Top Pregnancy Stretch Mark Prevention Cream of 2017/2018: Product Purchasing Guide.

Why Do You Get Stretch Marks During Pregnancy?

To understand why you get stretch marks during pregnancy it is first important to understand what pregnancy does to the body. Pregnancy is one of the most amazing body transformations imaginable. You are literally growing a new little person inside you. The key word though is grow.

During the first trimester the baby never really gets too big. At the end of the first three months of your pregnancy your baby is only about 7.6 -10 cm (3-4 inches) long and weighs just 28g (1 ounce). That is tiny! With the baby that small and probably not being able to eat too well due to a decreased appetite from nausea, your body will not gain much weight at all. For this reason, there is not a great risk for the development of stretch marks in the first trimester. However, we still think you need to start taking action to prevent stretch marks in the first trimester, as we will discuss.

When Do Stretch Marks Start In Pregnancy?

Things pick up pace quite a bit in the second trimester. During the second trimester things are starting to change. You may notice an increase in breast tissue, uncontrollable cravings for weird food, and your baby is now about a full pound and a half. This second trimester you are at risk of developing stretch marks if the weight gain is too rapid.

The third trimester is where the changes in your body size become more drastic. In the eighth month of pregnancy your baby’s weight will double to about 5 pounds and in the last month your baby will gain a half pound every week. There is simply not enough room in your normal body habitus to contain a baby, so the stomach expands…

It is during this rapid expansion that the skin of the stomach may be stretched too far causing it rip or tear and become injured. This rip or tear in the middle layer of your skin is an injury to the skin. To heal that injury, you body does what it always does during an injury, it sends scar cells to fill in the break and connect and seal the area. Our scar cells are truly amazing, but unfortunately they can also be quite unsightly.

Top 3 Ways To Prevent Stretch Marks During Pregnancy:

1) Create a Weight Strategy With Your Doctor. 

There are a number of ways to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. First and foremost, unfortunately you don’t have too much control over your weight gain during pregnancy.  You are going to gain weight. However, talk to your doctor about a weight strategy to prevent gaining too much weight. Gaining too much weight during pregnancy from overeating can be unhealthy. In fact, some women can even become diabetic as a result of overeating, which is referred to as gestational diabetes. Having a plan in place with your physician regarding weight gain and exercise is one thing you can do to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy.

2) Keep Your Body Moisturized With A Good Stretch Mark Cream

A good stretch mark cream can keep you skin moisturized so that it is less likely to reap or tear when it is stretched. Use that stretch mark cream everyday and start using in your first trimester. The reason for starting early with the stretch mark cream is that by the time your body starts rapidly changing you will be ready for it. Your skin will be well hydrated and less likely to break under the pressure of expansion.

3) Drink Plenty Of Water

Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated, will keep your skin hydrated. Remember stretch marks occur in the middle layer of the skin. Drinking water and staying hydrated will in turn keep your skin hydrated. If your skin is well hydrated it will be better prepared for the stretching it will face.

What’s the Best Stretch Mark Cream: Do Stretch Mark Creams Work?

Stretch marks are a type of scar that appear as bands of parallel lines across your skin. The lines are noticeable because they are generally a different color and texture from your normal skin. The color of stretch marks varies. They can appear as purple, pink, or gray and leave an indentation in your skin. Stretch marks are commonly associated with pregnancy or sudden changes in weight. While they do not often have symptoms, some stretch marks can become itchy or painful.

Stretch marks can appear anywhere on the skin. The most common locations are the upper arms, thighs, and stomach. Stretch marks appear because of an increase in cortisone in your system and the stretching of your skin. Although most stretch marks fade with time, there are treatments that can help improve the appearance of your skin. The most effective treatment for stretch marks is the use of creams that help to reduce their appearance.

Do Any Stretch Mark Creams Work?

There are no treatments currently available to permanently remove the appearance of stretch marks. The best way to treat stretch marks is to use different methods to reduce their visibility. There are many creams available to treat stretch marks. While there are many creams available on the market, not all are effective.

How to Use Stretch Mark Cream During Pregnancy

Preventing stretch marks completely is not always possible. Many women worry about stretch marks when they become pregnant. Genetics play a big part in the development of stretch marks. The use of stretch mark cream during pregnancy can help to keep the skin moisturized and soft throughout pregnancy. Starting the use of stretch mark cream earlier than later can be very helpful in the prevention of stretch marks because it will improve your skins elasticity. Creams can also help reduce the tenderness and discomfort that can sometimes come with stretch marks.

The use of moisturizing stretch mark creams for pregnancy can be used early on. Some stretch mark creams contain heavy moisturizers like cocoa butter and vitamin E, while others use collagen-building ingredients to repair the skin and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. While there are more aggressive treatments for stretch marks, they should be used after your baby has been delivered. Talk to your doctor to be sure that the cream you are using is appropriate for your body and pregnancy

Top 20 Best Creams For Pregnancy Stretch Marks:

1) Senvie Scar and Stretch Mark Cream For Pregnancy Stretch Marks

This is an innovative formula designed specifically for the prevention and reduction of stretch marks and scars. With Glycerin, Organic Olive and Organic Sweet Orange Oil, this powerful cream significantly reduces the appearance of stretch marks. It also works wonders to prevent them with Cocoa Butter, Mango Butter and Aloe Vera. This unique dual action formula is what makes it a must have for expecting mothers. Best of all, its only about $20 a jar.

2) Vanilla Orange Stretch Marks & Scars Defense Cream by Body Merry

This is a great hydrating defense cream packed full of plant oils, Cocoa and Shea Butter. This cream is fragrance infused which gives it a vanilla orange scent that most like. This a wonderful cream that is an effective moisturizer. However, if you have that extra sensitive pregnancy nose that finds some scents offensive then maybe try a different cream.

3) Intensive Treatment Stretch Mark Butter by Basq

The intensive Treatment Stretch Mark Butter by Basq is a simple moisturizer that does not have an overpowering scent. This cream includes wonderfully hydrating ingredients like Shea and Jojoba butter. The cream also includes peptides to boost collagen renewal. This butter cream is a crowd pleaser and a great choice for preventing stretch marks.

4) Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter

Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter is a high quality hydrating belly cream designed for the prevention of stretch marks during pregnancy. Burt’s has been around a long time. Its trusted formula has Sunflower Seed Oil, Glycerin and Shea Butter to keep your skin well hydrated. Be advised this formula can feel a little greasy at times.

5) Welda Skin Food

Welda Skin Food has become a more popular stretch mark prevention cream for expecting moms. Designed initially to help those with rough, dry skin, it has recently taken off and become a heavy hitter for pregnant women. It too is designed to be in the ultra-moisturizing category. It does contains Pansy, Calendula and Rosemary extracts to soothe rough, dry skin. This intensive cream helps the skin keeps its moisture. The great thing about Welda’s Skin Food is you can also use it on rough areas of skin like your heels, elbows and hands.

6) Mommy Knows Best Stretch Mark Removal Vanishing Cream

Mommy Knows Best is another fantastic clinically proven prevention lotion therapy. Loaded with essential oils and vitamins, Mommy Knows Best works to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. At the same time, with Cocoa, Jojoba Shea and Mango Butter the cream is an ultra-moisturizer which doubles to prevent stretch marks.

7) TriLASTIN Maternity Stretch Mark Prevention

TriLASTIN is another great skin care brand that has come out with a maternity stretch mark prevention cream.  This cream is full of botanicals, 15 in fact. It also contains essential fatty acids as well as antioxidants to fight against free radicals. This new and innovative formula designed specifically for maternity stretch marks is sure to please.

8) Mustela Maternity Stretch Marks Prevention Cream

Mustela Maternity Stretch Mark Prevention Cream is specifically formulated for expecting mothers. With Shea Butter, Vitamin E and Zinc this is an effective moisturizer. The addition of Sunflower Oil helps to keep that moisture locked in. It does have some fragrance to it, so those expecting mothers sensitive to certain smells should first decide if this scent will disturb them.

This cream is also paraben free although does not appear to contain organic ingredients like our top pick does.

9) Deux Derme - Stretch Mark Intensive Cream

Deux Derme is a fantastic moisturizer with Shea Butter, Vitamin E and Cocoa Butter.  This cream is designed for all stretch marks. It claims to be a concentrated formula but does not really explain what is considered to be concentrated and why. With these proven ingredients this is a great stretch mark cream. The only potential issue is the price tag, which is one of the highest on our list. For a single ounce of Deaux Derm Stretch Mark Intensive cream you will pay about $50 for a one ounce jar.  Compare that to our top pick, which is only about $20 for a four ounce jar.

10) Mama Mio Goodbye Stretch Marks Visible Stretch Mark Minimizer

This pregnancy stretch mark cream combines Aloe, Vitamin E and Glycerin along with some collagen building ingredients to minimize the visibility of stretch marks. These ingredients also support healthy, hydrated skin to help aid in the prevention of stretch marks during pregnancy. This too is one of the priciest creams with a price tag of about $60 for just a 3.4 ounce jar. As a whole this is great product which delivers results, but is on the high side for cost.

11) Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Tummy Butter for Stretch Marks

This is another great cream which works well to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. With Vitamin E, Collagen and Elastin you can expect the skin to be well nourished and ready from some serious stretching. Palmer's is a very trusted and well known brand in the United States. They carry a whole line of products for many different skin conditions, but the Cocoa Butter is the most popular formula. 

12) Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy, Advanced Cream Formula

Medium is a well known scar care brand. This stretch mark formula is also quite effective to support the prevention of stretch marks. This is made with Hylauronic Acid and Glycerin. This product is not paragon free, so if that is an issue then do not buy this cream. Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy, Advanced Cream Formula works well for reducing the appearance of pregnancy stretch marks, and contains the ingredients necessary to keep the skin hydrated for prevention. Mederma claims you will notice results in thirty days. This cream is also on the high price list with a cost of about $40 for a 5.29 ounce tube.

13) Zoe Organics Belly Butter

A mixture of Shea Butter and Coconut Oil combine to make Zoe Organics belly butter. We certainly like these ingredients. Coconut Oil has been supported by research to increase the lipid level of the skin and improve the moisture of the skin. The cost although is a bit high, with a very small two ounce jar costing $20. With just a two ounce jar, how many would you need to make it through seven months of applications? Probably a lot more than two ounces. Overall, this is nice pairing of two organic ingredients sure to keep your belly nice and hydrated.

14) Strivectin Stretch Mark Cream

Strivectin is an advanced intensive concentrate cream that targets lines on the skin. It is commonly used to treat stretch marks. The Collagex-CE Complex used in Strivectin is a hydrating moisturizer that targets Collagen III to enhance skin texture and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. The cream carries a high volume of satisfied customer reviews and can begin to show improvements to the skin in fifteen days.

15) Pregnacare Stretch Mark Cream

Pregnacare works to keep the skin moisturized and reduce the effects of stretch marks. The cream works on reducing the effects of stretch marks through active ingredients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, calendula and primrose oil. Pregnacare nourishes, moisturizes, and heals stretched skin during and after pregnancy. Not only is the cream popular among pregnant women for treating their skin to prevent stretch marks, the neutral scent doesn’t interfere with the sensitivity of smell during pregnancy.

16) Ambi Fade Cream for Stretch Marks

Ambi fade cream is a treatment cream for dark spots. It works by gradually lightening the pigmentation. Using a 2% concentration of hydroquinone, the cream has been used for decades to reduce discoloration of the skin. It is approved by the Federal Drug Administration. Hydroquinone works by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase. Its effectiveness is backed by years of establishment as an effective cream. If used daily, over the course of four to six weeks, Ambi fade cream can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks by changing the visibility of redness and discoloration associated with these scars.

17) Palmer's Massage Cream

Palmers product line was developed specifically to help improve the appearance of stretch marks. A special combination of Cocoa Butter, vitamin E, Collagen, and Elastin make the product a popular choice for effective reduction of stretch mark visibility. When used twice a day, consistently, Palmers has been proven to be effective in the treatment of stretch marks. And it is safe to use during pregnancy.

18) Apothederm Stretch Mark Cream

According to an independent study performed on the effects of Apothederm, the product has a high rate of success for the treatment of stretch marks. The lotion is formulated to help build collagen and reduce the appearance of red and silver stretch marks while smoothing the skin’s texture. The lotion is fast-absorbing and has been reported to show visible results in as little as two weeks. When used regularly, Apothederm will also help prevent future stretch marks from occurring by supporting and firming the skin. It has been known to be effective on both old and new stretch marks.

19) Dr. James Stretch Mark Cream

Although Dr. James Stretch Mark Cream claims to enrich the skin and reduce stretch marks on the abdomen, thighs, hips, and buttocks, there are not many reviews on the product. Because of the lack of evidence of its effectiveness, it would not be the best choice on the market for treating stretch marks.

20 ) Setavan Stretch Mark Cream

Setavan is a good product with a proven track record of success. The product has many before and after photos and is recommended for stretch marks. If you have stretch marks and would like to try a product that works, Setavan stretch mark cream is a good option for you. It is composed of natural ingredients that work to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

Conclusion

Having a weight gaining strategy in place with your doctor, staying hydrated and using a great stretch mark prevention cream can save your skin. Be diligent about it. Set timers and reminders so that you stay on track. Don’t wait either; make sure to start applying that cream in the first trimester.

Stretch Mark Cream Frequently Asked Questions 

Does Mederma Scar Cream Work on Stretch Marks?

Mederma carries a line of products called Stretch Marks Therapy. The line is clinically proven to increase the moisture content on your skin. This helps with the appearance of stretch marks because it makes the skin more elastic and less likely to tear and leave stretch marks behind. As with other brands, using Mederma early on in your pregnancy can help improve the likelihood that the cream will help your stretch marks. Used as early as the beginning of the second trimester, Mederma works to prevent stretch marks before they occur.

Does Ambi Cream Work on Stretch Marks?

Ambi cream is an effective product for reducing the appearance of stretch marks. Its active ingredients include soybean oil, sweet almond oil, rose hip fruit extract, shea butter and vitamin E. The combination of these ingredients has been proven to diminish stretch marks within four weeks of consistent use.

Does Bleaching Cream Work on Stretch Marks?

Bleaching cream is not effective in the treatment of stretch marks. Most stretch marks are actually lighter than the skin that surrounds them. And, although some may appear red or purple, almost all stretch marks fade over time. Bleaching cream is not recommended for use on stretch marks. It is more likely to cause increased irritation than serve as an effective means to reduce the appearance.

Does Tretinoin Cream Work for Stretch Marks?

Tretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A and is also known as retinoic acid, or Retin-A. It is an effective method of improving many skin conditions including stretch marks. Studies show that the prescription-strength cream does in fact reduce the length and width of stretch marks. It comes in different strengths and is best for new stretch marks that are no more than a few months old. Tretinoin cream can only come from a prescription from your dermatologist or doctor. It should be used exactly as recommended because over use can cause serious skin irritations.

Does Vitamin E Cream Help Stretch Marks?

While vitamin E is important for your skin health, working as an antioxidant and a protection against UV damage, there is not much evidence to suggest it helps in the treatment of stretch marks. For stretch marks that have already formed, vitamin E cream will not help reduce the appearance. Since one effective way to prevent stretch marks is to keep the skin hydrated vitamin E creams can help increase the nutrient levels in the skin tissues. While this is always a good way to help prevent stretch marks, it does not always work.

Does Collagen Cream Work for Stretch Marks?

Collagen creams are effective in reducing the indentation that comes with stretch marks. They are not intended to reduce pigmentation issues associated with stretch marks, but they are a good option for smoothing out skin divots. Stretch marks that have become fairly faint can benefit from collagen creams. They stimulate the growth of new collagen. They are available by prescription only and should not be used when you are pregnant.

Does Jergens Stretch Mark Cream Work?

Jergens product lines are not specifically dedicated to reducing the appearance of stretch marks. The line delivers moisturizing creams to enhance the look of your skin. When used as a preventative for stretch marks, Jergens can help to keep skin moist and supple, but there is no evidence that Jergens is effective in the reduction of the appearance of stretch marks.

Does Nadinola Fade Cream Work on Stretch Marks?

Nadinola fade cream works to improve skin discoloration by fading dark spots for a more even skin tone. The product is not intended to work on stretch marks and works better at clearing complexion issues associated with a change in skin tone.

Does Retin-A Cream Work on Stretch Marks?

Retin-A cream is a very effective option to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. It works on stretch marks that are less than a few months old and is not a good option for older stretch marks. Through the use of Tretinoin, Retin-A creams rebuild collagen in the skin and help stretch marks appear less visible. This cream is prescription only, should not be used during pregnancy, and should be used exactly as prescribed to avoid irritation.

Does Vitamin K Cream Work for Stretch Marks?

Vitamin K creams help reduce the appearance of stretch marks by strengthening the skin. By increasing the skin’s resiliency, creams that contain vitamin K have been shows to fade stretch marks.

Do Prescription Stretch Mark Creams Work?

Prescription stretch mark creams are the most effective creams in the reduction of the appearance of stretch marks. They encourage collagen remodeling and help heal stretch marks, fading their appearance. These creams work best when used early on when stretch marks are still red and inflamed. Once stretch marks are healed and turn white, they are harder to treat.

Does Skin Lightening Cream Work on Stretch Marks?

Skin lightening cream has not been proven to be effective in the treatment of stretch marks. Stretch marks come from tears in the middle layer of the skin that haven’t reached the surface. Because they haven’t developed properly, skin lightening creams don’t work on stretch marks. Most stretch marks fade into a silver or whiteish color over time. Many stretch marks are lighter than the surrounding skin, so applying a skin lightening cream will make them lighter as the skin around them gets lighter, never actually creating a consistency.