Taking care of your body in pregnancy is really important as it not only will make you look good but will also improve your mental health. Stretch marks are one of the biggest concerns for every pregnant woman and if taken care on a timely, they can be avoided, or at least you can minimize their appearance. The basics of these marks are that when your belly grows, the skin stretches along with it. If the skin is dry, it will break and create stretch marks. However, if the skin is properly moisturized, it will have the elasticity to cope with the stretching and minimize the damage.
Make sure to moisturize your skin whenever it becomes dry or itchy. You can use any oil or thick creams/lotions to moisturize it but try to look for the products which can keep the skin moisturized for longer and help in making it smooth and create elasticity. You can get many products from the market nowadays but be very mindful to not use unnecessary chemicals and avoid them as much as you can.
For this concern, I always prefer making my own products that are 100% natural and are really effective. They are also cost-effective and not very difficult to make. Let me share recipes that definitely work.
Cocoa butter and beeswax cream
Cocoa butter is known as a great moisturizer because it makes the skin smooth and keeps it moisturized for very long. The use of this butter can prevent stretch marks and can even minimize the look of already developed marks. The other important ingredient is beeswax which is not only moisturizing but also works as a barrier, protecting the skin from the harsh environment, keeping the skin hydrated for longer. There are two carrier oils in this recipe to thin the consistency of our cream and both are very effective as good moisturizers and are even used in anti-aging products. I am not adding any essential oils, as they are tricky to be used during pregnancy. If you think anyone is safe for you, you can few drops or be on the safe side and avoid them.
Ingredients
- ½ cup cocoa butter
- 1 Tbsp. apricot kernel oil
- 1 Tbsp. wheat germ oil
- 2 tsp. grated beeswax
Melt the beeswax and cocoa butter in a double boiler or in a microwave oven. Once melted, add the rest of the oils and stir them well. When the creams start to solidify, keep stirring it which will help in incorporating all the ingredients together.
Apply this cream on your tummy and massage gently until it is fully absorbed. It is best to apply at least two times a day but you can apply more if needed.
Olive oil stretch mark cream
This cream is really soothing and will help you relieve the itching you get because of skin stretching. Instead of scratching your skin, apply this cream and rub slowly to calm the area. Aloe vera will help nourish the skin and prevent marks from developing while also diminishing the old ones. Olive oil is a great moisturizer and will keep the skin moisturized and relieved for longer.
Ingredients
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup aloe vera gel
Pour both ingredients into a bowl and beat them vigorously until the product is turned into a white creamy texture. Store it in the refrigerator.
You can apply this cream as much as you want. It will be soothing, relaxing, and effective. You can use both creams alternatively and have great skin.
