Stretch marks are a common concern for many women, especially during pregnancy and postpartum.
Pregnancy is a wonderful journey that brings many changes to a woman’s body. Creating life is truly extraordinary, but it can leave behind stretch marks as a kind of souvenir. While embracing these marks as a badge of honor is empowering, some may want a little extra care. That’s where stretch mark creams for pregnancy and postpartum, come in handy.
Stretch marks, scientifically known as striae, happen when the collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis layer of the skin tear. These marks usually begin as red or purple textured lines on different body parts, such as the breasts, arms, hips, thighs, buttocks, flanks, and abdomen. Over time, these stretch marks fade and become white, resembling scars.
People handle these body changes in their own ways, and some might feel more confident using products to lessen the appearance of stretch marks.
But, the truth is, it’s hard to completely avoid stretch marks after going through the challenges of giving birth and experiencing the intense contractions that come with it – it’s all part of the deal with nature. Even the best stretch mark cream can’t completely prevent or erase the scars that appear as the body adjusts and stretches to accommodate the growing life inside the woman.
However, these 12 best stretch mark creams can help and we’ve highlighted them below. These creams nourish, hydrate, and reduce the appearance of stretch marks, allowing mothers to celebrate their bodies at every stage of this incredible journey.
Mama Mio The Tummy Rub Butter
Specially formulated for new moms and pregnant women, Mama Mio The Tummy Rub Butter is a silky-textured postpartum and pregnancy formula packed with natural ingredients such as coconut oil, Shea butter, and Argan oil.
These ingredients work together to keep the skin moisturized, improve elasticity, and soothe delicate skin. Safe for pregnant women, it can be used all over the body, from head to toe. It’s gentle and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, making it perfect for addressing pregnancy-induced dry skin, even on the face.
L’Occitane Almond Smoothing and Beautifying Supple Skin Oil
Smelling good is a treat, and if you love that, L’Occitane’s Almond Smoothing and Beautifying Supple Skin Oil could be your go-to. With a delightful cookie scent and formulated with 50% almond oil, this treatment is rich in skin-nourishing vitamins like D and E.
It’s an easy-to-use body oil – the pump releases a fine mist that spreads smoothly without making your skin too wet. To make the most of its benefits in reducing stretch marks, it’s recommended to massage the almond oil into your skin.
Maternity Stretch Marks Cream
With two varieties available, Mustela Maternity Stretch Marks Cream for Pregnancy is a great choice for keeping your skin healthy during and after pregnancy. This best stretch mark cream for Sensitive Skin contains maracuja oil, known for improving skin elasticity, and avocado oil and peptides for added benefits.
To get the best results, gently massage the cream into your skin right after toweling off post-shower. The two options are; one with a light fragrance and another that is fragrance-free. If you have sensitive skin, it’s a good idea to go for the fragrance-free option.
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion
Experts say Palmer’s Cocoa Butter can make a difference in how your skin looks post-pregnancy. The thick lotion is formulated with ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, vitamin E, argan oil, and coconut oil, which help make your skin more elastic and reduce how stretch marks look.
When using it, it might feel a little greasy at first. So, make sure to let it soak into your skin completely before getting dressed for the day. Or, you can use it a lot before bedtime for the best results.
SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier
It might be on the expensive side, but a strong hyaluronic acid for pregnancy stretch marks is a good choice. The product contains hyaluronic acid, proxylane for the skin barrier, and extracts from licorice and purple rice to keep the skin moisturized. To get the best results and maintain a natural pregnancy glow, use this product along with a vitamin C serum in the morning.
Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy
Formulated with a medicinal herb known as Centella Asiatica, also called cica, this therapeutic lotion is more than just an ordinary drugstore pick. Cica has shown effectiveness in preventing stretch marks during puberty and pregnancy.
Also packed with intensely hydrating hyaluronic acid, a powerful skincare ingredient capable of holding 1,000 times its weight in water, this lotion brings noticeable improvements to skin tone and texture within four weeks. The recommended usage is twice a day – once in the morning and once at night, following the instructions on the package.
Clarins Body Partner Stretch Mark Firming Cream
Fancy meets effectiveness in this formulation, making it a luxurious treat for the skin. The gentle cream boasts a light and pleasing scent with a silky texture that effortlessly soothes dry, itchy skin.
Packed with skin-loving ingredients like cica and hazel seed oil rich in vitamin E, known for skin repair and collagen boost, this stretch mark cream is designed for quality. If you give it a try, keep in mind that some users have faced issues with the pump, so storing it cap-side down and applying light pressure during pumping can help eliminate excess air inside.
Bio-Oil Skincare Oil
Bio-oil has become an ultra-hydrating healing option for pregnancy stretch marks, ideal for those who prefer oils. The formula, rich in vitamins A and E, chamomile oil, sunflower oil, and lavender oils, strengthens the skin barrier and improves texture.
This body oil is a valuable addition to your medicine cabinet, addressing various skin concerns beyond pregnancy and postpartum stretch marks. It can also double as a belly oil and proves beneficial in improving the appearance of scars and marks resulting from acne, injury, surgery, and more.
Kiehl’s Centella Sensitive Cica-Cream
Regardless of your skin type, Kiehl’s products work for everyone, including very sensitive pregnant skin. This cream is recommended for preventing stretch marks as it contains Centella Asiatica.
It’s intensely moisturizing and keeps the skin hydrated for up to 48 hours. Additionally, it is entirely fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic. Perfect for winter, especially on hands and elbows, this creamy and quickly absorbing product helps combat dryness and redness.
Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Soothing Body Lotion
Made to give your skin lots of moisture, this body butter is excellent for people with sensitive or delicate skin. It uses shea and cocoa butter to make your skin feel nourished.
Also, it has ingredients like alpine rose stem cells, rosehip oil, and argan oil that help make your skin soft and smooth. This cream is quite thick, so you only need a little bit. Begin with a small amount, and if you need more, you can always add some later.
Vaseline Original Healing Petroleum Jelly
Always a home-based go-to, this product is handy for dry lips, hands, and more. It’s fragrance-free and lacks harmful ingredients. Experts suggest it’s effective for postpartum stretch marks, working by retaining moisture and preventing dry skin.
This can contribute to reducing the appearance of stretch marks and keeping the skin feeling healthy during pregnancy. Just keep in mind, it’s thick and greasy, so use a small amount and rub it in well.
Earth Mama Organics Belly Butter
Made of natural herbs and oils blended with smooth shea butter, this lotion is perfect for applying on your hips, belly, and breasts. The good news is, it’s safe and effective even after pregnancy. It not only helps prevent stretch marks but also relieves the itchiness that often accompanies them.
While the Earth Mama Organics Belly Butter doesn’t have artificial fragrances, some people may not be fond of its sweet citrusy scent. However, it’s a great choice for pregnant women looking for a daily cream to both prevent and alleviate stretch marks.
Photo Credit: Pexels / Sora Chimakazi
