This drugstore staple is proof positive that there’s no need to shell out the big bucks for a good stretch mark cream. (The company claims both.) While this product isn’t geared towards stretch marks (it’s meant to be used after skin-tightening procedures), it does in fact work to stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin. Mix both of those with moisturizing shea butter and beeswax, and you've got a pretty effective stretch-mark cream. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, 160 Black-Owned Beauty Brands To Support Right Now, Finally, How to Get Rid of Bacne for Good, Chloe x Halle Tell Us *All* Their Fav Beauty Picks, Um, Yes, You Should Be Using a Neck Cream, Calluses? The big caveat? Kavita Mariwalla is a board-certified dermatologist and the full-time provider at Mariwalla Dermatology in West Islip, NY. Try this super-sized tub of deeply moisturizing body butter meant to prevent stretch marks as your baby belly grows. Can You *Actually* Get Rid of Stretch Marks? Although it might be impossible to remove or prevent stretch marks completely, this blend of cocoa butter, shea butter, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin B3 (niacinamide), and vitamin B5 (panthenol) helps to protect and maintain healthy skin. It acts as a cushioning and lubrication agent for our joints, nerves, hair, skin, and eyes. “There is no one way to permanently and completely get rid of stretch marks, but we have a variety of different treatments that may make them look better,” says Morgan Rabach, MD, board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of LM Medical NYC. If you want to cure your stretch marks in the shortest time possible (as fast as 3 weeks), I recommend buying TriLASTIN -SR Maximum Strength Stretch Mark Cream. Best Cream for Stretch Marks in Nigeria. Use this homemade stretch mark cream daily after either a bath or shower and your skin will feel softer after just a few days. This brand has a cult-like following thanks to its variety of cocoa butter-based lotions and Mariwalla calls this one the “OG of stretch mark creams.” Ideal for your stomach, hips, thighs, and bust, Palmer's signature formula works to treat stretch marks courtesy of a potent, velvety blend of argan and almond oils, as well as pure cocoa butter, vitamin E, shea butter, and bio c-elaste (which is a combination of collagen, elastin, and Centella Asiatica). Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula Body Lotion - 13.5 fl oz. This paraben-free formula earns points for both helping to prevent new stretch marks from forming and treating existing ones, too. Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter, Best for Pregnancy: She specializes in skin cancer detection and treatment and is a fellowship-trained MOHS surgeon, and is also a skilled aesthetic clinician. And despite the name, it has more of a soufflé-like consistency; Byrdie GM Leah Wyar (a self-proclaimed mega-fan of the brand) notes that it melts into the skin instantly. Try this super-sized tub of deeply moisturizing body butter meant to prevent stretch marks as your baby belly grows. Earth Mama Organics Belly Butter, The 12 Prenatal Vitamins You'll Look Forward to Taking Every Single Day, Best for Stomach: Head's up: this one has a powerful scent to it, so if you're sensitive to smells and prefer fragrance-free skincare products, try the version of this tummy butter without added fragrance. It also uses … Over 98% of women saw improved skin elasticity, texture and tone. DIY Sugaring Is Trending—But Should You Try It? Pros: Paraben and SLS free; Natural ingredients, all very good for your skin (Cocoa Butter, Squalane, Hyaluronic Acid, Shea Butter); review process here. “The combination truly does improve the elasticity of the skin, and can help address both the depth and width of stretch marks,” she explains. When it comes to fading existing ones, Dr. Rabach says to look for one of the three ingredients that have the most data on improving or reducing the appearance of stretch marks: prescription retinol (which resurfaces and strengthens skin), silicone (which smooths the feel of marks), and hyaluronic acid (which plumps lines). Whether you got your stretch marks (aka stretchies, tiger stripes, or whatever you’ve named the faded or pigmented streaks on your skin) during a growth spurt in your teenage years or you earned them during your pregnancy, know this: Stretch marks are 100 percent totally and completely normal. They pop up when the skin stretches quickly—think during pregnancy, rapid weight gain or loss, and puberty—and initially have a purple, pink, or red hue, gradually fading to more of a skin-toned color. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. The big caveat when it comes to treating stretch marks is that there’s no magical lotion or potion that will erase them; dermatologists unanimously agree that in-office treatments, such as lasers, are the best solution. Plus, you can't beat the drugstore price tag. Earth Mama Belly Butter. And while it doesn’t contain any synthetic fragrance, it does have a slightly sweet citrusy scent. Right off the bat, this product had our testers a bit confused about its primary usage: wrinkle cream or stretch mark cream. A truly beneficial stretch mark cream will contain natural ingredients, such as antioxidants, amino acids, botanical extracts, naturally occurring proteins, and vitamins. A blend of butters (shea and cocoa) with a mix of oils (coconut, sunflower, sweet almond, jojoba, and soybean) and vitamin E all combine moisturizing forces to leave the skin feeling insanely hydrated. If that’s the case for you, check out the best stretch mark creams on the market. Ahead, everything you need to know about stretch mark creams—like, if they *actually* work, how to use them, and the kind of results to expect from adding one to your routine. Stretch Mark Serum Recipe Retinoic acid-rich rosehip oil is the main hero of this buttery, super moisturizing and skin tightening stretch mark serum formula. And, as it turns out, there’s no sure-fire way to avoid them, either, and according to Dr. Rabach, there’s even a genetic predisposition to getting them. Environ A, C, & E Body Oil, Best Retinoid: Stretch marks are totally normal and unavoidable for many—and can be tough to treat with topical creams. When it comes to prevention, NYC-based cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss, MD, recommends keeping your skin very well moisturized and hydrated to improve your skin's elasticity. B-Flat Cellulite Stretch Marks Firming Cream by Maelys. But your decision to either get rid of your stretch marks or live with 'em is exactly that—your decision. Here’s the step by … Here's why: It has avocado peptides, which help hydrate skin and minimize any tightness, and it contains Galactoarabinan, a patented stretch mark-preventing ingredient extracted from the Larch tree that promotes elasticity. One of the best organic stretchmarks creams, it reduces stretch marks by delivering intense hydration. It was developed with healthcare … A favorite brand for scars of all kinds, Mederma has a cream designed specially to tackle stretch marks, thanks to the active ingredient dimethicone (a silicone) and hyaluronic acid, both of which have been shown to improve or reduce the appearance of stretch marks, according to Dr. Rabach. Yes, this is retinoid may be marketed as an acne treatment, but according to Mariwalla, it’s worth trying on stretch marks, too. Mustela Stretch Marks Cream, Trust Us: These 21 Lotions Will Heal Dry Skin in No Time, Best Multi-Tasker: Formulated with an optimal blend of peptides, nourishing plant butters and nutrient-rich botanical oils, Stretcheal is the best stretch mark cream and scars defense cream to make the appearance of red, white and purplish marks … Vitamin E is known for its nourishing, moisturizing, and soothing properties—all three things you want when treating stretch marks. Does stretch mark cream really work? Those who use it do find that it helps to reduce the look of their stretch marks, likely by strengthening and improving the functioning of the epidermis. Cepalin, a proprietary botanical ingredient, and Centella Asiatica (another plant extract known for its outstanding skin-soothing and healing properties) help to fade the appearance of any current marks. At work are avocado peptides, which reinforce skin elasticity, and galactoarabinan (say that five times fast), a patented ingredient that helps skin withstand stretching. “By moisturizing with ingredients that are well-absorbed by the skin, you can improve skin hydration and potentially the texture stretch marks as well,” explains Mariwalla. This cream also makes a wonderful intense moisturizer for dry or mature skin and is suitable to use as an all-over body moisturizer. You can use this cream for stretch marks, but also for acne scars, wrinkles, fine lines or just about any other skin issue. This cream contains two of the three ingredients Dr. Rabach recommends for minimizing the appearance of stretch marks: hyaluronic acid and silicones. But—and this is super important—don’t use any kind of retinoid when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Also nice: It comes in a fragrance-free version, too. Alastin TransFORM Body Treatment, Best for Prevention: (This is starting to feel oddly related to parenting.) Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy, Best Splurge: As the name suggests, this oil is loaded with good-for-your-skin vitamins. I am LOVING it!!! Save 20% on all Skincare. Not only does it help prevent stretch marks, but it also helps soothe itching, a common side effect that comes with them. Instead, just rub this thick, emollient cream into wet skin and gently pat dry to remove any remaining moisture. Keeping skin hydrated is one of the best ways to prevent stretch marks from ever appearing. This cream contains two of the three ingredients Dr. Rabach recommends for minimizing the appearance of stretch marks: hyaluronic acid and … While this organic skincare product feels rich and creamy to the touch (thank you, cocoa butter, jojoba, and sunflower oils), it doesn't feel greasy on skin and absorbs in minutes, allowing you to get dressed without any residue staining your clothes. You can use the cream beginning in your second trimester and while breastfeeding, so it’s … The Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks is effective and beloved by many for tummy, thighs, butt, hips, and bust. It's packed with ingredients necessary for keeping skin thoroughly moisturized and plump, like hyaluronic acid, shea butter, aloe vera, and vitamin E, to name a few, to reduce the appearance of fine lines and stretch marks. It's used to help moisturize, nourish, and soothe the skin. This blend of oils (coconut, almond, olive, and sweet almond) with aloe vera, shea butter, vitamin E, and dimethicone will leave your stretchies feeling smooth, soft, and super-moisturized. There is no miracle cure for stretch marks. Understandably, many people prioritize using clean, natural products when pregnant or breast-feeding, which is why this cream earns our vote. “Stretch mark creams per se do not have any scientific evidence of working,” Dr. Rabach says. Mio Skincare Mama Mio The Tummy Rub Butter, Best Hydrating: Credit a combination of PurCellin Oil and vitamin A, which also makes this a good pick for treating scars, too. We found out. For more information read my disclosure policy.. Instead, try one of our other options below. Stretch marks are common and absolutely normal for any human. Use it to minimize the look of stretch marks and combat dry itchy skin on your belly, thighs, breasts, and bum—whether or not you’re pregnant. :) They’re a no-go if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding. ASOS Gets an A+ for Showing Models' Stretch Marks, Missguided Won't Airbrush Stretch Marks Anymore. If you want to know what the pros and dermatologists use, Dr. Idriss turned to this stretch mark prevention cream when she was expecting her little girl. As the area heals, you’re left with stretch marks. Not only is it deeply hydrating—always a good thing when you’re dealing with stretch marks—but also, vitamin A offers many of the same benefits as a retinoid (retinoids are vitamin A derivatives), helping to stimulate cell turnover. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks, Best Budget: As one of the more affordable options on this list, you'll be happy to know this cream for getting rid of scars and stretch marks has more than 4,000 positive Amazon reviews. Above all, moisturizing the skin with tried-and-true hydrating ingredients—like shea butter, coconut oil, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid—is the best way to help potentially improve the texture of stretch marks. When stretch marks are brand new, they’re more responsive to topical treatments, so give this stretch mark cream a try as soon as you notice new streaks. “Another staple for stretch mark sufferers, this is lightweight, easily absorbed, and can improve not only the texture of stretch marks but also the overall pigmentation of the skin,” says Mariwalla. It helps your body retain moisture, which equals healthier, better-moisturized skin, which also means an improvement in the appearance of stretch marks and fine lines. I am currently 25 weeks pregnant with baby #5! 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And at such a wallet-friendly price, you can slather it on with reckless abandon without having to worry about breaking the bank. It contains only 10 natural ingredients, is USDA organic-certified, and also totally hypoallergenic. While it does not make a large difference in older stretch marks, the oil does do double duty by acting as an anti-aging agent while having the ability to even out skin stone. Stubborn stretch marks are a thing of the past with Stretcheal Stretch Mark Cream. With that said, you can take steps as a preventative measure that might help. Here are my top 3 recommendations for your best stretch mark cream: 1. But it’s not a total lost cause. If you’re on the hunt for a cream that will not only address stretch marks but is also an all-around great body moisturizer, look no further. Clarins Stretch Mark Minimizer This silicone-based formula is an excellent skin-softening moisturizer, created with multiple penetration enhancers in order to reduce stretch marks. The hyaluronic acid in this body gel cream helps quench skin's thirst … Microneedling improves the color and appearance of stretch marks by creating tiny pinhole injuries in the stretch mark itself. The formula is ideal for use on all skin conditions. It uses organic sweet almond and olive oils to relieve redness and itching, while rosehip fruit oil increases cell renewal and reduces excess pigmentation. 3. Unlike most stretch mark creams, it's super affordable, so you can use it from head to toe if you want without feeling like you're wasting it. According to Mariwalla, that’s what makes it a good pick; she recommends layering it underneath a plain body moisturizer for extra hydration. Prescription-strength stretch mark formulas will give you the best results, but if you want to try an over-the-counter option, this body treatment uses a retinol complex to stimulate collagen production in the skin and could help fade new stretch marks that have just popped up. Although stretch mark creams cannot completely eliminate the appearance of stretch marks, they can help in reducing the appearance of stretch marks. If you’re looking to buy the cheapest stretch mark cream, I recommend buying Bio-oil Multiuse Skincare Oil. Before and after images show StriVectin results on facial wrinkles, and its clinical studies mention improvements in skin nourishment and moisture, not stretch marks. Mustela Stretch Marks Prevention Cream This rich non-greasy formula soothes and comforts dry, irritated skin with its fast-acting complex of avocado peptides and shea butter. A classic fave, this formula improves the skin's moisturization and elasticity with key ingredients cocoa butter, argan oil, shea butter, almond oil, collagen, and elastin. Best Hydrating: Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy Buy on Amazon Buy on IHerb Because there are no FDA-approved prescription creams for stretch marks, Dr. Akhavan suggests using a cream spiked with retinol, which stimulates your … It is best for old stretch marks which are hard to get rid of. That being said, it's just as acceptable to feel like you want to try and do something about them. That being said, over-the-counter creams can keep the skin well-hydrated and help it remain more elastic—a good option for preventing stretch marks from occurring in the first place or getting worse, as Mariwalla points out. Best Overall: In a study of 26 women who used this throughout their pregnancy, a whopping 96% didn’t develop any stretch marks at all. For prevention purposes, it contains a combination of hydrating hyaluronic acid and dimethicone; increasing moisture in the skin keeps it more elastic and less likely to tear and scar. Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment, Best All-Over Moisturizer: 2. This does not affect the price you pay. But topical creams can at least help, especially our top choices. Try These Removers ASAP, Exactly How to Use Tea Tree Oil on Your Breakouts, Let's Talk About Your Love Affair With Pore Strips, These DIY Face Masks Will Give You Glowy-AF Skin, Influencer Trend We Are Here For: Real Effing Skin. Whether or not you get stretch marks has a lot to do with genetics, so topical creams and lotions have a very limited role in prevention, says Julie K. Karen, M.D., a dermatologist at CompleteSkinMD in … It works to target Collagen I and Collagen III, something known as Youth Collagen. If you read our previous article on stretch marks, you’ll see that stretch marks are often caused by a lack of moisture and skin elasticity.This is the reason most stretch marks creams have a moisturizing feel. All Mustela products are hypoallergenic and totally ready for even the most sensitive skin. Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy locks moisture in to help prevent stretch marks. With a blend of organic herbs and essential oils in a creamy shea butter base, this is ideal for expectant moms to slather on the hips, belly, and breasts—and is just as safe and effective to use post-pregnancy, too. The Mustela Stretch Mark Prevention Cream is a hypoallergenic formula free from parabens, phthalates, phenoxyethanol, bisphenols A and S, caffeine and alcohol. This hydrating moisturizer is packed with the power to reduce lines, wrinkles, and stretch marks in 15 days. For our top 13 picks for both treatment and prevention, keep scrolling. This cream concentrate formula is ideal for stretch mark prone areas such as tummy, hips, thighs and bust. The skin responds by making new collagen, filling in the broken dermal layer. Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. Pregnant women rave about the preventative benefits of this cream. Mamaearth stretch mark and scar removal cream works excellent on dry and rough skin. And the best part? This post contains affiliate links meaning if you make a purchase, I receive a small commission. Brooke Shunatona is a contributing writer for Cosmopolitan.com. This dreamy salve that's somewhere between a cream and an oil contains not only contains lavender oil, but also skin-smoothing shea butter and coconut, hemp, jojoba, sweet almond, peppermint, and patchouli oils. “Retinoids are my top-recommended topical ingredients for stretch marks, and nightly use of this one will help fade red or purple marks over time and also improve the texture,” she says. The natural milk proteins and Shea butter give moisture to your skin. She butter is known to super moisturize the skin which heals the stretch marks. $2.59. this tummy butter without added fragrance, Your Best Skin Ever: Skin Care Treatments and Products. This body butter will also help reduce stretch marks if you already have them, but its star power is in preventing those pesky marks from appearing in the first place. If you're a sucker for a good product testimonial, you'll want to make this fragrance-free belly butter with an overall 4.2 star rating on Ulta your next purchase. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. 459. 4.7 out of 5 stars with 459 reviews. Mustela’s dermatologist-tested cream is free of parabens, phthalates, and phenoxyethanol. When used in skincare, it acts as a moisture binder, which means that it will attach itself to the water in the cells (while also attracting and holding water from the air) making them plump. ML Manuela Lubin Delicate Beauty Advanced Stretch Mark Removal Cream, Body Merry Stretch Marks & Scars Defense Cream, Kreyòl Essence Haitian Coffee & Coconut Body Creme, Matrescence Stretch Mark Relief Restorative Butter, Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment, StriVectin SD Advanced Plus Intensive Moisturizing Concentrate, Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks. This pricey stretch mark cream boasts of being able to tone your saggy skin and greatly reduce the appearance of even the darkest stretch marks. Together, this combo helps increase elasticity in your skin to help ward off new stretch marks (whether or not you're pregnant). Mederma Quick Dry Oil - for scars, stretch marks, uneven skin tone and dry skin - #1 scar care brand … Cosmopolitan participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. As an all-natural cream, it is one of the best home remedies for stretch marks. One of the cheapest possible remedies? But FYI, because it's a retinoid, this is definitely a no-go if you’re pregnant. Healthline Parenthood’s picks of the best stretch mark creams for pregnancy Mustela Stretch Marks Cream. This is stretch marks cream for pregnancy means especially designed for pregnant with safe 100% organic ingredients. Creams. Formulated with all the good stuff, like aloe vera, avocado oil, sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter, this stretch mark butter leaves skin feeling soft, smooth, hydrated, and soothed. A stretch mark is the result of the collagen and elastin in the dermis, under the skin cell layer, rupturing (essentially, tearing beneath the skin). Bio-Oil Specialist Skin Care Oil is a good choice for those who do not have any stretch marks and are looking to remain stretch mark-free throughout pregnancy as well. Calm A Mama Organic Mama Belly Balm, 15 Body Oils for a Hydrated, Glaze-y Glow, Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks. No, it's not technically a stretch mark cream, but this non-greasy body cream includes the brand's Haitian Black castor oil, which is commonly used as a stretch mark oil, thanks its high vitamin E content. Palmers. The bottom line: Stretch marks are normal, and you don’t need to feel pressure to cover them up or change them at all. Mutha Body Butter, Best Natural: Pregnant mommas should consider the Earth Mama Organics Belly Butter (which is great for soothing itch, too), the Mustela Stretch Marks Cream (a good preventative pick), or the Calm A Mama Organic Mama Belly Balm.