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You need the best stretch mark removal creams during and after pregnancy. Stretch marks generally appear during and after pregnancy owing to the contractions and expansions of your skin and the weight loss and weight gain you experience.
However, you can reduce them. One of the best ways is to use the best creams formulated to reduce stretch marks. Keep scrolling as we have compiled some of the best ones that are gentle on your skin and made of safe ingredients.
Top Picks
Top 13 Stretch Mark Removal Creams
1. Best Non-Greasy:Bio-Oil Skin Massage Oil
Bio-Oil promises to diminish stretch marks,scars, aging skin, and dehydrated skin while improving uneven skin tone with its main ingredient, PurCellin oil.It is a light formulation that is non-greasy and gets easily absorbed into the skin. Here’s avideoto help you know more about this product’s features and benefits.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin
- Moisturizes dry skin, but does not make it oily
- Evens out the appearance of scars and blemishes
- Decreases wrinkles by enhancing elastin and collagen
- Fades away pregnancy stretch marks
- A little goes a long way
- Available in a sturdy and travel-friendly pack
Cons
- Not suitable for super-oily skin types
- Liquid paraffin could cause breakouts in some people who have a history of severe acne
- Botanical extracts might lead to skin irritation
2. Best Fragrance-Free:Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter Lotion
The specially blended belly butter soothes your skin as your tummy stretches through pregnancy and after delivery. It is formulated with Shea butter, vitamin E, cocoa and jojoba butter, all of which pamper the skin. Learn more about this product by watching thisvideo.
Pros
- Free of parabens, phthalates, and SLS
- Does not irritate the skin
- Safely moisturizes the belly stretch
- Offers comfort and relief to stretched skin
Cons
- Useful only for normal skin types
Quick fact3. Best For Pregnant Women:Weleda: Pregnancy Body Oil For Stretch Marks
The formulation helps nurture the skin during pregnancy. It is made of sweetalmond oil, wheat germ oil and arnica extract that work to diminish the stretch marks. The soothing oils of neroli, rose, frankincense, and myrhh give it an outstanding aroma.
Pros
- Dermatologically-tested
- Lessens the appearance of stretch marks on the tummy, breasts, thighs, and bottom
- Improves skin’s elasticity and smoothness
- Leaves skin smooth and flexible, while keeping it moisturized
- Free of synthetic preservatives, colorants, artificial fragrances, and mineral oils
Cons
- Some may find the scent intense
4. Best Organic:Health Priority’s 100% Natural & Organic Vitamin E Oil
This is one of thebest vitamin E oilsthat is essential for moisturizing, preventing aging, and brightening the skin. It is an excellent combination of vitamin E oil, coconut oil, and aloe that offer positive benefits for the skin. Thisvideowill provide you with added insights about the product.
Pros
- Lessens stretch marks, and also heals acne scars
- Improves skin tone and texture
- Suitable for all skin types
- Free of fragrances, alcohol, and parabens
- Cruelty-free organic oil
Cons
- Slightly runny solution
5. Best For Elasticity:Earth Mama Belly Butter
This rich, moisturizingbelly butter contains organic herbs and oilsto diminish stretch marks. This lotion improves skin elasticity, and you can continue to use it as a part of your daily skin regimen.
Pros
- Prevents the appearance of emerging stretch marks
- Calms the stretching belly, breast, and thighs
- Light and natural fragrance
- Free of parabens, mineral oil, and petroleum
- Dermatologically and clinically tested
- Cruelty-free and certified organic product
Cons
- May not be quick-absorbing
Did you know?6. Best Multi-Purpose:Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil
This is an advanced multi-purpose skin product that you can use all over the body and face.It is a unique blend of botanical oils such as rosehip, canola, and sesame oils along with vitamin E andcocoa butter.
Pros
- Improves the appearance of stretch marks, scars, uneven skin, wrinkles, fine lines, dry and damaged skin
- Free of parabens, phthalates, and mineral oil
- Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin
- Non-greasy and non-staining property
- Dermatologically tested
- Offres deep moisturization
Cons
- Fragrance might be overwhelming for some
7. Best dermatologically-Tested:Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Cream
This is an all-over body massage cream specifically designed for pregnancy stretch marks. It is a blend of pure cocoa butter, shea butter, collagen, natural oils, elastin, and lutein that work great on the stretched areas of the tummy, breast, hips, and thighs.
Pros
- Clinically and dermatologically tested
- Free of parabens, mineral oils, and phthalates
- Improves skin elasticity and makes it supple
- Convenient packaging
- Helps reduce stretch marks
- Suitable for all types of skin
Cons
- Might cause skin irritation or rash if you have heightened skin sensitivity
8. Best For Various Skin Types:Mommy Knows Best Stretch Mark Cream
This skin cream lightens stretch marks, scars, blotches, age spots, and discoloration. Blended with vitamin E, jojoba oils, cocoa, shea, and mango butter, it leaves the skin smooth and supple.
Pros
- Clinically-proven and dermatologically-tested
- Reduces the appearance and depth of stretch marks
- Retinol-free
- Tones and tightens the belly and other stretched skin
- Safe for all skin types
Cons
- May take time to show results
9. Best Hydrating:Botanic Tree Stretch Mark Cream Remover
This is a reliable anti-stretch cream from Botanic Tree. The blend of cocoa and shea butter, Moringa, Asiatica, and Centella help reduce stretch marks and aging signs.
Pros
- 由天然和化学safe ingredients
- Hydrates the skin, thus making it smooth and supple
- Suitable for all skin types
- Can be used before, during and, after pregnancy
- Gives results after two months of regular usage
Cons
- May not be great for sensitive skin
10. Best Collagen And Elastin:Body Boost Milk & Honey Stretch Mark Butter
This is a rich butter blended with Gotu Kola, Shea, and Jojoba butter in milk and honey that repairs and prevents stretch marks.It strengthens connective tissue and therefore leaves the skin smooth, soft and nourished.
Pros
- Targets stretch marks on the belly, breast, back, and hips
- Gotu Kola is clinically proven to build collagen and elastin fibers
- Free of parabens, mineral oil, colorants, and sulfates
- Treats itching, dry, and aging skin
- Non-greasy and quick-absorbing
- Addictive natural milk and honey aroma
- Tested for zero allergies and sensitivity
Cons
- May not be vegan-friendly
11. Best Vegan Cream:Glow Organics Belly Butter
Organics belly butter is a safe and effective skin conditioning treatment that promotes skin elasticity. Made of shea, cocoa butter, macadamia nut, grapeseed, and sweet almond oil, it soothes stretched pregnancy skin.
Pros
- Made of 100% organic, vegan, and gluten-free butter
- Unscented and suitable for those with smell aversions
- Prevents stretch marks and relieves skin itch
- Free of parabens, synthetics, dyes, phthalates, sulfates, and artificial fragrances
- Cruelty-free butter
Cons
- May have a slightly thick consistency
12. Best Paraben-Free:TriLASTIN Maternity Stretch Mark Prevention Cream
Derived from 15 botanical oils and extracts and enriched with essential fatty acids and antioxidants, this anti-stretch cream is worth a try. The sweet extracts of mango, orange, vanilla, and sugarcane will delight your senses.
Pros
- Improves skin resilience and elasticity
- Soothes, protects, nourishes, and hydrates the skin
- Free of parabens
- Safe for all skin types
- Hypoallergenic and pH balanced formula
- Non-greasy and non-staining cream
Cons
- May take time to show results
13. Best Botanical:Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy
The nourishing skin formula made of botanical ingredients helps prevent pregnancy stretch marks and improves skin moisture content. It can be used from the second or third trimester of pregnancy or after delivery.
Pros
- Perfect for all skin types, especially itchy and dry skin
- Prevents skin discoloration
- Fast-action formula
- Safe for use during breastfeeding
- Free of parabens
Cons
- Strong fragrance
How To Choose The Right Stretch Mark Removal Creams And Oils?
Choosing a stretch mark cream or oil can be tricky. So, consider these factors when making a pick.
- Type:If your stretch marks are a result of weight lifting, bodybuilding, and weight loss, you need creams and oils that help maintain the skin’s elasticity. Pregnant women and breastfeeding moms may use creams and oils that keep the skin hydrated and are hypoallergenic.
- Ingredients:Ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, and hyaluronic acid can improve the texture of the skin and keep the skin hydrated. Retinoids help in fading the stretch mark. However, breastfeeding moms or pregnant women should avoid products with retinoids.
- Skin type:Although most stretch mark creams or oils are suitable for all skin types, certain creams may not work well for sensitive skin or your skin type. Some specially formulated creams can boost skin texture, while certain ingredients can alter the effect on your skin. So pick the one that matches your skin type.
Shawnda DorantesFNP-C APRN, MSN,加州美丽的护士practitioner and founder of Beauty Lounge Medical Spa, says,“It’s best to avoid any creams and oils containing the chemical Dimethylethanolamine (DMAE). Although DMAE helps firm the skin, studies have shown that the chemical can have adverse effects on embryonic development.”She further says,“The key is to use natural oils and creams to prevent stretch marks from forming.”
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag writes on diverse topics, from skincare to fashion. She ensures that the details listed in this article, right from the best stretch marks removal creams and oils to their benefits and uses, help the readers choose the best ones available. This article is guaranteed to help the readers enjoy a hassle-free shopping experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are some stretch marks red and others white?
The first stretch marks that occur on the skin are usually red or slightly purple. With time, they gradually fade to a white or silvery color (1).
2. Can stretch marks go away if I lose weight?
No, stretch marks do not go away when you lose weight. They might fade over time, but you shouldn’t expect them to disappear completely.
3. How long does it take for stretch marks to go away after giving birth?
Stretch marks do not disappear completely. However, they may become less visible three to six months after delivery (2).
4. When is the right time to apply stretch mark removal creams and oils?
Your skin cells shed when you are asleep, and a shower or bath can speed up the removal of the skin’s top layer. So the right time to apply a stretch mark cream or oil is soon after a shower before going to bed.
5. Do stretch mark creams and oils work?
Stretch marks occur due to skin contractions during pregnancy, weight loss and gain, or hormonal changes. While no stretch mark cream or oil can offer a permanent solution to removing stretch marks, some can make the marks less noticeable, alleviate the itchiness caused by them, and prevent the appearance of new stretch marks (3).
6. How can I make stretch marks less noticeable?
Applying hyaluronic acid and tretinoin on early stretch marks can make them less noticeable. Retinol also helps fade stretch marks, but consult your doctor before using a cream or oil with retinol if you are pregnant or breastfeeding (3).
7. Can stretch mark cream cure the stretch marks permanently?
Creams won’t offer a permanent solution. They can only minimize the appearance of stretch marks.
Stretch marks are a natural part of aging as well as pregnancy, but there are ways to reduce their appearance and give your skin a firmer texture. The best stretch mark removal creams are ones that are suitable for all skin types. They provide good nourishment to your skin and help reduce stretch marks caused by pregnancy. Some of the options listed here are non-greasy and safe for your skin, and others offer an extra dose of hydration and help you feel utterly pampered.
Infographic: How To Apply Stretch Mark Removal Creams And Oils
Knowing the right way to apply stretch mark removal creams or oils can help you make the most out of these products. Check out this infographic for some simple tips on applying stretch mark removal products. Follow these tips diligently and share them with your gang too.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Get high-quality PDF version by clicking below.
Download Infographic
References:
- 28.4 Changes During Pregnancy, Labor, and Birth
https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/pages/28-4-changes-during-pregnancy-labor-and-birth#:~:text=The%20anterior%20pituitary%20enlarges%20and - My pregnancy calendar
https://books.google.co.in/books?id=Lp_iZeiohE8C&pg=PA196&dq=stretch+marks+after+pregnancy+fade+in+three+to+six+months&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiw1bPh7eLfAhXI5lQKHSfUDJ4Q6AEIKDAA#v=onepage&q=stretch%20marks%20after%20pregnancy%20fade%20in%20three%20to%20six%252&f=false - What can get rid of stretch marks?
https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/scars-stretch-marks/stretch-marks-why-appear
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