What’s the Best Stretch Mark Cream/gel/oil for pregnancy?

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Home Advice What’s the Best Stretch Mark Cream/gel/oil for pregnancy?

Pregnancy stretch marks are most definitely stripes of bravery and honor, and 90% of women get stretch marks from pregnancy, so you are definitely not alone. But even if you wear them proudly you probably wonder if you can fade them. While pregnancy stretch marks are hard to avoid and will most likely never completely disappear, their appearance can be minimized with the right treatment. Read on to find the best stretch mark therapy for pregnancy.

Why do I get stretch marks from pregnancy?

Pregnancy is one of the most common causes of stretch marks. Particularly during the sixth or seventh month, hormonal changes weaken the connective tissue while the growing baby stretches the belly. When the skin is stretched too fast for the underlying connective tissue to keep up, it can rupture and cause a type of scar – the stretch mark.^[1] Consequently, up to 90% of women get stretch marks from pregnancy.^[2,3]

How can you prevent stretch marks during pregnancy?

Don’t let worries about stretch marks overshadow your pregnancy! Instead pamper your skin during this exciting time by keeping it well hydrated and supple. You can directly support the skin of your belly and breasts by regularly massages with rehydrating oils or creams several times a day. As a tip: ask your partner to do this from time to time – it will give him the opportunity to connect with the baby and you a well-deserved pampering.

Only 60% women get stretch marks from pregnancy

Correct

Approximately 90% of women get stretch marks from pregnancy

False

Approximately 90% of women get stretch marks from pregnancy

How can you treat stretch marks after pregnancy?

If it’s already too late for prevention, don’t lose hope! Although stretch marks, unfortunately, do not completely disappear with time, but there are definite benefits to using creams, lotions or oils to keep skin moisturized throughout and after pregnancy – and even during your daily routine. The rule stands: the earlier you start, the better the results.

How do I find the best stretch mark cream for me?

Whether you are looking for a cream to help prevent stretch marks or a stretch mark removal cream, there are countless topical creams and oils on the market that promise to tackle pregnancy stretch marks. Some of these are available by prescription, but most can be obtained over the counter.

“The most common treatments for preventing or treating stretch marks are heavy moisturizers containing collagen boosting ingredients, such hyaluronic acids, as well as soothing and moisturizing components.^[4,5] Some typical ingredients to look for in a cream to effectively treat stretch marks are:

Soothing vitamin E or nut butters, such as cocoa, coconut, or shea butter
Moisturizing plant extracts, such as aloe vera, onion, or cica (centella asiatica)
Moisture locking seed oils, such as coconut, rose hip, sweet almond, jojoba, olive, calendula or argan oil
Essential oils, such as lavender, jasmine, rose hip, rosemary or chamomile”

Some creams also contain collagen stimulating compounds, such as hyaluronic acid or hydrolyzed collagen supplements to improve skin texture by tightening and plumping your skin.

Ingredients to avoid during pregnancy and breast feeding are:

Vitamin A
Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives), such as tretinoin or retinol
Parabens

Finally, of course you have to find the treatment that feels best to you, whose fragrance you like and that fits your budget – which texture should it be? Creamy, milky or oily? Do you like a light scent or do you have any pregnancy-related aversions and would rather go fragrance free? How much can or do you want to spend on this treatment?

Will My Stretch Marks Fade or Go Away? Discover more

According to a 2020 survey, Mederma® is the #1 recommended brand of stretch mark creams among Dermatologists^[1], so you really can’t go wrong.

The Mederma® portfolio contains two affordable options, one over-the-counter product for stretch mark treatment during and after pregnancy and one cosmetic oil.

Mederma® Stretch Marks Therapy is a clinically shown to treat stretch marks by hydrating the skin, reducing discoloration, and improving skin texture. It visibly reduces stretch marks and hydrates the skin by bringing together onion extract (Cepalin®), hyaluronic acid and centella asiatica extract in an intensive cream formula.^[6] It comes with a light scent and can be used during pregnancy, from the start of the second trimester, and throughout breastfeeding. Its unique triple action formula enhances collagen production and cell renewal. It has been clinically shown to increase the moisture content of your skin, thereby improving its softness and texture as well as the appearance of stretch marks.^[6,7] A survey conducted in 2011 confirmed that 76% of women who used the cream for 12 weeks saw a reduction in their stretch marks.^[2]
In 2020 online consumer reviews for stretch mark creams, Mederma® Stretch Marks Therapy was named the “best stretch mark removal cream”^[8], “best during pregnancy”^[9], “best overall”^[10], and “best hydrating”^[11] among others.

Mederma® Quick Dry Oil is a multi-use product targeting various blemishes, such as stretch marks, scars, uneven skin tone, or dry skin. By blending Cepalin® with complex oils, such as coconut, rose hip and sweet almond oils, as well as botanicals, such as chamomile, ginger, and jasmine extract as well as vitamin C, it nourishes and moisturizes the skin to improve the appearance of stretch marks. The oil is fast absorbing and fragrance free.

1 IQVIA ProVoice Survey, February 2020
2 2011 Survey Conducted by Merz North America, Inc.

References

Schuck DC, Carvalho CM, Sousa MPJ, et al. Unraveling the molecular and cellular mechanisms of stretch marks. J Cosmet Dermatol 2020 ; 19 : 190–198.
Wang F, Calderone K, Do TT, et al. Severe disruption and disorganization of dermal collagen fibrils in early striae gravidarum. n.d. ; 35.
Chang ALS, Agredano YZ, Kimball AB. Risk factors associated with striae gravidarum. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2004 ; 51 : 881–885.
Ud-Din S, McGeorge D, Bayat A. Topical management of striae distensae (stretch marks): prevention and therapy of striae rubrae and albae. 2016 ; 12.
Deborah S. Sarnoff. Therapeutic update on the treatment of striae distensae. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology 2015 ; 14 : 11–12.
Draelos ZD, Gold MH, Kaur M, et al. Evaluation of an onion extract, Centella asiatica, and hyaluronic acid cream in the appearance of striae rubra. Skinmed 2010 ; 8 : 80–86.
Draelos ZD, Baumann L, Fleischer AB, et al. A New Proprietary Onion Extract Gel Improves the Appearance of New Scars. 2012 ; 5 : 7.
Brooke Shunatona. 9 Best Stretch Mark Creams for Removal and Prevention. COSMOPOLITAN 2020 ;.
Cheryl Lock, Elaine Hinzey. The 6 Best Stretch Mark Creams for Pregnancy of 2020. VeryWellFamily 2020 ;.
Latifah Miles, Dana Baardsen. The Best Stretch-Mark Creams That Actually Improve Your Skin’s Appearance. BEST 2020 ;.
Melanie Rud. 10 Stretch Mark Creams That Give the Longest-Lasting Results. BYRDIE 2020 ;

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