Stretch Mark Balm Recipe for Scars and Stretch Marks

Stretch marks can be frustrating to live with, and it is only fair to say that how well they improve depends on how old they are and how deep the scarring goes. Things don’t just change overnight, and some severe marks may need a bit of medical help to fade away completely. Even so, you can make a real difference at home with a simple balm that nourishes your skin, keeps it supple, and helps it repair itself in a steady, natural way.

This blog walks you through a rich, buttery stretch mark balm that melts on contact with your skin. It is easy to make, gentle to use, and a lovely addition to your daily routine. Over time, it helps soften the look of stretch marks and delivers healthier, smoother skin.

What Causes Stretch Marks

Stretch marks form when the skin stretches faster than its deeper layers can keep up. The fibers that help our skin stay strong and flexible begin to stretch and tear a bit, which creates these thin lines that are a little more sunken in than the rest of the skin. These marks often begin with a pink or purple tone and can fade to a pale, silvery colour over time. They are simply a sign that the skin has been under pressure and needs a bit of support to recover its smoothness.

Who Gets Stretch Marks

Stretch marks can appear at many stages of life. They are very common during pregnancy as the skin stretches to make room for the growing baby. Teenagers may see them as their bodies change quickly through growth spurts. They can also show up after losing weight quickly, since the skin has not had enough time to shrink down to the new shape. Even people who build muscle quickly in the gym can notice stretch marks forming as the skin works hard to keep up with the new size. They are a normal response to changes in the body and are nothing to be embarrassed about.

When to Start Using a Stretch Mark Balm in Pregnancy

Many people wonder when it is best to begin caring for their skin during pregnancy. A balm like this works well because it is concentrated, rich, and free from the large amount of water found in most creams. You can start using it as soon as your skin begins to feel tight or stretched. A small amount goes a long way and helps keep the skin comfortable as it changes. The ingredients are gentle and suitable for use throughout pregnancy.

Why This Stretch Mark Balm Works

A balm made with rich plant butters and oils offers steady support as the skin repairs itself. These ingredients help form a protective barrier that keeps moisture in and your skin nice and soft. This is important when you’re trying to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

Since this formula is concentrated, it hangs around on your skin longer. This means your skin gets more time to soak up all the good essential fatty acids it needs. With regular use, this helps the skin feel smoother and more comfortable while it works to recover its natural tone.

I have deliberately not used any essential oils, as there are several that are not suitable for use in pregnancy. Even without essential oils, this is a really effective stretch mark balm.

Ingredients Spotlight

Each ingredient in this balm has a clear purpose. These butters and oils are chosen for how well they support the skin, keep moisture in, and help the surface feel smoother over time. Here is what each one brings to the formulation.

Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter is a classic ingredient for stretch mark care because it is naturally rich and deeply emollient. It melts on contact with the skin and forms a protective layer that slows moisture loss. This helps the skin stay soft, supple, and more able to stretch without tearing.

• Softens and smooths dry or tight skin.
  
• Helps improve skin elasticity.
  
• Creates a protective barrier to lock moisture in.
  
• Contains natural antioxidants, including vitamin E.
  
• Supports a more even skin tone over time.
  
• Ideal for balms, salves, and intensive skin treatments.

Learn more in my Cocoa Butter Benefits for Skin Care guide.

Tamanu Oil

Tamanu oil is one of the most effective oils you can use for scar tissue and stretch marks. It supports the skin as it repairs itself by encouraging new tissue to form, which is why it has a long tradition of use for damaged or uneven skin. The oil is rich, soothing and sinks in well, making it a strong choice when you want to soften older marks and keep the skin comfortable.

• Promotes new tissue growth to help soften scars and stretch marks.
  
• Traditionally used to improve the look of damaged or irritated skin.
  
• Naturally soothing for sensitive or uncomfortable areas.
  
• Rich in Omega-9 and Omega-6 fatty acids to support healthy skin function.
  
• Moisturises dry or rough patches and adds softness to the skin.
  
• A valuable ingredient in blends designed for scar care.

Read my full Tamanu Oil for Eczema guide here.

Mango Butter

Mango Butter is packed with essential fatty acids that help support the skin as it repairs itself. It melts easily on contact, giving a smooth, creamy feel that cushions the skin without heaviness. One of the best things about it is how good it is at evening out those patchy or uneven skin tones. This comes in handy, especially when stretch marks have made some spots look a bit different from the surrounding skin.

• Helps even out areas of uneven or patchy skin tone.
  
• Rich in Oleic, Stearic, and Linoleic acids to support skin softness and flexibility.
  
• Melts easily on the skin for a soft, comfortable finish.
  
• Adds gentle lubrication to dry or tight skin.
  
• Supports smoother texture as the skin repairs itself.
  
• Works very well with Shea Butter for added elasticity and resilience.

See how I use Mango Butter in this CBD Massage Candle. Totally luxurious and something you should try!

Shea Butter

Shea Butter is a firm favourite for skin that needs extra care. It is rich in natural plant sterols and essential fatty acids that help the skin renew itself more quickly. Its creamy texture brings lasting moisture and helps keep the skin flexible as it heals.

• Helps support the skin’s natural renewal process.
  
• Contains Oleic, Stearic, and Linoleic acids which give the skin softness and elasticity.
  
• Naturally soothing for skin that feels tight or uncomfortable.
  
• Creates a protective layer that helps retain moisture.
  
• Pairs well with Mango Butter for a smooth, stable balm texture.

This Shea and Apricot Kernel Body Butter is excellent for sensitive skin.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin while it repairs itself. It supports the natural renewal process by reducing the impact of free radicals, which can weaken collagen and elastin. In a product like this, it really helps your skin get rid of older, dead skin cells more easily. That way, you reveal a smoother and more even-looking complexion underneath.

• Helps protect collagen and elastin from free-radical damage.
  
• Supports a smoother, more even skin surface over time.
  
• Adds antioxidant strength to the overall blend.
  
• Helps prolong the freshness of the balm.
  
• Ideal for scar care and skin that needs gentle support.

Stability for Cannabis Infusion

These ingredients aren’t really the best for making a cannabis infusion since they don’t hold up well to the heat and time needed for it to work properly. It is not so easy to strain cannabis out of melted butters as they firm up very quickly.

Stretch Mark Balm Formulation

This formulation is in percentages, which makes it really easy to scale up when you want to. Just swap the percentage sign for grams, so 19% Tamanu Oil is 19g Tamanu Oil. Even the liquid ingredients are weighed, which gives you great accuracy.

Ingredients

Oil Phase (heat in a double boiler until melted)

• 60% Cocoa Butter
  
  
• 19% Tamanu Oil
  
  
• 10% Mango Butter 
  
  
• 8% Shea Butter

Cool Phase (room temperature)

• 3% Vitamin E

100g Total

Method

• In a heatproof glass jug, combine the Oil Phase ingredients. Then place the jug in a saucepan of boiling water so that the ingredients start to melt.
  
  
• When it has all melted, remove the jug from the heat and put it in a pan of cold water to cool down. You can add ice cubes to the cold water to speed this up. It is important that you keep stirring the mixture all the time, as this stops it from going grainy as it cools down.
  
  
• When you see the mixture is starting to go gloopy and sort of custard-like, add the Vitamin E. Stir thoroughly to make sure it is mixed evenly throughout.
  
  
• Pour into a silicone mold or a plastic travel soap dish. Let it firm up overnight in the fridge before removing from the mould.
  

Find the tools I recommend in Equipment for DIY Skincare

How to Use the Balm for Best Results

For the best results, use the balm bar once or twice a day on clean, dry skin. Hold it against your skin for a few seconds so it begins to melt, then massage it in with slow, steady movements. Take your time working over the areas where the skin feels tight or looks uneven.

Consistency matters more than the amount you use. A small layer applied regularly will help the skin stay supple and supported as it repairs itself. Stretch marks improve gradually, so make this part of your daily routine and give the skin time to respond naturally.

Conclusion

A balm like this gives the skin steady support as it works to soften the look of stretch marks. With regular use, the rich butters and oils help the skin stay hydrated, flexible and more comfortable as it repairs itself in its own time. Stretch marks change gradually, so the key is patience and consistency. Make the balm part of your daily routine and allow your skin the space to improve at a natural pace.

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