Most pregnant women's must-haves include a breastfeeding pillow, healthy snacks, prenatal supplements, and yes, anti stretch mark creams and oils. We're here to help you with that last bit! So we've compiled the best anti stretch mark creams that are effective and made from pregnancy-safe ingredients.
What causes stretch marks
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Anti Stretch Mark Products: Best Effective and Affordable Choices[/caption]
Stretch marks are the long thin lines that pop up on your belly or arms, are a familiar sight for every mommy during the nine months stretch of their pregnancy. They can appear as red, pink, purple, or dark brown when they first appear on the skin. The way they appear is dependent on your skin color.
These lines on the skin – which are also known as stria – usually become visible when the skin experiences rapid stretching or shrinking. Some other common causes of stretch marks aside from pregnancy are weight gain, puberty, and as a side effect of bodybuilding.
They can also appear to be slightly raised from the skin and feel itchy. Despite this, there is no need to fear, because stretch marks are not harmful to one’s health and actually commonly appears in 8 out of 10 pregnant women.
While some moms have learned to accept and embrace their stretch marks – even fondly calling them their “tiger stripes"; it could still be a source of discomfort and embarrassment for some and can affect their self-confidence.
And while stretch marks usually do not go away completely, their appearance can be minimized by treatment.
Top Anti Stretch Mark Creams
With the wide range of choices for stretch mark products, it could be a daunting task to choose one that suits your needs. But do not fret, because we’re here to help you choose the best stretch mark cream!
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Anti Stretch Mark Products: Best Effective and Affordable Choices | Mama’s Choice[/caption]
This stretch mark cream from Mama's Choice might be your new best friend during and after your pregnancy journey! It is definitely a must-have! The brand promises #OneLessWorry in every Filipino Mamas. This product is paraben-free and formulated safe specially for pregnant and breastfeeding moms.
What makes this cream so effective is their patented formula featuring the star ingredients: Aloe Vera and Lypobelle Soyaglycone. Aloe Vera effectively soothes dry and itchy skin, often caused by a growing belly or weight changes. On the other hand, Lypobelle Soyaglycone effectively hydrates and improves the skin's collagen production.
Features we love
- Made of natural ingredients.
- Light and non-sticky.
- With pleasant aloe vera scent.
- Free from paraben and other harmful ingredients.
Best anti stretch mark oil
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Anti Stretch Mark Products: Best Effective and Affordable Choices | Human Nature[/caption]
Second on our list is a cult favorite with a legion of dedicated fans that swears by it, this is the Sunflower Beauty Oil from Human Nature.
While labeled as a beauty oil, this product promises to help prevent and diminish the appearance of stretch marks as one of its 25 benefits that can keep you beautiful from head to toe. It comes in two sizes: 50 ml and 100 ml bottle that contains 100% natural sunflower oil, loaded with skin-loving vitamins such as vitamin A, D and E.
This beauty favorite can also be a new favorite for moms-to-be everywhere!
Features we love
- High-quality product.
- Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.
- Moisturizing and nourishing.
- Vegan and cruelty-free.
Best hypoallergenic
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Anti Stretch Mark Products: Best Effective and Affordable Choices | Biolane[/caption]
Pregnancy makes the skin more sensitive that is why moms-to-be must be very cautious in choosing products for them. And to combat stretch marks, it is important to look for creams with hypoallergenic formulation. We've found the one for you! The Biolane Stretch Mark Cream contains safe and gentle ingredients that effectively diminish or prevent stretch marks while taking good care of your skin.
The star component of this cream is the argan oil which have amazing properties in hydrating and increasing the elasticity of the skin. This 200 ml tube shall be used during pregnancy and up to three months after delivery.
Features we love
- Made with natural ingredients.
- Hypoallergenic and formulated at the physiological pH to suit sensitive skin.
- Skin nourishing.
Most hydrating
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Anti Stretch Mark Products: Best Effective and Affordable Choices | Palmer's[/caption]
For mommies that are looking for a cream that can keep their skin moisturized and hydrated for up to 48 hours, Palmers Massage Cream for Stretch Marks could be the perfect choice for you.
Made from a blend of cocoa butter, shea butter, argan oil, collagen, elastin, and lutein, this cream guarantees that your skin will be left feeling soft and supple. All you have to do is to rub it into problem-prone areas such as your tummy, hips, thighs, and buttocks to prevent the appearance of stretch marks.
Features we love
- Safe ingredients.
- Easy to apply.
- Free of fragrance and allergens.
- Best for sensitive skin.
Most trusted skin care oil
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Anti Stretch Mark Products: Best Effective and Affordable Choices | Bio-Oil[/caption]
This list would not be complete without Bio-oil. This product is made with PurCellin Oil which ensures that your skin retains maximum absorption while keeping hydrated. This is further boosted with some vitamin E and A, as well as other plant oils.
Bio-oil was the first skin oil to be subjected to clinical trials on its efficacy and has since then won over 400 skincare awards as well as a lot of loyal users to its name. It does not just combat stretch marks, it can also improve the appearance of scars, uneven skin tone, aging skin and dry skin.
Features we love
- Targets multiple skin problems.
- Trusted by experts.
- Clinically tested.
Best natural
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Anti Stretch Mark Products: Best Effective and Affordable Choices | Mustela[/caption]
Mustela is another brand that has an expansive line of products for both mommy and baby. For their stretch mark prevention cream, they use a unique blend of natural ingredients: maracuja or passionfruit oil and avocado oil and peptides which have been patented by the company for use.
These three unique plant ingredients help the skin maintain its elasticity while maintaining the hydrolipidic barrier.
Apply this natural and hypoallergenic mixture to your skin to help keep stretch marks at bay!
Features we love
- A unique blend of natural ingredients.
- Safe to use.
- Eco-friendly. They ensure that their active ingredients are sourced from sustainable supply chains.
Price Comparison Table
| Brand |
Pack size |
Price |
| Mama's Choice Stretch Mark Cream |
200 ml |
Php 649.00 |
| Human Nature Sunflower Oil |
100 ml |
Php 320.00 |
| Biolane Stretchmark Cream |
200 ml |
Php 990.00 |
| Palmer's Stretch Mark Cream |
125 g |
Php 450.00 |
| Bio-Oil |
60 ml |
Php 520.00 |
| Mustela Stretch Mark Prevention Cream |
150 ml |
Php 1,480.00 |
Care tips: How to avoid stretch marks
Maintain a steady rate of pregnancy weight gain.
The main cause of stretch marks is that our skin cannot keep up with rapid weight gain and thins out in certain areas. For expectant moms, it is recommended that you discuss with your doctor to find a diet and exercise plan that can help you gain your pregnancy weight slowly and steadily.
Hydrate.
There is nothing like staying hydrated to keep your skin feeling soft! Maintaining skin that is soft and hydrated can greatly lessen the probability of stretch marks in the course of your pregnancy.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends pregnant women to drink 8 to 12 cups (64 to 96 ounces) of water per day.
Eat a Nutritious Diet.
While it’s well-known that having a nutritious diet during your pregnancy can greatly benefit both you and the baby, did you know that you can also add in some nutrients that can boost your skin health?
Some of the skin-boosting nutrients that you should definitely add to your diet include vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, zinc, and protein.
Act Early.
While we could do our best to prevent their appearance, stretch marks can still appear on our skin. In cases like this, it's recommended to treat fresh stretch marks immediately to minimize their appearance and to alleviate itching.
There is a myriad of choices that could help in treating stretch marks. From using home remedies such as cocoa butter or olive oil to dermatological treatments.
