Stretch marks are a very common occurrence during pregnancy. They are small, depressed marks in the skin that take the form of streaks. They often appear on the belly, as that is the area of the body that expands tremendously in the final months of pregnancy, and the skin isn’t elastic enough to handle the changes. Stretch marks can happen in other areas too, such as the buttocks, breasts, thighs, and hips.

Stretch marks can be a variety of colors, from light pink to a deep purple or dark brown. The visibility of stretch marks depends a great deal on your skin color. Stretch marks will fade over time, but they never fully disappear. Sometimes using creams can help prevent them from becoming worse, or may help them fade away faster.

5 Best Stretch Mark Cream

Not sure where to begin with all the stretch creams on the market? Here are five very good ones that might help you.

1. Weleda Pregnancy Body Oil

This body oil is very nourishing for dry skin and helps keep the skin elastic, which can lessen the severity of stretch marks. Made of natural essential oils, this smells great and can be used all throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding. Rub it on the affected area two or three times each day.

2. Earth Mama Angel Baby Natural Stretch Oil

Made of natural oils, this oil helps maintain skin elasticity. The gentle, delicate scent is perfect for those who might have sensitive stomachs from the pregnancy. It also contains all natural ingredients and is considered entirely non-toxic.

3. Mama Mio Tummy Rub Stretch Mark Butter

This stretch mark cream contains shea butter, wheatgerm oil, sweet almond oil, borage oil, as well as other natural ingredients. However, this does contain some synthetic ingredients as well. Its thick and rich texture can bring great moisturizing benefits which will reduce the appearance of stretch marks. It should be used twice daily, during and after pregnancy.

4. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Cream for Stretch Marks

This concentrated cream is dermatologist tested and safe for all-over use. Apply three times a day or as often as possible. This is filled with natural and synthetic ingredients, so moms looking for an all-natural route might want to consider this on the bottom of their list. This concentrated cream can be used for bust, tummy, hips and thighs.

5. Mustela Stretch Marks Double Action

This hypoallergenic formula promotes the growth of elastin and collagen, which can reduce the appearance of stretch marks. For prevention, massage in a circular motion, and continue using for one month after birth. For reducing stretch marks, use for 2 to 3 months on the new ones. Keep in mind that this has few natural ingredients.

Important Notes

Stretch marks can’t be banished altogether, no matter what promises a stretch mark cream manufacturer makes – even the best stretch mark cream can only diminish the appearance, but can’t eliminate them or make them stop forming.

If you are bothered by the stretch marks after your pregnancy, it’s time to talk to a dermatologist about treatment options. Topical treatments, such as Retin-A, might be helpful. But keep in mind that this is not suitable during pregnancy or breast-feeding, so the treatment will have to wait!

5 Natural Remedies for Stretch Marks

For those pregnant and nursing moms who want to avoid artificial ingredients and thus choose not to use the best stretch mark cream listed above, you can use natural home remedies for stretch marks. Here are five of the best options for do-it-yourself stretch mark remedies.

1. Use Vitamin C

Choose a moisturizer that is filled with vitamin C, or use Vitamin C oil, rubbed over your stretch marks three times a day. These can help fade the marks because they trigger collagen production. You can also take Vitamin C in the oral form; 500 mg three times a day is considered a good dose.

2. Turn to Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has been known as a great cure for sunburn and other skin conditions, so why not try it on stretch marks? It’s a healer that nature provides, and nothing gets more natural and gentle than that. It’s entirely safe to use on your skin during pregnancy. For even more benefit, make a mixture of aloe vera gel, vitamin E and vitamin A oil and smooth that over your skin until it is absorbed. Wash away residue with lukewarm water.

3. Olive Oil Is a Good Bet

High in Vitamin E, olive oil is great for your body, inside and out. Rub olive oil on your skin to help it soften and expand more easily, which can lessen the stretch marks. Other oils that might help are straight Vitamin E oil and castor oil, both of which do the same thing – simply soften your skin and make it more supple, thus less prone to stretch marks.

4. Try Potatoes

The juices in potatoes are great for restoring skin cells. The vitamins and minerals in potatoes can be rubbed right on your belly. Just cut open a potato and rub the cut part over your stretch marks. Make sure to use a juicy variety of potato for the best benefit. Allow the juices to dry and then rinse away the residue.

5. Lemon Juice Can Help

The natural acidic nature of lemon juice means that it can help heal injuries, including the stretch marks that have injured your skin. Rub the lemon juice over your skin in circulation motions for at least ten minutes, then rinse it away with water. You can also try mixing equal parts cucumber juice and lemon juice to apply to the stretch marks. Not only does it help, it smells delightful!

Again, remember that there is no miracle cream that will prevent or eliminate stretch marks. The best you can do is keep your skin smooth and supple, stay well-hydrated, and use dreams to prevent dryness when you do see stretch marks forming. Over time, the appearance will lessen somewhat, and you can always speak to the dermatologist for other ideas once your pregnancy is over.