Ah, stretch marks! I got them with my first pregnancy but managed to get rid of them even after five more pregnancies, and I haven’t gotten any new ones since. I believe maintaining a healthy lifestyle plays a huge role, but I also want to share the homemade stretch mark salve I use.
Being a mom is something I wouldn’t trade for perfect abs, but just because I earned those “mama stripes” doesn’t mean I want to hang onto them! This salve is great for more than just pregnancy; it’s also beneficial during weight gain or loss.
Sure, genetics play a part in getting stretch marks, but rapid skin stretching—like during puberty, significant weight changes, or pregnancy—often causes them. The Mayo Clinic mentions that high cortisol levels can affect skin tone and weaken elastin fibers. (I figured out how to manage my cortisol levels.)
Though no DIY cream can completely erase stretch marks, they can help them fade. Over time, I’ve found several key ingredients that helped diminish my stretch marks.
Coconut oil is a staple in our home, from skincare to hair treatments, and it’s effective in stretch mark creams. It can help the skin grow without tearing. If you’re out of virgin coconut oil, you can mix shea butter with a liquid carrier oil like sweet almond or olive oil.
Apricot kernel oil isn’t something I use as often as coconut oil, but it’s great in this stretch mark salve. It’s packed with vitamin E, which supports the skin’s barrier, and it’s rich in linoleic acid, which deeply nourishes the skin. If you don’t have apricot kernel oil, sweet almond or grapeseed oil works, too.
Shea butter is fantastic for softening and strengthening skin over time. It’s been used for healing wounds and is excellent for producing the collagen necessary for strong skin.
Cocoa butter is tougher than shea butter but offers similar benefits. It helps prevent moisture loss and is traditionally used to prevent or reduce stretch marks. Both butters have unique qualities, but you can use either one for this recipe. If you only have shea butter, you might need a bit of beeswax to firm up your salve.
Rosehip seed oil, often touted as great for wrinkles, works well on stretch marks too. It’s high in vitamins A, C, and E, promoting healthy collagen and cell production. Its slightly drying nature balances out the heavier oils in the salve.
Adding herbs enhances this DIY recipe. Calendula is excellent for skin issues and helps stimulate collagen production. Ginger increases circulation and reduces inflammation, improving skin tone and helping repair the skin.
Using essential oils during pregnancy can be tricky, but there are safe choices for skincare. Experts recommend limiting essential oils during the first trimester and avoiding certain ones altogether. This recipe uses a safe dilution of essential oils for the second and third trimesters to help reduce and fade stretch marks.
This salve is designed to keep skin flexible and soothe irritation related to pregnancy. It’s easy to make; even with “pregnancy brain,” I remember the recipe. It can be whipped into a lotion, like a body butter.
For storage, keep it in a cool, dark place, away from heat and light. It should last about a year if stored properly.
Have you ever tried a salve for stretch marks? What worked for you? Feel free to share your experiences!
