Today is for all you pregnant mommas out there, plus those of you dealing with stretch marks now that baby is here! I’ve got a Homemade stretch mark cream/belly butter that will not only prevent stretch marks and scars, it will also help fade existing ones!
This recipe is potent. While scars and stretch marks are, in most cases badges of honor, they can be unsightly. Stretch marks and scars can be very hard to get rid of. With rejuvenating oils mixed with essential oils you can greatly improve and diminish their appearance as well as prevent new ones from appearing!
Ok, I’ve been pregnant twice. I know what it feels like to have your skin stretch and stretch and stretch! I’m willing to admit that I’m vain. I had many moments where worry and fear took over. It seemed at times that my skin was going to just rip. Not to mention the itchy discomfort. I faithfully used a body butter to relieve the discomfort and to reduce the risk of stretch marks and this helped to ease my mind significantly.
Oh how I wish I had been a DIYer during both of my pregnancies and could’ve made something instead of using over the counter products. My first pregnancy I used good ole’ Palmer’s Cocoa Butter and my second pregnancy I used Earth Mama Angel Baby’s Stretch Mark Oil. However, I do believe we can make our own homemade stretch mark cream that will be every bit as effective (if not more) and all the ingredients you need for this DIY belly butter can be used in many other fun, homemade products!
I believe 100% that you must protect and “feed” your skin during this precious and trying time! Itchy skin caused from a growing belly needs to be hydrated and protected at least once daily. The ingredients I’ve chosen are safe and beneficial for you and your growing baby.
More Baby/Momma Recipes:
- DIY Baby Powder
- DIY Baby Oil
- DIY Baby Lotion
- Homemade Diaper Rash Cream
- Homemade Diaper Rash Spray
- Homemade Vaseline
What is a Stretch Mark??
Stretch Marks form when the skin is stretched very quickly. Stretch marks are most common in growing teenagers and pregnant women. Basically when the skin stretches it begins to rip and forms a scar.
The skin consists of three main layers: Epidermis (the outer layer), Dermis (the middle layer) and Subcutaneous or Hypodermic (the deepest layer). Stretch marks form in the dermis of the skin when the connective tissue is stretched.
As skin stretches, the collagen is damaged and production slows down. This results in fine scars under the the skin. At first the marks look pink or red, but over time a thin, silvery line appears on the skin’s surface.
The thing about stretch marks is that you can reduce the risk of getting them by keeping the skin well hydrated and nourished but heredity plays a big roll. If your mom has stretch marks from pregnancy you most likely will too. The good news is that you can easily relieve your skin from the discomfort of stretching and at the same time you can fade and hopefully prevent stretch marks!
Treating stretch marks as soon as you get them is more effective than treating older ones, according to this 2017 review. That’s why using a belly oil or butter/cream during and after pregnancy can be so effective.
Stretch Mark Cream Ingredients:
Neroli Essential Oil is a powerful oil that helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scars, it is cicatrisant which means it has anti scarring properties! Neroli oil also stimulates circulation and encourages cell regeneration! However, it is very expensive and if you’re on a budget-don’t worry about omitting it.
Helichrysum Essential Oil is a must when it comes to regenerating damaged skin. It is known for fading and healing scars and stretch marks and even surgical wounds (C-sections scars!). It contains diketones which help reduce scar tissue and stimulate growth of new skin tissue! This is one powerful essential oil! This is an oil I would not omit.
Lavender Essential Oil is healing and calming. It also nourishes broken, cracked skin.
Lemon Essential Oil can lighten the appearance of scars and stretch marks.
Vitamin E Oil is moisturizing and highly nourishing. It also prolongs the life of your butter.
Sweet Almond Oil contains vitamins A and E. It contains a large amount of antioxidants which help skin appear younger. Plus, I love that it is said to be similar to the oil found in a newborn’s skin. I wish I could find that article again so I could link it for you.
Coconut Oil is extremely healing. It is full of antioxidants and Vitamin E.
Cocoa Butter is famous for protecting the skin from stretch marks. It is highly nourishing and penetrates to the lower epidermis of the skin.
Shea Butter helps rebuild collagen which is broken down when the skin ages or becomes damaged.
Beeswax thickens your butter as well as provides a protective barrier that holds moisture in the skin.
Homemade Stretch Mark Cream Recipe
- 2 TBSP. Sweet Almond Oil (find it HERE)
- 2 TBSP. Coconut Oil (find it HERE)
- 2 TBSP. Shea Butter (find it HERE)
- 2 TBSP. Cocoa Butter (find it HERE)
- 1.5 TBSP. Beeswax (find it HERE)
- 3 tsp. Vitamin E oil (find it HERE)
- 20 drops Neroli Essential Oil (find it HERE) *optional*
- 15 drops Helichrysum Essential Oil (find it HERE)
- 15 drops Lavender Essential Oil (find it HERE)
- 10 drops Lemon Essential Oil (find it HERE)
Directions:
- In a medium pot, fill halfway with water.
- Place a glass bowl with a spout in the water
- Melt Almond oil, butters and wax.
- Once all ingredients are melted, pour into a 4 ounce container.
- Let harden completely
- Take a spoon and stir your butter into a creamy texture
- Add Essential oils and Vitamin E oil
*By adding the essential oils after your butter has cooled, you are ensuring that the potency of the oils won’t be damaged by heat.*
If you’re interested in using essential oils during your pregnancy, I have a full post on which essential oils are safe and unsafe for pregnancy.
How to Use DIY Stretch Mark Cream:
Apply this butter at least once a day. This butter (hence the name, butter) is VERY OILY! I would let it soak in for at least 15 minutes before putting clothes over it. Massaging the oil nightly can encourage blood flow which is always good for healthy skin. Where there is good blood flow, there is healthy skin.
Be aware that once you have given birth the skin will go through more stress adjusting to the sudden change. Don’t stop applying the butter until your tummy has adjusted! I’ve heard of women getting to the birth with no stretch marks and then getting them after their baby was born!!
This stretch mark cream recipe is also perfect for healing a c-section scar. You will soothe the damaged skin as well as accelerate healing!!
As an added bonus, the essential oils Neroli, Lavender and Lemon are very uplifting. I struggle with depression when I’m pregnant and I believe essential oils helped me immensely! Feel free to add in Frankincense essential oil(10 drops) as well-Frankincense is extremely helpful in combating depression!
One more tip-You must check out my post on 3rd Trimester Tea. This tea is by Earth Mama Angel Baby and is basically a red raspberry leaf tea that helps strengthen your uterus, preparing it for birth. I love this tea still and I will say, I drank it all through out my 3rd trimester with my second baby and my labor was 1 hour long.
xx, Jenni
P.S. If you’d like to make a DIY Belly Oil for stretch marks that does not require heat and is as easy as adding ingredients to a pump bottle, you might like my new Stretch Mark Oil recipe. It is excellent for using as a body oil after you’ve given birth.
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