Hey friends, Gubba here.
Stretch marks and scars, nearly everyone has them, and yet we often treat them like unwanted guests at the party. They show up after growth spurts, pregnancy, weight changes, or injuries, and while they’re a normal part of life, they can leave us longing for smoother, more even-toned skin.
But here’s something the beauty industry doesn’t tell you: you don’t have to rely on chemical-laden creams or expensive treatments to help your skin look and feel better. In fact, some of the best solutions for improving stretch marks and scars are rooted in nature—not in a lab.
I have found that oftentimes, the best things come from nature and not a lab.
If you’ve been wondering how to soften these marks, encourage healthy skin renewal, and do it all in a way that’s kind to your body, you’re in the right place. Let’s unpack the truth about conventional scar and stretch mark creams, explore the natural alternatives that actually work, and walk through a plan you can start today.
The Truth About Most Store-Bought Stretch Mark Creams
If you’ve ever scanned the shelves of a drugstore or beauty retailer looking for something to fade stretch marks or scars, you’ve seen the endless options—lotions, serums, oils, and creams, all claiming “visible results in 2 weeks!”
The problem? Many of these products are formulated for fast marketing, not long-term skin health.
Most conventional stretch mark creams use:
- Cheap fillers that bulk up the product without adding skin benefits.
- Petroleum derivatives that feel moisturizing but actually trap impurities.
- Synthetic fragrances that can trigger irritation or allergic reactions.
- Chemical preservatives that extend shelf life but may disrupt your hormones.
These creams may temporarily make the skin feel softer, but they rarely address the underlying needs of skin that’s been stretched or damaged. Even worse, some contain ingredients that actively interfere with your skin’s ability to heal naturally.
Why Natural Skincare is the Smarter Choice
Your skin isn’t just a covering—it’s a living, breathing organ that interacts with the rest of your body and the outside world. Think of it as your body’s largest sponge: whatever you put on it can absorb into your bloodstream.
When you choose skincare made from pure oils, nourishing butters, and antioxidant-rich botanicals, you’re giving your skin tools it recognizes—ingredients it knows how to use to repair and rebuild itself.
Natural products work with your skin’s biology rather than against it. They:
- Support healthy collagen production.
- Provide essential fatty acids for barrier repair.
- Deliver antioxidants that protect against environmental damage.
- Reduce inflammation so healing can happen more efficiently.
And perhaps best of all—they do all this without adding to your body’s toxin load.
What’s Actually Going On with Stretch Marks and Scars
Before you can improve them, it helps to understand them.
Stretch Marks:
When skin stretches faster than it can produce collagen and elastin (like during pregnancy, puberty, or muscle growth), the supportive fibers in the dermis tear. These tears create narrow, streak-like marks that start out darker or redder than your skin tone and often fade over time.
Scars:
When your skin is injured—whether from surgery, acne, or an accident—your body sends collagen to repair the wound. This repair tissue is denser and less flexible than the surrounding skin, creating a visible mark or raised texture.
The goal in both cases is the same: help your body produce stronger, healthier collagen while keeping the skin hydrated, supple, and protected from further damage.
Skincare Practices & Ingredients to Avoid for Stretch Marks and Scar Healing
When skin is actively remodeling—whether after a growth spurt, pregnancy, surgery, acne, or injury—your priority is to create an environment that supports orderly collagen formation, stable pigmentation, and a resilient barrier.
That means steering clear of products and habits that inflame tissue, thin the skin, or disrupt its recovery timeline. Here are common skincare ingredients and actions to avoid:
Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is a pigment-suppressing agent commonly used for melasma and hyperpigmentation. It works by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme needed for melanin production. While that can reduce dark spots, hydroquinone is not designed for fragile, remodeling tissue. Prolonged or inappropriate use can provoke irritant dermatitis and undermine barrier integrity—two issues that delay wound remodeling and make immature stretch marks look more pronounced.
In darker skin tones, misuse increases risk of exogenous ochronosis (a bluish-gray discoloration) that is notoriously difficult to reverse. Because stretch marks (striae) involve dermal tearing and scars involve collagen re-weaving, your goal is calm, hydrated, well-nourished tissue—not biochemical pigment suppression that may irritate or thin the area.
Topical Steroids (Long-Term Use)
Corticosteroid creams reduce inflammation quickly—which is why they’re prescribed for short flares of dermatitis or eczema. Chronic or unsupervised use, however, triggers skin atrophy (thinning), telangiectasias, delayed wound healing, and even steroid-induced striae (yes, stretch marks). Steroids downregulate fibroblasts and collagen/elastin synthesis, precisely the opposite of what you want in scar improvement. On new scars and striae, that can translate to poorer structural outcomes and more visible textural changes.
When my dad was struggling with eczema, he was given topical steroids. I researched topical steroid withdrawals and knew there had to be a better option for my dad. That’s when I discovered the ancient wisdom of tallow and began making my skin-nourishing Tallow Balm.
Overly Aggressive Physical Scrubs
Walnut shell, apricot kernel, sugar, salt—gritty scrubs can create micro-tears in fragile tissue, causing post-inflammatory erythema and pigment changes that compound the visual contrast of stretch marks. In scars, harsh friction can disrupt collagen remodeling, leading to lumpiness or prolonged redness. Remember: remodeling is a marathon of microscopic organization—not a “scrub it smooth” sprint.
The Natural Balm That Stands Out
If you’re looking for one product that checks all the boxes for safe, effective scar and stretch mark care, my Gubba Homestead Unscented Tallow Balm is worth your attention.
Unlike most store-bought creams, it’s pure, concentrated, and free from the common irritants that slow healing. Every ingredient is there to nourish, not just fill space on a label.
Why it’s different:
- No parabens, phthalates, or synthetic fragrance—just clean, safe ingredients.
- Deep hydration without clogging pores, so skin can breathe and repair.
- Multi-purpose use—you can apply it to stretch marks, scars, dry patches, or as an overall moisturizer.
- Safe for all skin types—even sensitive, post-injury, or post-pregnancy skin.
Most conventional creams are diluted with water (which requires preservatives), but this balm delivers a potent dose of nutrients every time you use it.
How to Use It for Best Results
- Cleanse gently – Avoid harsh soaps; opt for a mild, natural cleanser.
- Massage in – Take a minute to massage the balm into affected areas. This boosts circulation and encourages collagen production.
- Be consistent – Twice daily use yields the best results over time.
- Protect from irritants – Avoid skincare or body care products that contain the harmful ingredients listed above.
Why Natural Healing Takes Time—And Why It’s Worth It
We live in a quick-fix culture, but skin healing is a gradual process. While chemical-laden creams may seem to work faster, they often come with irritation, rebound dryness, or other side effects. Natural products respect your skin’s pace—supporting its biology so the improvements you see are lasting.
With consistent use of a nutrient-dense balm and mindful avoidance of harsh ingredients, you’ll notice your skin feeling softer, looking more even, and becoming more resilient.
Your Takeaway: Healthy Skin is a Daily Choice
Improving stretch marks and scars naturally isn’t just about what you put on your skin—it’s about making choices that support your overall wellness. Choosing a truly clean product like the Unscented Tallow Balm means you’re caring for your skin and protecting your body from unnecessary chemicals.
Instead of chasing instant, surface-level results, you’re investing in your skin’s long-term health. And that’s something worth committing to.
Trust me, I can feel the difference after committing to my non-toxic skincare.
FAQs
1. Can I use this balm during pregnancy?
The balm contains only gentle, non-toxic ingredients, but you should always review any skincare changes with your healthcare provider during pregnancy.
2. How long before I see changes in my stretch marks?
Many notice softer, more hydrated skin in the first week, with visible improvements in tone and texture over 8–12 weeks of consistent use.
3. Is it safe for sensitive skin?
Yes—because it’s fragrance-free and free from common irritants, it’s well-suited for even the most sensitive skin types.
4. Can I use it alongside other treatments?
Absolutely. You can layer it over serums or use it as your primary moisturizer—it pairs well with most natural skincare routines.
5. How is this different from popular drugstore scar creams?
Most drugstore options are watered down with fillers and preserved with harsh chemicals. This balm is concentrated, nutrient-dense, and free from hormone disruptors.
