8 Best Stretch Mark Creams for 2021

2. Trilastin Maternity – Best For Prevention

Most women who use stretch mark creams are either pregnant or have newborns. If you belong to this group, you will inevitably want a product which is safe to use around your baby, or on your baby bump. Hydrating your skin, as well as your body, is essential. By choosing a product which can safely hydrate your skin you can efficiently retain your skin’s elasticity.

If you are looking for a product which is harmless, retinol free and contains natural ingredients the Trilastin Maternity cream is best for you. The cream contains 15 different botanical oils which help hydrate your skin and prevent stretch marks from occurring. What is more, its contents have antioxidants and essential fatty acids.

Not many people know that fatty acids play a central role in regenerating collagen in the skin, and thus restoring the skin’s natural elasticity.

Women can rest assured that the product has a safe pH balance and its ingredients are all made in the US. What is more, the cream is highly unlikely to cause an allergic reaction due to it being hypoallergenic.

It has a natural fragrance because of its ingredients. This is a plus for women who are sensitive to pungent smells during pregnancy. The prevalent scent is fresh and citrusy. The downside is that it does not contain shea butter or cocoa butter. Some women like the smell and feel of these two very common ingredients.

3. Burt’s Bees Mama Bee – Best For Sensitive Skin

This product is well-received and loved among pregnant women. It contains all natural ingredients and is safe to use on your baby bump. Burt’s Bees contains shea butter which is one of the most potent moisturizing components. It will help you make your skin soft and even.

Another useful component is Vitamin E. It is helpful in lightening up the scarring from stretch marks. The method of lightening helps the scarring seem less visible over time. Argan oil is on the rise in the world of beauty products because it keeps your skin and hair naturally healthy. This ingredient helps your skin stay hydrated.

The product is not meant only for preventing stretch marks, but also for helping pregnant women cope with their sensitive skin. It alleviates any pain, itchiness, and irritation caused by excessive skin stretching.

It is free of any dangerous and harmful ingredients and can, therefore, be applied abundantly and frequently. This is great for those of you who need to soothe irritable skin a couple of times throughout the day.

Cons of the product vary. This probably stems from a variety of skin conditions and levels of sensitivity and dryness. Some say the product is perfect while others claim it did not help them hydrate well enough. Another drawback is the scent. Because the ingredients are all natural, so is the smell. Though some women enjoy natural earthy scents, some did not appreciate it at all.

4. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter – Best For Massage

This product falls into the category of more affordable ones. You get your money’s worth in both the quality and the quantity of the product. When you order it, you get two packages of the cream.

As a top-tier product, it contains the ever-helpful Vitamin E which helps the skin regenerate and prevent the spreading of stretch marks. Two other useful components are lutein and Argan oil, both of which offer long-term benefits when it comes to protecting your skin.

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter is considered to be hypoallergenic. This means it is highly unlikely to contain any ingredients which cause allergies.

What is more, the product has been dermatologically tested and contains no harmful ingredients such as parabens or phthalates. You can rest assured that it won’t cause any irritation or allergic reaction and is safe for sensitive skin types.

The best feature of this product is its ability to keep your skin hydrated up to 48 hours. It contains collagen which keeps your skin elastic. Elasticity helps your skin retain a smooth surface.

The characteristic people tend to dislike in the product is its thick texture. It is not particularly lotion-like and will not rub in easily as let’s say oil. The smell also causes trouble for some women. Some like the strong floral scent and appreciate the product even more for it. Be that as it may, others find the smell hard to bear.

5. Basq Butter – Best Intensive Treatment

This cream is safe to use during pregnancy as well as during your nursing days. Using the product over such a long period is proven to be the most efficient way to fight stretch marks. The longer you rub it in, the more elastic and hydrated your skin will become.

Basq Butter contains shea butter which is one of the critical components in preventing stretch marks from occurring. It restores the skin’s elasticity by hydrating it both on the surface and deeper levels. Another great feature of the product is its ability to soothe irritated and itchy skin. Apart from preventing scarring from weight-gain it also offers comfort and relief to sensitive skin.

Regarded as a “zero sensitivity” product, this cream goes above and beyond in keeping its users safe and unaffected. It has been clinically tested and approved by toxicologists. It is highly unlikely to contain any allergens and cause any type of irritation.

Perfect for pregnant ladies, this product contains no harmful ingredients such as parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and artificial coloring. It does not include any collagen and prompts your skin to produce its own collagen.

Another bonus is that it does not contain any components of animal origin. It is therefore vegan-friendly.

Unfortunately, the product falls into the category of less affordable ones. It is regarded as somewhat pricey which is why some people are reluctant to purchase it.

6. Earth Mama Butter – Best Fragrance-Free

This butter was selected as one of the best smelling products on the market. It is safe to use during pregnancy, and its smell is designed for women who have trouble with morning sickness.

It soothes sensitive skin and relieves any itchiness, dryness, or irritation. The product will not cause irritation and will effectively combat stretch marks. The main ingredients are shea butter, essential oils, and organic herbs. All of these components contribute to nurturing your skin. They will keep it moisturized, elastic, and protected.

The Earth Mama Butter can be used throughout your pregnancy. Its hydrating and nourishing qualities will prevent stretch scarring from happening. What is more, it is also known to reduce existing stretch marks.

It contains no petroleum, parabens, or mineral oils. Moreover, it has no artificial fragrances. It is neutral in smell and safe in content. It is certified as an organic product by Oregon Tilth. This certification is awarded only to products which contain 70% or more organic ingredients. The product is toxin-free, made to keep both you and your baby safe. It is a top notch product which also happens to be affordable.

Another bonus is that it is not tested on animals.

The main problem with the product is its texture. Some users don’t appreciate the thickness of the butter. It resembles grease rather than lotion which can be a problem for some.

7. Bio-Oil Skincare – Most Versatile

This oil has been praised for its wide range of use. It is excellent in treating stretch marks as well as providing overall care for your skin. Its versatile use makes it a favorite.

Many people love it for being a novelty compared to your everyday creams, lotions, or body butter. It gives you the same silky smooth feel while offering high levels of hydration. Its contents are designed to naturally restore your skin’s elasticity, and prevent stretch marks from happening.

The product is based on natural ingredients, has no preservatives, and is highly trusted by its users. The product is also praised for being user-friendly as it will not leave stains on your clothes or furniture. The formula has been designed not to be greasy.

Clinically proven to be safe, the Bio-Oil helps treat and prevent scarring from happening. Some people use it as an anti-aging cream and to even out their skin tone. It is suitable for all skin types.

The product is also categorized as hypoallergenic and suited for sensitive types of skin. Moreover, it has no additional fragrance. This is perfect for pregnant women who are struggling with both morning sickness and irritated skin.

One issue that might arise is that the product is not as effective with treating very old scars. Though it works wonders in preventing new scars from occurring, the old stretch marks are somewhat harder to get rid of.

8. Botanic Tree – Best High-End

This product poses a double threat for stretch scars from weight-gain. It prevents scars from developing and makes the already existing ones – less apparent. It is safe for pregnant women to use it during pregnancy and after childbirth.

The Botanic Tree cream has 100 percent organic ingredients. It has shea butter and cocoa butter, as well as, additional Vitamin B5, olive oil, and even avocado.

Another powerful plant-based component is Centella Asiatica. This plant helps restore skin tissue and prompt better blood circulation. It also has useful properties which help reduce wrinkles and prevent skin from becoming saggy.

In addition, the cream contains organic moringa. Moringa is a plant rich in vitamin C, which naturally helps skin produce collagen and retain elasticity. It is a nourishing component which evens out the skin to perfection.

Another helpful piece of information is that it contains no parabens or retinoids. These two components are to be unsafe for women to use while carrying a child. It is a cruelty-free cream which is made in the US. Upon purchasing it, you will receive a satisfaction guarantee. This is a useful perk because you can get your money back if you don’t like the product.

On the flip side, some people found the product’s price a little steep considering the size of the package. Though this product has been dubbed the best high-end cream, it doesn’t fit into everyone’s budget.

What to Consider When Buying a Strech Mark Cream?

The best stretch cream is the one which suits your preferences and provides you with visible results. To make the best decision, you need to take into consideration the ingredients, scent, purposes, and price.

Ingredients

Consider choosing a product with natural and organic ingredients. This will help you stay safe during pregnancy and nursing. Another extra feature is that organic products can also be used to soothe irritated and sensitive skin well after pregnancy.

Scent

During pregnancy, some women experience a heightened sense of smell. They’ll become sensitive to scents they find unpleasant. Some fragrances can even cause nausea and morning sickness.

Be sure to pick a product which scent is suited for you. If you are extra sensitive, find a product with no fragrance, or a natural smell. Most cosmetics made for pregnant women will state the ingredients, and you can often find reviews which mention the scent of each product.

Purposes

You can aim to find a multi-purpose product which can double as an anti-aging cream and a stretch mark cream.

Price

Pick a product that is in your price range. So, if you happen to like it you will be inclined to buy it at a price which suits you. If it is a pricey product, you won’t be very apt to invest in it.

Try it Out

The best way to test a product is to try it for a couple of weeks. See if there will be any visible results. This will help you decide whether the product has any effect on your skin. Sometimes the product receives glowing reviews, but it does not have the same effect on your skin type. It is probably not a good fit for you if you don’t notice any changes after the first month of using it.

Ingredients To Avoid For Stretch Marks

There are a lot of safety issues regarding ingredients which go into beauty products. When it comes to stretch mark creams, it is good to know which components pregnant women should avoid.

Grapefruit Seed Extract

This extract has proven to be very useful in treating various skin issues. It is effective in treating eczema, acne, and stretch marks. Unfortunately, you need to beware of manufacturers and companies which do not use the extract itself, but rather a chemically altered variation of it.

Dimethylethanolamine (DMAE)

This ingredient is undoubtedly the one to avoid. Though it is quite helpful in nurturing and preventing the skin from aging, it is not recommended for pregnant women to use it. It is said to have a negative effect on the development of the embryo.

You can feel free to use it after you’ve given birth. It is still a very useful ingredient for preventing stretch marks.

Almond Oil

Completely natural and seemingly harmless, almond oil can cause unexpected side-effects. Though it is perfect for hydrating skin, some studies found a connection between exterior use of almond oil and premature labor. Even if there is a slight chance of this happening, it better to remain safe and avoid products which contain large amounts of almond oil.

Retinol

Retinol belongs to the vitamin A family and can be harmless in small doses. However, pregnant women are advised to minimize their exposure to it through beauty products. It is said that retinol can harm the baby during pregnancy. Yes, it is still safe to have in your diet. But retinol and over the counter retinoids are always a big no-no.

Consult Your Doctor

If you do not trust your own judgment at this point, you can consult a doctor. They will tell you which products are safe based on your preferences, allergies, and potential health issues. Doctors will better inform you on which ingredients are tolerable and which are harmful.

How to Avoid Getting Stretch Marks During Pregnancy?

Women inevitably gain extra weight while carrying a baby. Most women find that they have developed stretch marks or scarring due to the excessive stretching of the skin. This weight gain usually takes a toll on specific areas of the body – belly, breasts, thighs, booty, and lower back are most likely to develop stretch marks.

Most women need to know how to reduce or prevent scarring from happening. The best methods are keeping your skin nurtured, your weight in check, and your overall health well.

First off, your skin needs to be moisturized and hydrated at all times. You shouldn’t rely solely on fluid intake, because you need to hydrate your body externally as well. Be sure to find a product suited for your skin and keep your skin moisturized throughout the pregnancy.

Make sure you eat well. This means having a diverse intake of nutrients and cutting bad eating habits. Don’t starve yourself, lower your sugar and caffeine intake, and make sure you eat a lot of fibers and proteins. Try to manage your weight-gain. You don’t need to stick to a restrictive diet, just make sure you keep track of your fluctuating weight, so it does not go out of hand.

How Do Stretch Mark Creams Work?

During pregnancy, a woman’s body is going through hormonal changes and stress. These changes take a toll on their overall health, including their skin. Stretch mark creams have been designed to help pregnant women safely and naturally restore their healthy skin.

Stretch mark creams can prevent and treat further scarring by hydrating and enriching your skin with nutrients. Their main job is to keep your skin healthy by combining beneficial ingredients. For example, it is important to find products which contain collagen, vitamin A and vitamin E. These three components are regarded as the most effective for a majority of women.

Something you might not know is that collagen is the best ingredient to have in a cream. It naturally restores and nourishes, while maintaining elasticity in the skin. Vitamin E is best for preventing the scars from occurring in the first place. This natural element helps to both nurture and moisturize your skin. It is also a plus that it is safe to use during pregnancy.

Q: Can stretch marks go away?

A: Stretch marks are like scars which cannot vanish. Instead they can be treated with lotion and oils, and eventually made to be less apparent. Some creams are so effective that they can turn dark red scars into skin-colored lines.

Q: Do stretch mark creams actually work?

A: Stretch mark creams work as long as you pick a product which ingredients suit you. For example, if you have dry skin, you should choose an oil based product which will deeply hydrate your skin. If you are prone to saggy skin after you’ve lost weight, pick a product which can double as anti-aging creams.

This way, you will help your skin retain elasticity and thus prevent excessive sagging. What is more, you need to be using a cream for a fair amount of time before noticing results. This will not be an overnight process – give it a couple of weeks.

Q: Can Stretch Mark Creams be Used During Pregnancy

A: Yes, they can, as long as they don’t have any harmful ingredients. Try to stick to natural organic products just to be on the safe side. If you pick the right cream, you can use it in pregnancy and during nursing days.y?