Best creams, lotions and oils to help minimize and prevent stretch marks 2021
What are stretch marks: According to WebMD “Stretch marks happen when your body grows faster than your skin can keep up with. This causes the elastic fibers just under the surface of the skin to break, resulting in stretch marks”
In other words, during pregnancy your body works very hard to grow a baby and this is the sign of that. Stretch marks can pop up during or after the pregnancy and are a very normal part of your belly going.
Whether you like to think of your stretch marks as your tiger stripes or whether you would ideally have a minimal amount on your tummy, most mums and mums-to-be have some stretch marks during pregnancy. They can appear anywhere on your body, from your belly to your thighs, your breasts or your buttocks and can be multiple colors – angry red, purple or just a dull light color.
We are at a time when a lot of research has gone into products that help with stretch marks. While there is no proven sure shot cream, lotion or oil that ensures no stretch marks; keeping your skin moisturized with these creams helps reduce the appearance and itchiness you get due to your expanding belly.
But do these creams really help stretch marks?
According to most doctors, a big role on whether you get stretch marks or not depends on your genetics vs other factors but having said that, it really helps to keep your skin moisturized during pregnancy.
So, what do you look at when deciding on a stretch mark lotion, cream or oil?
Depending on your personal preference, whether you want to minimize the appearance of stretch marks or just keep your skin moisturized, we have lots of options for you.
Below is a list of our favorite creams, lotions and oil that will help you in your journey.
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula is a hydrating lotion created for prevention and treatment of stretch marks from pregnancy.
Why do we love it?
This lotion is super hydrating and loaded with cocoa butter. The other ingredients are shea butter, sweet almond and argan oil. It is loved by mothers all over as it is one of those thick creams that is super smooth and gets absorbed quickly. The other benefits are it is hypoallergenic with a handy pump and doesn’t make a hole in your pocket. It is paraben and phthalates free and doesn’t even contain mineral oils.
Check out what its users say
‘I actually used this product in combination with the other product in the picture. I saw results in 3 days!!! I am exactly 7 weeks pregnant in the second photo. I started my pregnancy with dark stretch marks from previous weight gain and they are almost gone. I’m so satisfied.’ – Rosena Rosemond
TriLASTIN is a Hypoallergenic and Paraben-free stretch marks prevention cream that contains only natural ingredients.
Why do we love it?
It contains 15 extracts and botanical oils which are enriched with essential fatty acids and antioxidants. This cream soothes and nourishes the skin, reducing itchiness and dryness. The essential oils present in this cream, make it more effective and prevent stretch marks from appearing by improving skin elasticity.
Check out what its users say
‘I’ve never written a review before, but I wanted to write one for this product. This is my first pregnancy and I started using this at 11 weeks. I am now at 39 weeks without a single stretch mark. My midwife even commented on my lack of stretch marks at my checkup this morning!’ – Kristin B.
Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy is a cream that keeps your skin moisturized and prevents stretch marks during pregnancy.
Why do we love it?
It is a perfect cream for mothers as it can be used both during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This nourishing cream is a combination of a unique blend of ingredients like Cepalin (a proprietary botanical extract), Hyaluronic acid and Centella asiatica plant extract. To top it, it is paraben-free and keeps the skin moisturized. This makes the skin more elastic and less prone to tearing and forming stretch marks from pregnancy.
Check out what its users say
‘This is the greatest product ever! I had stretch marks that really bothered me. I read reviews and saw pictures, that I don’t always believe to, but I decided to buy it and give it a try. I bought it last April and today I took an “after” picture and I compared it. Dang!!! Huge different!!’ – Giulia
Mustela’s Stretch Marks Cream works with skin to aid in the appearance of stretch marks. It is EWG Verified.
Why do we love it?
This vegan and natural product is easy to apply and gets absorbed quickly by the skin. It improves skin elasticity in order to prevent stretch marks from appearing. It has been tested and declared safe and effective for mothers and is 100% breastfeeding compatible making it safe for babies. It consists of plant-based ingredients such as Galactoarabinan which enhances collagen and skin elasticity; Avocado Peptides, which comforts the skin and Shea Butter which moisturizes and nourishes the skin.
Check out what its users say
‘Used this once a day throughout pregnancy on stomach and hips. I didn’t get a single stretch mark even though I am prone to get them. It even improved the look of existing ones! I get the unscented but the scented is fine too. 6 weeks post birth my skin is almost back to “normal”- not loose and hanging. I have continued to use once a day.’ – Lizcart
This is an all-natural ingredients Stretch Mark & Scar Therapy oil for Pregnancy & Uneven Skin Tone. This non-greasy formula penetrates 6 times deeper than stretch mark cream.
Why do we love it?
This oil helps to penetrate the skin and reach the underlying fat tissues which cause stretch marks. It firms the skin and tightens it making it super effective than a stretch marks cream. This oil is specifically directed at increasing skins elasticity, keeping skin moisturized and breaking down unwanted fat tissues – all this together reduces the appearance of stretch marks. It is cruelty, paraben and sulphate free making it the go to stretch mark oil.
Check out what its users say
‘I wanted to use a full bottle of this product before giving it a review. I used it as directed, making sure my skin was damp when applying. It made my skin soft and supple, and after I used nearly a whole bottle, I had to admit that my skin is firmer, and lacks the creepy look it had before. I definitely think this oil does what it claims and would recommend it. I will not ever go back to lotions, and this combination of oils is FAR better than just using coconut oil. I also love the soft orange fragrance.’ – Rachelle
Natural Skin Care Weleda Stretch Mark Massage Oil is a pure, natural formula that nourishes and helps visibly smooth the skin.
Why do we love it?
This oil is super hydrating and is recommended during pregnancy. It reduces stretch marks and visibly enhances skin elasticity and smoothness. If you regularly massage your body with this oil, its natural ingredients will visibly smooth and nourish the skin. It is hydrating, light-weight and helps sooth your skin.
Check out what its users say
‘Used during pregnancy at nighttime. Very relaxing.’ – Mary Alas