Creams, lotions and oils for skin care during pregnancy
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What are stretch marks? They are lines that can appear as your skin stretches during pregnancy. They often fade over time.
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 growing.
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 colours – angry red, purple or just a dull light colour.
No cream, lotion or oil has been scientifically proven to prevent stretch marks. Moisturising can help your skin feel soft, but it does not guarantee fewer stretch marks.
But do these creams really help stretch marks?
Stretch marks are common and do not need treatment. If they bother you, ask your doctor or midwife about your options.
So, what do you look at when deciding on a stretch mark lotion, cream or oil?
Depending on your personal preference, you might prefer a cream, lotion or oil to keep your skin moisturised.
Check with your pharmacist before using a new skincare product during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Prescription vitamin A creams such as tretinoin should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Below is a list of our favorite creams, lotions and oil that will help you in your journey.
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion is a body moisturiser. Check the current pack size, ingredients and directions before buying; the retailer’s title and variant labels are inconsistent. Follow the label’s patch-test advice and stop using it if it irritates your skin.
Features to consider
A body lotion may help dry skin feel more comfortable. Use according to the current product label and your skin’s response. This lotion is not a guarantee against stretch marks.
Before buying
Check the current ingredient list, pack size and directions on the retailer’s page and the bottle. If your skin is sensitive or you have ingredient concerns during pregnancy, ask your pharmacist or maternity care professional before use.
TriLASTIN Maternity Cream is a body moisturiser. The Australian offer checked was fulfilled by Amazon and sold by Lilly’s Choices AU. Check the current seller, pack size, ingredients and label directions before buying.
Features to consider
The listing describes a blend of botanical oils and extracts, shea butter and vitamin E. Its title says unscented, while the feature text mentions a citrus fragrance. Check the actual pack or ask the seller before buying if fragrance matters to you. No moisturiser can guarantee stretch-mark prevention.
Before buying
Consider your skin sensitivities and current ingredient list rather than another person’s results. Stop use if irritation occurs, and ask a pharmacist or maternity care professional about any ingredient concerns.
GAIA Belly Butter is an Australian-made body cream in a 140 mL pack. It offers a richer moisturising option for dry skin. The current listing names cocoa butter, jojoba, avocado oil, aloe vera and vitamin E among its ingredients.
Features to consider
This butter is lightly scented and contains a blend of oils. Read the full ingredient list if you react to fragrance or particular plant ingredients. A richer texture may suit some people better than a lightweight lotion; choose according to how your skin feels.
Before buying
Use according to the bottle’s directions and stop if irritation occurs. A body moisturiser can help with dryness, but it does not guarantee stretch-mark prevention or removal. Ask your pharmacist or maternity care professional about any ingredient concerns.
Mustela Maternity Stretch Marks Cream is a 150 mL body moisturiser. The Australian listing names avocado peptides and maracuja oil among its ingredients. Check the current ingredient list and directions on the pack before use.
Features to consider
Consider the cream’s texture, fragrance and ingredients against your own skin preferences. Moisturising may help dry skin feel comfortable, but no cream can guarantee that you will avoid stretch marks. Stop using a product if it irritates your skin.
Before buying
Check the current pack and breastfeeding directions before applying near the breast. Ask your pharmacist or maternity care professional about ingredient concerns. Follow the label rather than relying on another person’s results.
endota Organics Nurture Hydrating Belly Oil is an 80 mL body oil for moisturising dry skin. The brand describes a blend of organic oils. Packaging may vary, so confirm the current bottle, ingredient list and directions before use.
Features to consider
This is an oil-based option for people who prefer that texture to a cream. Apply as directed on the pack and allow it to absorb before dressing. It is not a treatment for the underlying causes of stretch marks, and results vary.
Before buying
The Australian offer checked was sold and shipped by Amazon AU. Confirm the seller and 80 mL pack when ordering. If you are sensitive to fragrance or botanical ingredients, read the full ingredient list and seek advice about your own concerns.
Weleda Stretch Mark Massage Oil is a 100 mL body oil. Use it according to the current label to moisturise dry skin. Check the ingredient list and directions on the bottle, particularly if you have sensitive skin or ingredient allergies.
Features to consider
An oil can offer a different texture from a lotion or cream. Choose according to your skin preferences and stop if irritation occurs. Moisturising does not guarantee that stretch marks will be prevented or removed.
Before buying
Check the current pack size, ingredients and seller before buying. Ask a pharmacist or maternity care professional if you are unsure whether a skin-care ingredient is suitable for you.
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