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

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.

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?

Using Mederma to treat stretch marks during and after pregnancy

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 Therapyis 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]
• Mederma® Quick Dry Oilis 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.

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