Stretch marks can occur on the skin during pregnancy, typically around 2-6 months in, as the skin stretches and grows to accommodate the growing baby.
They may appear pink, purple, or red at first and then fade to a silvery white over time.
While they are mostly seen on the stomach, they can also occur on the mammary glands (bust), thighs, and arms.
Though not dangerous, they can be unsightly and a source of worry or embarrassment for some mothers.
There are a number of ways to help get rid, prevent or reduce the appearance of stretch marks, including stretch mark creams, keeping the skin moisturized, gaining weight gradually, and avoiding sudden growth spurts.
In this post, we are going to learn 10 best stretch mark creams for pregnancy to use during and after pregnancy to help reduce or get rid of your stretch marks.
Why Use a Preventive Stretch Mark Cream?
Preventive stretch mark creams are important to use. They help to prevent the formation of stretch marks.
Stretch marks are caused by the skin stretching and tearing, and they can be very difficult to get rid of once they form.
A good stretch mark cream can help to keep the skin hydrated and elastic, which helps to prevent the skin from stretching and tearing forming stretch marks.
What To Look For in Stretch Mark Creams.
Stretch mark creams can vary widely in terms of ingredients, so it is important to know what to look for when choosing a cream.
First and foremost, it is important to choose a cream that contains ingredients that are known to be effective in reducing the appearance of stretch marks. And will help to repair and regenerate your skin.
In addition, the cream should be non-greasy and easily absorbed into the skin.
Some of the most effective ingredients include retinoids, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid.
Look for creams that:-
- Contain collagen-stimulating ingredients like retinoids, peptides, and vitamin C: These ingredients help to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin in your skin, which in return help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
- Are rich in moisture: to keep your skin hydrated and prevent further stretch marks from forming.
- Contains ingredients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and shea: to repair existing stretch marks
Below is a list of 10 best stretch mark creams that you can use during pregnancy.
Here Are 10 Best Stretch Mark Creams During Pregnancy.
1. Mustela Stretch Mark Cream.
If you are looking for a stretch mark cream that is specifically designed to help prevent and diminish the appearance of stretch marks, you should consider Mustela Stretch Mark Cream.
It is enriched with a blend of natural ingredients, including shea butter, cocoa butter, and avocado oil, which help to nourish and moisturize the skin.
This cream is formulated with a unique blend of ingredients that help to improve skin elasticity, hydration, and collagen production – all of which are key factors in preventing and diminishing the appearance of stretch marks.
Additionally, Mustela Stretch Mark Cream contains no harmful chemicals or fragrances, making it safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Pros:
- Formulated with ingredients that help improve skin elasticity, hydration, and collagen production
- Safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Contains no harmful chemicals or fragrances
Cons:
- More expensive than some other stretch mark creams on the market
2. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion For Stretch Marks is an excellent lotion for stretch marks.
The lotion is a scientifically proven product which is clinically tested and is thick, creamy, and it goes on the skin smoothly.
It is enriched with cocoa butter and Vitamin E which help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
It also contains a unique formula which is rich in cocoa butter and vitamin E.
Cocoa butter is a natural ingredient which helps to improve the skin elasticity and provides excellent results.
While vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant which helps to improve the skin texture and provides excellent results..
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter has a pleasant cocoa butter scent, and it is gentle enough to use on the most sensitive skin.
Pros:
- Moisturizes the skin
- Contains cocoa butter and vitamin E
- Leaves the skin feeling soft and hydrated
- Gentle enough for sensitive skin
Cons:
- May be too thick for some people
- Scent may be too strong for some
3. Bio-Oil Specialist Moisturizing Oil
If you’re looking for a product that can help improve the appearance of your skin, look no further than Bio-Oil Specialist Moisturizing Oil.
This unique oil is formulated with a blend of natural ingredients that can help to improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks, and uneven skin tone.
Additionally, Bio-Oil can help to hydrate and nourish your skin, making it feel softer and smoother.
The oil is also light and non-greasy, and it is easily absorbed into the skin. It is safe for use on all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Pros:
- Can help to improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks, and uneven skin tone
- Can help to hydrate and nourish your skin
- Non-greasy and quick-absorbing
- Affordable
Cons:
- May not be suitable for those with sensitive skin
- May not be as effective as some other products on the market
4. Trilastin-SR Intensive Stretch Mark Complex
Many women are self-conscious about their stretch marks, especially after having a baby.
The Trilastin-SR Intensive Stretch Mark Complex is a topical cream that claims to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
It contains a blend of ingredients such as retinol, vitamin E, and colloidal oatmeal, which work together to hydrate, nourish, improve elasticity, and reduce inflation of the skin.
The cream is applied twice daily, has no side effects reported and users report seeing a noticeable difference in the appearance of their stretch marks after about four weeks of use.
Pros:
- Reduces appearance of stretch marks
- Contains retinol, vitamin E, and colloidal oatmeal
- Hydrates and nourishes skin
- Improves elasticity
- Reduces inflation
Cons:
- None reported
5. Revitol Stretch Mark Prevention Cream
Revitol Stretch Mark Prevention Cream is a powerful, natural emollient that helps to prevent the formation of stretch marks.
The main ingredient in this cream is a proprietary blend of ingredients including vitamin E, cocoa butter, and shea butter.
These ingredients work together to nourish and moisturize the skin, keeping it supple and elastic.
The cream is also infused with a unique blend of botanicals and essential oils that help to soothe and protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.
Pros:
- Prevents the formation of stretch marks
- Powerful, natural ingredients
- Nourishes and moisturizes the skin
- Infused with botanicals and essential oils
Cons:
- None reported
6. Mustela Stretch Mark Double Action
Mustela Stretch Mark Double Action is an effective cream that helps to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
It is made with two active ingredients, hyaluronic acid and chamomile, which work together to hydrate and soothe the skin.
The cream is easy to apply and has a pleasant scent. It is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The main difference between Mustela Stretch Mark Cream and Double Action is that Mustela Stretch Mark Cream is a single-ingredient cream that contains only hyaluronic acid whereas
Double Action is a two-ingredient cream that contains both hyaluronic acid and chamomile.
Both creams are effective in reducing the appearance of stretch marks but Double Action is more hydrating and soothing.
Pros:
- Reduces the appearance of stretch marks
- Contains two active ingredients
- Easy to apply
- Pleasant scent
- Safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Cons:
- None reported
7. Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter
Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter is a rich, creamy butter that helps to soothe and protect the skin on your growing belly.
Made with nourishing ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, and jojoba oil, this butter helps to keep your skin hydrated and soft.
It also helps to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and keeps your skin looking smooth and healthy.
Pros:
- Nourishing ingredients help to keep skin hydrated and soft
- Reduces appearance of stretch marks
- Keeps skin looking smooth and healthy
- Non-greasy formula
Cons:
- May be too fragrant for some
- Can be pricey
8. Earth Mama Angel Baby Natural Stretch Oil
Earth Mama Angel Baby’s Natural Stretch Mark Oil is a non-greasy, organic oil that helps to soothe and prevent stretch marks during pregnancy.
Made with organic ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, and vitamin E, this oil helps to keep skin hydrated and elastic.
Apply it to your stomach, breasts, and hips twice daily for best results.
Pros:
- Non-greasy
- Organic
- Soothing
- Prevents stretch marks
- Keeps skin hydrated
Cons:
- None reported
9. Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy
Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy is a topical cream that is specifically designed to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
It is one of the most popular stretch mark treatments on the market, and has been clinically shown to improve the appearance of stretch marks in as little as four weeks.
For best results, apply Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy twice daily for at least eight weeks.
Pros:
- The cream is easy to apply, and it is non-greasy on the skin.
- It is recommended by dermatologists.
- It is a non-prescription product.
- The cream is inexpensive compared to other products.
- It is available in different sizes.
Cons:
- The cream is not effective on all people.
- It contains fragrance.
- It is not good for sensitive skin.
10. Cerave Stretch Mark Cream.
Cerave stretch mark cream is an over-the-counter topical cream that is applied to the skin to help prevent and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
The active ingredient in the cream is a blend of two ingredients: retinol and hyaluronic acid.
Retinol is a form of vitamin A that helps to stimulate collagen production, while hyaluronic acid helps to hydrate and plump the skin.
The cream also contains niacinamide, which is a form of vitamin B3 that helps to brighten the skin and even out skin tone.
For effectiveness, the Cerave website suggests using the cream twice daily for eight weeks.
The cream should be applied to clean, dry skin in a thin layer, and can be used on the entire body, including the chest, abdomen, hips, and thighs.
Results may vary depending on the individual, but the majority of users see a reduction in the appearance of stretch marks after using the cream for the recommended eight-week period.
Pros:
- Can help to prevent and reduce the appearance of stretch marks
- Contains retinol and hyaluronic acid to stimulate collagen production and hydrate the skin
- Niacinamide can help to brighten the skin and even out skin tone
- Inexpensive
- Easy to find in stores
Cons:
- Results may vary
- May take up to eight weeks to see results
- May not be suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women
Final Thought
Overall, these are the best stretch mark creams for pregnancy that are currently on the market. They all have their own unique set of benefits that can help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
However, it is important to remember that no cream can completely remove stretch marks.
If you are looking to completely remove your stretch marks, you may want to consider surgery.
Before using them, please be sure to read the instructions carefully and follow the directions for best results.
In case of any reaction, please discontinue use and consult your doctor.
- Healthline (2020). A Good Stretch Mark Cream Helps in Reducing the Appearance of Stretch Marks. healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/stretch-mark-creams
- Curology. The Best Stretch Mark Creams of 2020. curology.com/blog/the-best-stretch-mark-creams/
- Verywell Health. The 8 Best Stretch Mark Creams. verywellhealth.com/the-best-stretch-mark-creams-4134277
- Parents. The Best Pregnancy Stretch Mark Creams. parents.com/pregnancy/my-body/stretch-marks/best-pregnancy-stretch-mark-creams/
- Mayo Clinic Staff. What Can I Do About Stretch Marks? mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/in-depth/stretch-marks/art-20047617
- Medical News Today. How to get rid of stretch marks: 14 natural ways, 2019. medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320182
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. Efficacy of a cream containing Centella asiatica in the treatment of stretch marks, 2010. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20544757