Oh stretch marks…
I got them with my first, and have since gotten rid of them, even through four more pregnancies (and I haven’t gotten any new ones).
I think it is largely due to the healthier diet and lifestyle I’ve adopted during that time, but today I’m also sharing my salve that I make to help keep belly skin smooth during pregnancy. I call it Tiger Salve since I’ve often heard stretch marks referred to as “Tiger Stripes.”
Don’t get me wrong, I’m proud of my stretch marks and wouldn’t trade a second of motherhood for better abs, but I also prefer to avoid getting any more stripes! I do think that diet is a crucial part of pregnancy health though, so this alone won’t keep stretch marks away for everyone…
Pregnancy Stretch Marks Salve Recipe
This salve is designed to keep skin supple so that it can accommodate a growing belly, but also to sooth any skin irritation that accompanies pregnancy. It’s also super simple to make, so I can even manage to remember the recipe when I have placenta brain…
Stretch Marks Salve Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Shea Butter
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 3 Tablespoons Apricot Kernel Oil
- 1 Tablespoon Calendula flowers (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried ginger root
How to Make Stretch Marks Salve
- If using the calendula and dried ginger, add to Apricot Kernel or Almond Oil and place in a double boiler or bowl over a small pan of water. (or use a glass jar for easier clean up)
- Bring to a simmer and heat for 30 minutes on medium low heat to incorporate the properties of the herbs.
- Strain through a cheesecloth or metal strainer to remove herbs. YOu will want to make sure you still have at least 2 tablespoons of liquid oil left.
- Return the oil to the double boiler and add the shea butter and coconut oil.
- Heat until melted and stir to incorporate.
- Remove from heat and store in small glass jar.
- Add any pregnancy safe essential oils if desired.
- Use as needed on skin before, during or after pregnancy as needed.
Ever tried a salve for stretch marks? What have you done that’s helped get rid of them? Share below!
How to Make Herbal Tinctures
why the ginger?
Hi – I was just reading your blog post about the benefits of calendula…but how it’s best avoided in pregnancy – then I see this recipe containing calendula, for use during pregnancy…please can you confirm if it’s safe or not? Thanks
My midwife said it was fine topically during pregnancy but should be avoided internally. I’d definitely ask your own doctor or midwife to be safe though.
This recipe seems similar to your whipped lotion recipe. Would I still get the same benefits if I made the lotion with all Shea butter, almond, and coconut oil, and added ginger root to it? My stretch marks are from rapid weight gain. I plan to use the lotion daily.
Also, how long does this take to help minimize stretch marks? Should I be applying more than once per day?
Would Mango Butter instead of Shea Butter work for this recipie?
I didn’t use this to heal/reverse stretch marks, but I used it to prevent them during pregnancy. I assumed I would get them since my mother got them (so genetics) and I got them on my thighs as a teen when I hit a major growth spurt (puberty). But I made this and used it once a day during two pregnancies in which I gained 40 lbs, and I got zero stretch marks. I ate a relatively healthy diet for the most part but cravings got me and I probably didn’t get enough collagen, but I adore this skin cream for pregnancy. Thank you!
Hello
Just curious because Calendula herbs aren’t recommend during pregnancy so is this still safe to use on skin?
Does this help with the scars them self, like the texture marks, not just the color. My stretch marks are 18 years old, some have color and some are white. For me its the texture which looks like tears in the skin.
I have been eating a healthy diet for most of those years but have been eating organic meats lately as well.
Any more tips on the proper diet for collagen boosting or anything to help tighten the skin. ?
i would love to learn more
Hi There –
I made this recipe at home and it didn’t stand up – a few days later, its still liquid. Any suggestions to firm it up without wasting what’s there?
Thanks!
– Calley
Question for anyone who has solved this issue: anything I make with shea butter ends up having little hard clumps of shea butter congeal over time, making it unpleasant and difficult to use the product. Any solutions? TIA! Elissa