Stretch Marks: Homemade Body Care Recipe

Whether you’ve been pregnant or simply gone through some weight changes, your body may have kept a few reminders. We’re talking, of course, about stretch marks! They’re simply marks left by the skin stretching, but many of us find them rather unsightly and would happily do without them. If that sounds like you, don’t panic! Here’s a homemade stretch mark treatment recipe, with the full list of ingredients, a step-by-step method and a few tips for fitting it into your routine.

Our homemade stretch mark treatment recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tsp shea butter
• 2 tsp cocoa butter
• 2 tsp coconut oil
• 10 drops vitamin E oil
• 6 drops lavender essential oil
• 3 drops grapefruit essential oil
• 6 drops petitgrain bigarade essential oil

Method

To make this homemade stretch mark cream, start by putting the shea butter, cocoa butter and coconut oil into a heavy-bottomed saucepan, along with the drops of vitamin E oil.

Then, heat everything over very low heat, stirring continuously, until the butters and oil have melted and the mixture is smooth and uniform.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the essential oil drops of lavender, grapefruit, and petitgrain bigarade.

Finally, all that’s left to do is massage the mixture into the areas with stretch marks every day.

With its moisturising butters and oils, this cream looks after your skin! However, it needs to absorb properly, so don’t hesitate to exfoliate your skin regularly!

Stretch marks and cellulite: two different things

The two are often lumped together, as they sometimes show up in the same places, such as the thighs, tummy or hips. Yet stretch marks are marks left by the skin stretching, whereas cellulite refers to that ‘orange peel’ look. So they aren’t tackled in the same way.

The homemade treatment shared here is aimed first and foremost at stretch marks. If you’d rather use a ready-made product, you can also explore our stretch mark care range.

How do you fit this treatment into your routine?

The easiest way is to make it a little ritual: after your shower, on clean, still slightly damp skin, massage the areas with stretch marks using circular movements until the treatment has sunk in. Keep the mixture in a clean jar with a tight-fitting lid, away from heat, and make small batches so you use them up quickly.

• Do a patch test on a small area before using it for the first time.
• Stop using it if you notice any redness or itching.
• Avoid mucous membranes and the eye area.
• Citrus essential oils, such as grapefruit, can make skin more sensitive to the sun, so it’s best to apply this treatment in the evening.

And what about you, ladies — how do you look after your stretch marks?

Frequently asked questions

Can you get rid of stretch marks in a week?

No homemade treatment can promise to make stretch marks disappear in such a short time. They are marks left by the skin stretching. We recommend massaging this treatment in every day and making it a lasting part of your routine, without expecting quick changes.

Can I use this treatment on stretch marks on my thighs?

Yes, you can use it on the areas with stretch marks, such as the thighs, tummy or hips. As the recipe contains essential oils, start by trying it on a small patch of skin to see how it reacts, and keep it away from the eye area.

Is this treatment suitable for white stretch marks?

This homemade treatment nourishes the skin as part of a daily massage. It can have a place in your routine whatever the colour of your stretch marks, without any promise of making them disappear. For personalised advice, speak to a dermatologist or your doctor.

Can I use this treatment during pregnancy?

The recipe contains lavender, grapefruit and petitgrain bigarade essential oils. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your doctor or midwife for advice before using this mixture.

Related articles

• Stretch marks on dark or mixed-race skin: myths and facts
• Microdermabrasion for Stretch Marks: Does It Work?
• Coconut oil and stretch marks: composition and use
• Stretch marks: causes, treatments and solutions
• Natural Ways to Care for Stretch Marks
• Can Baking Soda Help Reduce Stretch Marks?

Useful categories: Stretch Mark Care, Stretch Marks.