Can You Permanently Remove Stretch Marks
It is difficult to fully and permanently remove stretch marks because they are deep scars within your lower skin layers. However, it is possible to significantly reduce their appearance. Prevention is easier than a cure, and you can use all the products featured in our best stretch mark creams review to both prevent and remove stretch marks.
Earth Mama Belly Butter
| Price | $21.99 |
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Like any good belly butter and body butter out there, this product is composed of two prime ingredients: cocoa and shea butter. Earth Mama Belly Butter is an excellent organic stretch mark cream that doubles as a body moisturizer but does not deviate from its primary job of fading existing stretch marks.
Cocoa Butter and Shea Butter help keep your skin moisturized throughout the day and prevent your body from developing stretch marks again while improving skin elasticity. Treating stretch marks with belly butter helps lock in moisture and avoid aging, making this the best stretch mark cream/butter you can buy.
Channeling the best of shea butter, cocoa butter, essential fatty acids, and other natural ingredients, this belly butter/organic stretch mark cream also helps prevent stretching skin, unlike most other stretch mark products.
You can rely on this shea butter, and cocoa butter enriched belly butter/body butter to prevent the appearance of stretch marks, treat stretched skin, and prevent itchy skin as well.
Best Stretch Mark Creams
You won’t believe how easy this product is to use: Aroama’s silicone sheets are similar to the above by Dermaclara, except these are disposable and smaller in size. They’re perfect for areas like under a C-section scar or at the back of the hips.
This brand is another Amazon reviewer favorite for both scars and stretch marks: It boasts thousands of 5-star reviews and loads of before-and-after photos from happy customers.
We slathered our stretch marks twice a day with a few of the most popular creams, butters, and oils on the market. Here are the best stretch mark creams that actually work.
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When Should You Start Using Stretch Mark Cream During Pregnancy
If you’ve already got a moisturizing ritual, great! Keep it up. If you occasionally slap on some moisturizer when your legs look ashy, pregnancy is a great time to get into the habit of giving your skin a little extra love on the daily. Throughout pregnancy your belly, boobs, hips, thighs and bum will likely need a little extra attention. All those hormones can affect skin in a variety of uncomfortable ways and keeping it hydrated can help. That said, there’s no set date to start using stretch mark cream, but many of the formulas on the market are suitable for use before, during and after.
Stretch Mark Cream Prices
There are stretch mark creams designed for use with rapid weight gain and those specifically formulated for use during pregnancy. There are creams available for every budget.
Inexpensive stretch mark creams sell for $8 to $15.
For a mid-range option, expect to pay $20 to $35.
The highest-end stretch mark creams cost $50 and up and often include active ingredients like retinol.
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Best For Preventing Stretch Marks: Mustela Maternite Stretch Marks Prevention Cream
All my friends and friends of friends that used Mustela swear by it. I used it day and night with my firstborn and didn’t have one stretch mark. Pregnant again and using it again.
This best kept secret cream from French brand Mustela is a bit of a gem. They also do a serum and an oil.
Designed to help prevent the appearance of stretch marks in pregnancy, this cream smooths on to increase skin hydration and therefore elasticity as well as help your bump feel more comfortable.
If youre feeling turned off certain smells during pregnancy, youll be pleased to hear this cream is also available in a non-scented version.
What Our Experts Say
“Post-partum and post nursing, in-office treatments will be best to help improve the look and color of stretch marks. For more aggressive skincare, vitamin A can be helpful. Creams with this should not be used during pregnancy.” –Dr. Badreshia-Bansal
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Made completely with 100 percent organic ingredients
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Vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free
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Butter and oil mixture provides maximum hydration
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Unscented “natural” smell possibly unappealing to some
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May cause allergic reactions for some
Most stretch mark cream products for pregnancy and afterward use safe and healthy ingredients, but if you want to be extra cautious, Glow Organics Belly Butter cream is made with only natural, organic ingredients and is free of dyes, parabens, synthetics, phthalates, sulfates, and artificial fragrances.
The cream reduces and prevents stretch marks and scars using 100 percent organic extracts like cocoa butter, shea butter, macadamia nut, and almond oil, among others, which are a perfect match for any skin type. Vegan and cruelty-free, this product is a must-try for organic-loving moms.
Formula Type: Butter | Quantity: 4 oz
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Why Trust Verywell Family
Cheryl Lock is a Denver-based writer with expertise in parenting and family content. She uses both personal and professional experience in sourcing the best products. Key considerations she used when writing this include efficacy, price, and user reviews.
Ashley Ziegler is a full-time parenting writer and mom to a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old. She has personal experience in researching and purchasing a variety of parenting products, including stretch mark creams for pregnancy and postpartum.
What Causes Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are very common and do not just affect pregnant women.
They can happen whenever the skin is stretched, for example when we’re growing during puberty or when putting on weight. Hormonal changes in pregnancy can affect your skin and make you more likely to get stretch marks.
They happen when the middle layer of skin becomes stretched and broken in places.
Whether or not you get stretch marks depends on your skin type, as some people’s skin is more elastic.
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Hersolution Stretch Mark Serum
HerSolution is a popular anti-aging body cream and sells online stretch mark serum. Her serum is a top-rated variant for tackling various types of unpleasant-looking stretch marks, containing a hypoallergenic, vegan, gluten-free, sulfate-free, and cruelty-free recipe.
Users keep buying HerSolution because it features healthy ingredients that can hydrate the skin with soothing ingredients. While some of its ingredients boost skin repair, other ingredients promote collagen production.
HerSolution is a highly preferred stretch mark serum among women nowadays. Still, it is a slightly overpriced cream for stretch marks, but it could stop the development of your stubborn striae.
The Best Stretch Mark Solutions For 2022 Final Verdict
Buying the right stretch mark cream product is about what your body needs. Putting aside the marketing claims, you should always look at the ingredients label to understand what you are getting. Most importantly, you should never fall for scams and marketing deceptions that claim to give you instant results. We hope our detailed list of the best stretch mark treating products will help you make an informed buying decision.
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Palmers Cocoa Butter Has A Lot Of Fans
This budget-friendly cream was the top choice of many editors, writers and readers. Containing cocoa butter, vitamin E, collagen, elastin and shea butter, this cream is safe to use during pregnancy.
Palmers Tummy Butter in the tin is inexpensive and widely available, so I only used it at bedtime. Didnt get a single stretch mark that time . Switched to the Palmers Cocoa Butter Stretch Mark Cream this time so I could use it morning and night but I use more of it because I feel like it doesnt moisturize as long . Kristin Bustamante
I used Palmers, too. I didnt get stretch marks on my belly, but I had some previously on my thighs from a growth spurt in college. I interviewed some docs a year ago for an article regarding how to avoid stretch marks, and they all said none of the creams are really proven 100 percent effective. They said that genetics is a huge part of it, as well as staying hydrated. So drink up water, that is! Molly Smith
It didnt work, but it made my skin feel awesome and not itchy. Brandy Hagelstein
I tried Palmers, but it didnt work for me. Ive heard that its all in the genetics, and mine indicate stretch central. Its like my own personal roadmap to birth. Sarah Caron
Other Products We Considered
The Botanic Tree Stretch Mark Cream delivers intense skin hydration that helps prevent and reduce stretch mark scars. This soothing cream is ideal for use during pregnancy and after childbirth. It contains Centella asiatica to help fade existing scars.
The Mambino Organics Oh Baby! Anti-Stretch Belly Butter is a great gift for the mom-to-be in your life. This rich and creamy stretch mark cream comforts by relieving dry, itchy skin while softening the appearance of old stretch marks and helping prevent new ones. Free of synthetic preservatives, fragrances, emulsifiers, or petroleum-based ingredients, this cream is crafted from certified organic plant oils and herb and flower extracts in a rich shea butter base. It restores elasticity and relieves redness.
The Bio-Oil Skincare Oil is a lightweight multi-use oil that relieves dryness, lubricates skin, and can fade scars and stretch marks. Its also great for evening out skin tone and preventing facial wrinkles.
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Faqs Related To Creams Fighting Stretch Marks
Our team of experts receives tons of questions related to stretch marks. So, we have put together the questions and answers to the most popular inquiries related to products combating stretch marks.
Q: What are stretch marks?
A: Stretch marks, also known as striae, are the type of scars that appear once your skin shrinks or stretches faster than usual. They look like long lines across your skin.
Q: What is the main reason for stretch marks development?
A: Your stretch marks show up since the elastin and collagen in your skin are broken. Once the skin starts healing, stretch marks will appear in that particular area.
Q: Why are some people more prone to develop annoying stretch marks than others?
A: It isnt a secret that some individuals are more prone to develop stretch marks than others. Some studies found that the levels of fluctuating hormones play a significant role. Thats why hormonal teenagers and pregnant women have higher chances of developing striae.
Q: Is it possible to receive stretch marks by weightlifting?
A: Unfortunately, the answer is yes. You can get stretch marks if you do weightlifting. People gain stretch marks because, with weightlifting, their muscles grow rapidly.
Q: Is there a chance of weight gain to lead to forming stretch marks?
A: If you gain weight rapidly or lose weight unexpectedly, you may notice stretch marks on your skin. Thousands of people got their stretch marks after they gained a few kilos.
Q: How can I recognize the stretch marks?
What To Look For In Products For Stretch Marks
Scent: During pregnancy, our senses are often heightened and some expecting mums become incredibly sensitive to certain smells. Keep an eye out for anything that may trigger your pregnancy nausea by taking a look at the formula of ingredients before you buy.
Ingredients: Just like the food we eat during pregnancy, making healthy choices about what we put onto our skin is just as important. With baby growing nicely in your tummy, consider products made with natural ingredients, free from chemicals and any hidden nasties.
Consistency: There are many ways to tackle the appearance of stretch marks. Would you rather use a thick belly butter or cream from a tub? Or would a belly oil with a handy pump fit better into your routine?
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When Stretch Marks Start To Appear In Pregnancy
One of the biggest changes a womans body goes through is pregnancy. As your baby grows and takes up more space , youll probably start to notice those dreaded little lines across your tummy.
If you do see some tiger stripes pop up, youre certainly not alone. Did you know that stretch marks develop in nine out of 10 pregnancies? As the skin around the ever-growing belly is pulled and pushed to its limit, the collagen and elastin in the skin stretch and snap.
So, how do you deal with this sudden change? When you see red streaks all over your skin, you can consider investing in products such as belly creams for pregnancy, a stretch mark cream or a new skincare routine for your body to keep those stretch marks at bay.
Best Multiuse Stretch Mark Cream
Price: $ Free of mineral oils, parabens, and phthalates, this hydrating lotion was created specifically to prevent and treat stretch marks. Its ingredient profile includes cocoa and shea butter along with sweet almond and argan oil. This sweet-smelling lotion moisturizes your skin to improve skin elasticity, texture, and tone.Even though its thick and creamy, reviewers say it absorbs well so you wont have any stickiness after application. In addition to targeting areas of your body prone to stretch marks, it doubles as a body moisturizer that you can use everywhere.
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Scientific Evidence Behind The Use Of Stretchmark Creams
Even with the many people who swear by stretchmark creams, these topical treatments dont have much proof to show that they conclusively work. The use of olive oil, jojoba oil, and shea butter seems to be praised by consumers who want natural solutions consistently, but the actual science behind the remedies is lacking. Luckily, scientific studies back up the use of some stretch mark treatments, showing that the use of non-invasive therapy is quite beneficial in reducing the appearance of stretch marks quickly.
In a study found in the International Journal of Cosmetology Science, cosmetics products were tested to see how effective they were in preventing stretch marks. Participants either used a cream or a placebo, leading researchers to find that stretchmarks increased by 17% in the individuals who used a placebo treatment. In the group that used the stretch mark cream, less than 7% of participants developed stretch marks. This study took place from November 2009 to April 2011.
Despite this lack of evidence, the American Academy of Dermatology Association supports stretchmark creams in dealing with this type of scarring. While the AAD understands that none of these remedies will offer overnight results, they can prove to be helpful in certain circumstances, like:
- When used on stretchmarks when they begin to form.
- When massaged into the stretch marks directly.
- When applied each day consistently for several weeks.
Hipp Mamasanft Body Butter Creamy Dessert Against Stretch Marks
HIPP cream has a rich and safe composition, which does not contain petroleum products, dyes, emulsifiers and harsh fragrances, but contains many useful vegetable oils. The thick texture of Mamasanft quickly melts under the influence of body temperature, nourishing and softening the epidermis.
The tool improves skin tone and elasticity, preventing tissue ruptures during stretching. This is an excellent prevention of stretch marks during pregnancy and at the same time comprehensive body care. Another advantage of Body Butter is an unobtrusive gourmand aroma that does not irritate sensitive young ladies in position.
Pros:
Cons:
HIPP cream is suitable for pregnant women suffering from dry skin. But you need to start using it as early as possible.
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Best Budget Stretch Mark Cream: Palmers Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion For Stretch Marks
Palmers Cocoa Butter. Smells amazing and keeps you moisturised literally all day you can feel it when changing before bed.
With its distinctive chocolatey scent, Palmers Cocoa Butter has been a favourite among mums with growing bumps for years and it continues to impress today.
It may not have fancy packaging or premium credentials, but you can pick up a bottle in most supermarkets and, for less than £4, you can afford to slather it on with impunity. It also seems to improve the skin’s condition and possibly prevent stretch marks.
Cocoa and shea butters keep your skin moisturised and supple for up to 48 hours and, in tests, 98% of women saw improved elasticity within eight weeks.
Best Stretch Mark Creams & Oils
From weight gain or loss and even during pregnancies, stretch marks can and will appear on our skin over the course of our lifetime. They develop when your skin stretches quickly as this causes the collagen which supports our skin to burst like a bubble, but like little mementos of what stage we have gone through, sometimes we donât always want these small reminders sticking around.
For those of us who are ready to take action to tackle pregnancy stretch marks, stretch marks on stomachs, and deep stretch marks anywhere on the body, weâve rounded up our top picks for the best stretch mark creams and oils. Although these products canât make our scars completely disappear, they can help with the appearance of stretch marks. Our list features a bit of everything from best sellers like this Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter to new products like Weleda Stretch Mark Massage Oil â discover what’s best for your skin today.
This list of products was determined by ratings and reviews from Grove members.
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What Should You Look For In A Stretch Mark Cream
Mostly, it’s personal preference. If you’re sensitive to fragrance, you can find plenty of fragrance-free options. Look for formulas with gentle but nourishing ingredients like nut butters and coconut oil to moisturize, vitamins A and E which heal and protect the skin, and botanicals like calendula to soothe and calm irritated skin. Most importantly, while retinol can be an effective treatment for damaged skin, do not use retinol during your pregnancy .
Rest assured that everyone has stretch marks. There is nothing you need to do about them if you don’t want to, nor should you feel vain if you want to address them. If you’re the latter, we’ve done the research to help you find a formula that works for you.
Read on to discover the top-rated and most-loved stretch mark creams for pregnancy!
