Protect Your Skin With The Best Stretch Mark Creams (2020 Guide)

Yikes! I can still remember the first time I looked in the mirror when I was pregnant and really started to notice my protruding belly.

Literally looking like I swallowed a bowling ball, I knew I had to protect my skin as my belly and body continued to grow as my baby did.

An avid exerciser, I knew what I needed to do to keep my body in the best shape.

But, I also realized that stretch marks were a part of pregnancy, and they couldn’t always be cured.

So, I decided to do what I could to certainly try to prevent them, or make them less noticeable.

That’s when I turned to stretch mark cream.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about how the right cream could make or break your skin’s appearance and what we recommend as the best stretch mark creams.

Prevention is key.

So, here are some top tips to make sure you do everything possible to take a preventive, proactive stance:

When you keep your weight gain between 20 and 30 pounds, you can ensure that your skin doesn’t get overly stretched. 

By no means should you starve yourself. But, keep in mind that you only need to consume an extra 200-400 calories each day, depending on your trimester and needs.

So, eat clean and watch your carbohydrate and sugar intake. 

The less weight you gain and have to lose, the less your skin will stretch and shrink.

Keep your system replenished and full of moisture.

Your skin looks fresh, glowing, and dewy when you consume 8-10 glasses of water a day.

When you’re pregnant, you end up needed much more water than that.

So, make it a point to drink 12-15 cups and this will keep your skin fresh and elastic.

Part of keeping your weight gain down involves moderate exercise. 

And, when you keep loose and limber, your skin remains taut and toned, which is the perfect recipe for avoiding stretch marks.

In addition to caring for your body, be sure to pamper your mind, body, soul (and skin) with weekly massages.

You can express your concerns to a massage therapist about getting stretch marks and she can regularly moisturize and massage areas that are prone to attracting marks.

This helps stimulate those areas, improves circulation, and elasticity. 

You can keep your skin full of moisture, which improves the appearance and flexibility of your skin quality, by regularly applying special creams at minimum, twice a day (in special areas like the hips, tummy, thighs, rear, and breasts).

In order to achieve maximum results, apply the lotion to moist skin, right after you jump out of the shower or bath tub.

I think a lot of women get so consumed with their first trimester just wrapping their head around the fact that they are pregnant, that they don’t consider their skin or stretch marks.

If you’re aware of the fact that your body is going to change in a bigger way you imagined from the get go, there’s nothing wrong with getting a head start and applying lotion from the moment you find out!

Worried that you’re applying cream too late (third trimester)?

Don’t.

While earlier is better, you can still try to resolve the situation and get favorable results by starting an intensive routine immediately.  

Stretch mark cream has some important benefits.

One, they keep skin elastic, smooth, and full of moisture. 

Two, hey also keep your skin toned and tight, which is necessary for preventing your tummy and other areas from stretching out too much. 

How do you know what kinds of cream constitute as stretch mark cream?

Often times, their packaging is labeled as this specialized formula.

But, you can apply various creams that boast the following features and they’ll do the trick:

In addition to features of a great stretch mark cream, you should also check the ingredient list to ensure it contains the following necessary ingredients:

It’s important to find a cream that works for you. Some women swear by organic, and others won’t use anything but the traditional formula.

Organic lotions have a certified organic stamp of approval. 

And, regardless of which formula you end up using, you should always carefully read labels to avoid anything harmful.

In addition to ingredients to look for, and the five ways to prevent stretch marks, there are also some do’s and don’ts to consider. They include:

Do's

Don'ts

Sometimes, no matter what you do, stretch marks can’t be tamed.

Some believe that they are genetic. Others just gain or lose too much weight during and after pregnancy, which brings the silvery marks out.

If you end up getting them, just know you tried your best to prevent them and chalk it up as a motherhood memory mark.

You can cover up at the beach, or seek out medical treatment.

Although, some moms feel proud to show them off because it makes them feel womanly and is a constant reminder of their pregnancy journey. 

Size: 5.29 oz

You will fall instantly in love with this hydrating cream from Mederma (click here to check the price on Amazon).

Finally, a dermatologist recommended stretch mark cream that will reduce those painful stretch marks from popping up. Unlike others on the market, this product is completely safe to use during your pregnancy and even while breastfeeding.

Loaded with active ingredients such as cepalin, hyaluronic acid, and other plant extracts, not only help prevent you from getting stretch marks but also assist in fading existing stretch marks.

If you are like many women who suffer from dry, itchy skin as your body gains weight, this stretch mark cream might be just what you need.

Size: 6.5 oz

Spoil yourself with this 99% natural belly butter from Burt's Bees (click here to check the price on Amazon).

The combination of cocoa, shea, and jojoba butter smooth and moisturize your skin as your baby grows. You can feel safe in knowing your body won't be absorbing harmful chemicals such as phthalates, parabens or petroleum.

The Vitamin E in this stretch mark cream will help speed up cell renewal, keeping your skin strong even with sudden weight gain. Designed to be irritant-free for expecting mothers who have sensitive skin.

You might want to consider this stretch mark cream if you are sensitive to smells, or suffering from morning sickness. This fragrance-free option might be a blessing.

Size: 4.2 oz

Give your skin some love with this clinically proven cream from Bio-Oil (click here to check the price on Amazon).

With active ingredients such as Vitamin A, E, and PurCellin Oil, it’s easy to see why it has won so many awards over the years.

The non-greasy formula was designed for any skin type and won’t clog pores. This formula is completely hypoallergenic and ideal for expectant mothers who have sensitive skin.

If you want to improve uneven skin tone as well as preventing stretch marks, dermatologists recommend this product.

You might want to consider this option if you are looking for a product that will pamper your skin and make you feel great throughout the day.

No one wants to get stretch marks during their pregnancy. But, they can and do happen.

If you’re on top of your stretch mark game early on, it is possible to prevent them, and lessen the severity of their appearance.

Just be aware of awesome ingredients, as well as the top five methods of prevention to ensure you protect your skin, pamper your body, and keep confident when it comes to baring your body!