You can start to apply a stretch mark cream as a preventive measure. For best results, start as soon as you find out you’re pregnant and continue after you give birth. Anything that simplifies life for mums and expectant-mothers is a hero product as far as we're concerned (especially when it only costs 41p!) Johnson’s Baby Oil can not only keep your new baby’s skin soft and hydrated (making it an excellent, affordable option if you're looking for the best gifts for new mums or, for that matter, a great baby gift), it can also help prevent stretch marks. This affordable oil, a staple in homes since 1935, is a deeply nourishing and hydrating oil. Many a mum-to-be has found that applying it every day to their taught bellies helps keep them supple and prevent stretch marks. Mama Mio over here. I had a very large bump during first pregnancy (10lb baby!) and not one stretch mark. Now on second pregnancy and still using it. Also helps with itching as the skin stretches.” (Recommended by Mumsnet user Chocness) Our verdict That’s sometimes easier said than done though, particularly if you’re pregnant, and it’s understandable if you want to do all you can to prevent them or get rid of them. Most of the lotions and potions on the market claim to work by hydrating the skin and keeping it supple and more elastic. To what extent you can affect what goes on in the dermis, as opposed to the top layer of your skin, is debatable, but it might be a case of every little helps.

Best Stretch Mark Cream Reviews 2023 - Good Housekeeping 10 Best Stretch Mark Cream Reviews 2023 - Good Housekeeping

There’s definitely more you can do to treat the appearance of stretch marks than there is to prevent or remove them. Creams such as Bio-Oil and Mustela come highly recommended for treating and/or preventing stretch marks - but really it's down to genetics whether you get them or not. And, according to the NHS, only solutions like laser treatments, retinoid and microdermabrasion will completely eradicate stretch marks and, even then, new ones can appear in the same places. I used Palmer’s tummy butter religiously since [I was] 12 weeks pregnant and got no stretch marks on my stomach, but got them on my thighs where I didn’t put anything on.” (Rated by Mumsnet user xDragon) Our verdict I am loving The Organic Pharmacy Stretch Mark Oil. I am 30 weeks pregnant now and enjoying applying this oil daily.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user CrankyCankles) Our verdictStretch marks have a tendency to appear seemingly overnight as you age. Contrary to popular belief, stretch marks aren't always due to weight gain; they can also appear as your skin stretches or shrinks through the years. According to materials published by the American Academy of Dermatology, stretch marks earn their flashy "stripes" after the skin's cellular support network of collagen and elastin ruptures altogether. What are stretch marks and what causes them? If you’re thinking of going down this route, always talk to your GP first and remember many of those types of treatment won’t be safe in pregnancy. What natural remedies are there for stretch marks? Think stretch mark cream and think Bio-Oil, such is the reputation of this cult classic. Loved by mums around the world, Bio-Oil is designed to target signs of skin stretch and scarring.

Mustela Stretch Marks Cream Fragrance Free - 5.07 fl oz Mustela Stretch Marks Cream Fragrance Free - 5.07 fl oz

Bio-Oil is one of the most dermatologist-recommended, holy grail skin products for stretch mark prevention and treatment for existing scars. With ingredients such as vitamin E, chamomile, rosemary, and lavender extracts, it relieves inflammation, which helps minimize the appearance of skin discoloration and stretch marks. If you’re looking for an organic product rich in powerful natural ingredients, then The Organic Pharmacy Stretch Mark Oil might be the best stretch mark cream for you. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter. Used it for all of mine and I have no stretch marks. I used to slather it on when my tummy was itchy.” (Vetted by Mumsnet user DinosaurDiana)You can talk with your midwife or doctor about gaining baby weight at a slow and steady pace, and making sure you’re not deficient in any vitamins. Is coconut oil good for pregnancy stretch marks? Stretch marks can appear out of nowhere when your body is changing shape rapidly, whether that’s during pregnancy or post-birth, or at a time of rapid weight gain or loss. It’s very difficult to test the efficacy of stretch mark treatments in any scientific way simply because there’s little evidence to say whether they do or don’t prevent them. Even in a testing situation, the fact that someone doesn’t get stretch marks could simply mean they were never likely to get them in the first place rather than that a cream has prevented them. There is little good quality evidence which suggests that OTC skincare can benefit stretch marks, which can be disappointing for many to hear. Ingredients that are worth trying with limited evidence and outcome include: retinoids or vitamin A containing products (but these must not be used if trying to conceive or pregnant) as well as the plant-based ingredient Centella may help. Hyaluronic acid can also improve appearance." What are the best clinic treatments for stretch marks? Plus, using a stretch mark cream can be a fantastic way to get in touch with your body and give yourself some TLC throughout your pregnancy.