How to Make My Own Stretch Mark Prevention Cream for Pregnancy
Stretch marks–those dark red or purple streaks that can develop on your stomach, thighs, breasts, arms and buttocks and that make wearing a bathing suit of any kind such a trial–are a common complaint of pregnant women during their last trimester, according to the Mayo Clinic. Stretch marks are caused during pregnancy by the stretching of the skin as the baby grows and you gain weight. A wide variety of commercial creams, balms and lotions are available to prevent the development of these marks by keeping the skin hydrated and supple. Natural remedy websites, such as Homemade Medicine and All About Stretch Marks, however, contain many similar stretch mark creams that can be made inexpensively at home. Naturopathic medicine promotes a holistic approach to health with minimal use of surgeries and drugs. Please make sure to consult your physician before attempting naturopathic remedies at home.
Aloe Vera Cream
Step 1
Combine 1/2 cup olive oil and 1/4 cup aloe vera gel in a blender. Hold each of the six Vitamin E capsules over the blender separately and break open, allowing the liquid from the capsules to drip onto the contents in the blender. Discard the empty capsule container. Repeat with all four Vitamin A capsules, again discarding the emptied capsules.
Step 2
Blend the contents on low for five seconds. Blend on medium for five seconds, until the mixture is of a uniform color and consistency.
Step 3
Pour the mixture into an airtight storage container. Keep it cool inside the refrigerator.
Step 4
Massage a small portion of the aloe vera cream into the skin of your hips, stomach, thighs and breasts several times a day during the course of your pregnancy.
Cocoa Butter Cream
Step 1
Combine the 1/2 cup cocoa butter, 1 tsp. Vitamin E oil, 1 tsp. apricot kernel oil, 1 tbsp. wheat germ oil and 2 tsp. grated beeswax in the nonstick saucepan.
Step 2
Heat slowly, watching the mixture carefully to prevent burning, until the beeswax has completely melted. Stir the mixture until it is of a uniform consistency.
Step 3
Cool the cocoa butter cream for several minutes. Pour into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator.
Step 4
Apply the cocoa butter cream several times a day.
Warnings
- Keep in mind that the Mayo Clinic advises there is no scientifically proven way to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy other than slow, healthy weight gain. Your homemade stretch mark prevention cream may decrease the likelihood you will develop stretch marks, but it cannot guarantee you won’t end up with a few.
