We all might have trouble with stretch marks at some point in our life, whether it’s from pregnancy or weight loss, and it can be something that makes us feel a little less confident than we are used to. However, there are tons of lotions and potions on the market that claim to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scarring, and we’ve narrowed them down to some of the best stretch mark creams available right now.
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To help you choose, we’ve outlined some of the important factors to consider when buying the best stretch mark creams for you. It’s mostly down to personal preference when it comes to consistency. There is nothing to say that thicker or oilier creams get the job done any quicker or any better, so if you prefer something that feels a little lighter on your skin, you won't be limited in terms of choice.
Applying creams is normally best after a shower or before bedtime so the cream has an opportunity to be absorbed. The idea is that the cream moisturises your skin and it can also help relieve any itchiness around your tummy during pregnancy. For prevention of stretch marks or to improve scarring, creams with collagen and elastin will be the best at rejuvenating the skin’s elasticity and the use of natural ingredients such as Aloe Vera and Vitamin E will help keep the skin soft and supple.
Our top pick for the best stretch mark cream this season is . Not only do users rave about this cream for it's stretch mark reducing qualities, but it has all the right ingredients to ensure it's delicate and nourishing on the skin, too.
Some creams can be incredibly expensive while there are some that can be purchased for as little as under £5.00. If you are looking for fast and effective results, of course you’re going to get what you pay for, but if you simply want something you can use daily for the prevention of stretch marks and wrinkling, the cheaper brands can work well as an overall daily moisturiser with a multi-purpose.
This is probably one of the only stretch mark creams that is truly recommended for safe use when pregnant. This cream is a blend of peptides, fruit and algae extracts that nourishes the skin to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. It is by no means an overnight miracle worker, but with consistent use, you should begin to see the improvement. Although a little pricey, it is worth the money to know it is 100% for use during pregnancy.
Bio-Oil is a well-known and reliable brand that won’t break the bank. It can be used for both scarring and stretch marks and is also known to work well for acne scarring. Some people prefer the oil because it is more lightweight than a cream which feels nicer when using on areas of the body such as the face. It includes many natural ingredients that leave your skin feeling soft and smooth such as Vitamins E and A, chamomile, Rosemary and Lavender Oils.
This is reportedly the best stretch mark cream for fast results. If you have deep stretch marks or prominent scarring that you want to reduce quickly, this cream is said to produce results in as little as 2-8 weeks. It is also very popular for its effects as an anti-wrinkle cream and has won awards for its results. We can't promise it'll work miracles, but ladies who used this cream say it comes pretty close.
If you like the sound of Bio-Oil but don’t want to spend that much, then this affordable alternative is a must-try for your first stretch mark cream. It has pretty much has all of the same ingredients, and it has been said to work extremely well as a bath oil – simply put a few drops in your bath for smooth and silky skin when you get out.
Palmers Cocoa Butter is loved by many as a trusted high street brand that not only sees results but smells amazing! It is a thick lotion which is ideal for ladies who want to start prepping their skin for their pregnancy bellies, to discourage stretch marks from appearing. It also makes a great everyday moisturiser for those with very dry skin, but it is best applied after a shower and before bed so that it has time to soak in.
This Clarins Stretch Mark Minimiser is a great product for men as well as women. For those guys out there who are bombarded with products that do not relate to them when looking for this type of cream, Clarins have created a fragrance-free, light cream that encourages the reduction of stretch marks in both pregnancy and anyone who has lost or gained a significant amount of weight quite quickly.
This Rosehip Oil is said to work wonders on your skin and it only uses 100% pure and natural ingredients. For those who don’t like the idea of using a cream with unknown ingredients in, this is a safe option to go for. The Rosehip Oil works through naturally occurring bioflavonoids and essential fatty acids to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks or scarring. This oil could also be used in the bath, but it is good to remember that a little bit goes a long way otherwise you’ll end up feeling greasy.
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