Best stretch mark creams for pregnancy

Stretch marks are a hot topic when it comes to pregnancy and are regularly discussed in our BabyCenter community amongst mums-to-be. For many first-time mums, the thought of getting stretch marks can be a scary part of your body changing. The truth is that some women may get them in pregnancy and some may not get any at all. Dry and itchy skin on your bump is also a common side effect. The good news is there are lots of creams on the market that have been developed to soothe your skin and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. We’ve got the advice you need for a stretch mark cream that suits you.

What are stretch marks?

We asked Petra, a mum of three and blogger at A Mum ReviewsOpens a new window to help us with her advice on stretch mark creams.

"Stretch marks are streak-like lines that can develop on the skin’s surface," explains Petra. "They usually appear during sudden growth or weight gain, like during puberty and pregnancy. The colour of the stretch marks varies depending on your skin colour and they usually fade with time. You can get stretch marks on different body parts – they’re most common on the abdomen, breasts/chest, upper arms, legs, bottom, hips and back. During pregnancy, they’re often seen on the quickly growing baby bump!"

Stretch marks are one of those things that you just can’t control. Keeping your skin moisturised in pregnancy may help slow the appearance of them. Stretch mark products come in cream, butter, serum or oil form. They help to keep skin supple and can ease any discomfort or itching.

What should you look for in a stretch mark product?

Petra recommends considering how you’ll use it. "Choose a texture that you’ll enjoy using – oils for massaging the bump or adding to your bath, lotions for quick applications or a thick butter for something more nourishing and hydrating. I would always look for products designed for use during pregnancy to ensure that they’re safe and designed for the purpose.

"Also consider the fragrance, as some women get sensitive to scents during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. Unscented is usually a safe choice or you can usually smell the products in store before buying to make sure it’s a scent that you get on with."

When should you start using a stretch mark cream during pregnancy?

"It’s never too early to look after your skin," advises Petra. "As soon as your bump starts to grow, it’s a good idea to get started with a stretch mark cream to keep your skin moisturised and supple, and to increase your skin’s elasticity. Massage the cream into your bump and other areas that are likely to grow (such as your hips, breasts, and buttocks), twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Straight after your shower or bath is a great time to moisturise as this helps to seal in moisture."

Does stretch mark cream really work?

Stretch marks or ‘tiger stripes’ as they are sometimes called, are not something to be embarrassed or ashamed of. They are a reminder of how amazing your body is. The big question is, do stretch mark products work? According to Petra, "There is little evidence that stretch mark creams can definitely prevent stretch marks, but it’s also a difficult thing to test".

As for her own experiences Petra says, "I was very good at using stretch mark cream during my first pregnancy, except during the last few weeks when I was too tired, and only got two tiny stretch marks. During my next two pregnancies I wasn’t as good at moisturising my bump regularly (as I had more kids to look after and was even more tired) and ended up with a few more, slightly bigger stretch marks which have faded with time."

Petra also thinks the benefits of using a stretch mark cream went beyond the look of her skin. "Since using a stretch mark cream provides an excellent opportunity for self-care and for bonding with your bump, I think it’s a wise choice to use one. I believe that stretch mark creams can help keep your skin hydrated, healthy, and more supple which should allow the skin to stretch with less damage. Moisturising your bump can also help keep your skin feeling healthy and reduce any dryness and itchiness that can come with the skin stretching."

Best stretch mark creams for pregnancy