished beef, fermented foods for gut health, and grass-fed collagen supplements which can be added to soups or smoothies, can provide the body with plenty of collagen, gelatine, fatty acids, and protein for cell renewal and skin repair. Read more about the GAPS diet here.
• Consuming lots of foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and zinc, which are necessary for collagen production in the body, and assist in reducing inflammation, facilitating skin regeneration, and cell turnover.
• Applying liberal amounts of a calendula infused oil to the stomach and other stretch mark prone areas of the skin to fade and diminish stretch marks and scars.
• The following recipe for a homemade pregnancy stretch mark cream (along with a healthy diet) may help in eliminating stretch marks that have already arisen.
• Spending some time out in the sun may help to boost levels of vitamin D, which plays a part in maintaining skin elasticity and supporting collagen production.

Skin Care Ingredients to Steer Clear of During Pregnancy

I’m a firm believer that simple and natural are best. Some ingredients commonly listed on skin care product labels that are recommended to be avoided during pregnancy include the following.

Retinol (Vitamin A)

This is a synthetic form of vitamin A and is usually added to skin care products to help in to reduce wrinkles and signs of aging in the skin. However, according to the National Institutes of Health, studies have found that too much synthetic vitamin A may increase the risk of birth defects and developmental issues in the foetus. It is advised that pregnant women avoid the topical use of retinol while pregnant.

Salicylic Acid

Adult acne can be a common symptom experienced by many women as a result of the hormone changes that arise during pregnancy. Salicylic acid is an ingredient used in skin care products to help dry up excess oil on the skin and clear acne. However, when ingested it has the potential to cause miscarriage or birth defects, so it is recommended to avoid the topical use of this ingredient for acne during pregnancy.

Chemical Fragrances (Phthalates)

These scents often contain synthetic chemicals, specifically phthalates, known as ‘plasticiser’ which have been found to be hormone-disrupting in their nature. The company is not required to disclose this ingredient on their product labels.

Formaldehyde Releasers

DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidzaolidinyl urea, and quaternium-15 are all common preservatives used in cosmetics, skin care, and personal care products that help to extend the shelf life of the product and prevent microbial growth. However, they essentially work by slowly releasing small amounts of formaldehyde as they break down in the product overtime.

Parabens

Propyl-, isopropyl-, butyl-, and isobutyl-parabens are widely used as preservatives in cosmetics and skin care products, however, these synthetic chemicals have the ability to mimic the hormone, oestrogen, in the body.

Methylisothiazolinone (MI), Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI), and Benzisothiazolinone (BIT)

These potent preservatives can cause allergic reactions and skin irritations like dermatitis on contact.

Why Use a Stretch Mark Salve?

While this DIY stretch mark cream will not magically erase these scars from the skin, it can help to fade stretch marks with time, and possibly prevent marks from developing in the future.

This cream is made from a handful of ingredients that have a been found to help with fading scars and stretch marks. Ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, sweet almond oil, and rosehip seed oil, can help to deeply nourish and moisturise the skin, providing a layer of protection and helping to support skin elasticity, promoting healthier looking skin.

A good stretch mark cream will help to keep skin feeling supple and hydrated as it stretches throughout the months of pregnancy. Below I share a breakdown of why I’ve chosen each ingredient for this balm, and how it may help in reducing the appearance of stretch marks on the skin.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is one of the most used oils in our household. I love it for making toothpaste, for use in hair treatments, and in my natural skin care. It can also be helpful in this stretch mark cream for its ability to help the skin to grow without tearing.

If you do not have any coconut oil on hand to use in this salve, you can substitute in equal parts of shea butter and a liquid carrier oil such as sweet almond oil or olive oil.

Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter

Shea butter is a wonderful source of vitamin A and E, and is well-known for its deep moisturising properties, which help to maintain the elasticity and suppleness of the skin.

Cocoa butter is much more firm in its texture than shea butter, but contains a lot of the same benefits. This butter may help to lock in moisture, form a protective barrier over the skin, and may help to improve skin elasticity.

If you only have shea butter on hand, adding in a little beeswax will help to firm up the cream.

Castor Oil

Castor oil contains a very high concentration of ricinoleic acid, a potent anti-inflammatory which provides deep hydration and intense moisturising properties. It can also help to soften fibrous tissue and scars on the skin, and may help to improve the elasticity of the skin.

Rosehip Seed Oil

Rosehip seed oil is a great source of vitamin A, C, and E which assist in collagen production and skin cell formation.

Calendula Infused Oil

Calendula is a wonderful healing herb with many medicinal properties. It may help to stimulate collagen production, reduce inflammation, increase cell turnover, and speed up the process of skin repair and regeneration.

Essential Oils for Stretch Marks

There are many essential oils to be wary of during pregnancy, however, there are some safe options to choose from when it comes to skin care. It is recommended to limit the use of essential oils during the first trimester of pregnancy, and avoid certain ones altogether as these highly concentrated plant compounds can interfere with the growing baby and pregnant mother.

It is considered safe to have up to a 4% dilution for use on smaller areas of the body during pregnancy, but I have limited the essential oil dilution rate for this stretch mark salve to a 2% dilution, though you can make it a little stronger if you like. The following essential oils are considered safe for use during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, and may help to fade or reduce stretch marks on the skin:

• Frankincense essential oil
• Lavender essential oil
• Patchouli essential oil
• German chamomile essential oil
• Cedarwood essential oil
• Helichrysum essential oil

Before we get started in learning how to make this homemade pregnancy stretch mark cream, if you like what you’re seeing, subscribe to my email newsletter at the bottom of the page to keep up to date on the latest recipes, DIYs, gardening and health tips I share!

Homemade Stretch Mark Cream

This cream is designed to help soothe and nourish the skin, promote skin suppleness and elasticity, and assist in fading and minimising visible signs of stretch marks.

This recipe makes approximately two 4 ounce containers with a 2% dilution of essential oils.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup unrefined extra virgin coconut oil
• 1/4 cup unrefined shea butter
• 2 tablespoons cocoa butter
• 1 tablespoon organic castor oil
• 3 tablespoons calendula infused oil 
• 1 teaspoon rosehip seed oil 
• 1/4 teaspoon vitamin E oil (optional)
• 20-40 drops lavender essential oil (or other pregnancy safe essential oil of choice // optional)

To Make:

1. To make this homemade stretch mark cream, start by filling a small saucepan to about the halfway mark with water, and place a bowl on top to create a double boiler. Add the coconut oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter to the bowl, and bring the water in the saucepan to a boil. Once boiling, turn the heat down to a simmer. Melt the ingredients on very low heat until they completely liquify. Stir the mixture throughout this time to combine the ingredients.
2. Once the ingredients have completely melted, mix in the castor oil, calendula infused oil, and rosehip seed oil, and stir well to combine.
3. Next, remove the bowl from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding in the vitamin E oil and lavender essential oil. Stir the mixture well to combine the ingredients.
4. Pour the cream mixture into a large mixing bowl, and place this bowl into the freezer to set for about 20 minutes, or until the mixture is firm but not frozen.
5. Once firm, remove the bowl from the freezer and, using a hand mixer or stand mixer with the whisk attachment, whip the cream until it becomes light and creamy.
6. Transfer this mixture to two 4 ounce glass jars, and store the cream in a cool, dark place out of direct heat and light. This cream may last up to one year if stored properly, if not longer.

This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice. The use of information on this blog or materials linked from this blog is at the user’s own risk. The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard, or delay in obtaining, medical advice for any medical condition they may have, and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.

Do you do anything different to take care of your skin when you’re pregnant? Share in the comments below.

Lots of love,

Vanessa