8 Best Stretch Mark Creams Moms Swear By for Reducing Stretch Marks Quickly — All Under $25
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When it comes to stretch marks, we’ve got some good news and some bad news for you. The good news is that society is finally starting to evolve so we don’t think of those squiggly marks that people get when rapidly gaining and losing weight — in particular, for 50 percent of pregnant people — as something to be banished. The bad news: You can’t really prevent stretch marks. But one more bit of good news: There are some stretch mark creams, oils, and balms out there that will minimize their appearance and keep your hard-working skin looking hydrated and healthy.
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Genetics likely play a part in determining if you will get stretch marks. According to a 2013 study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, four genetic markers seem to be linked with stretch marks. Particularly, one DNA sequence variation linked with pregnancy-related stretch marks was located close to the elastin gene.
We love the way that Ashley Graham has called her stretch marks “new stories” that show that her body has changed and grown and created new life. At the same, time, using something to nourish and moisturize your skin can help smooth out the skin and make it look less damaged. It also just feels better to keep pregnancy skin feeling healthy and hydrated.
See the best creams and products to help reduce stretch marks!
Hatch’s Stretch Mark Targeting Sheet Mask
This was a go-to product for many stars in the past, but something tells us quite a few others like the belly mask too, since it keeps selling out. It’s back in stock now, so you can grab the opportunity to cover your belly in soothing aloe vera, propolis, and more skin-nourishing, plant-derived ingredients. This gentle, one-time use belly mask is made with aloe and propolis for all the hydrating benefits.
$14
Weleda Stretch Mark Pregnancy Massage Oil
Weleda’s amazing stretch mark oil is a nourishing oil that’s safe for all types of skin and all baby-growing bodies. This oil reduces streath marks and helps skin elasticity with the mixture of vitamin E, wheat germ, almond, and jojoba oil.
$16
Mustela Maternity Stretch Marks Cream
This derm-approved and EWG-verified stretch mark cream is one of the all-stars on many shoppers’ list. It’s made with 97 percent natural ingredients, like maracuja and avocado, and we love that it’s fragrance-free. But don’t apply it to C-section scars, have this only be for stretch marks.
$22
Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy
In a 2021 survey, Mederma was the top-trusted brand among doctors, dermatologists, and plastic surgeons — and over 5000 enthusiastic Amazon reviewers agree. Safe to use beginning in the second trimester (and during breastfeeding!), Mederma’s clinically-proven Stretch Marks Therapy cream helps prevent new stretch marks and improves the appearance of the existing ones thanks to the fact it helps with collagen production.
Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion
This budget-friendly cream was the top choice of many. Containing cocoa butter, vitamin E, collagen, elastin and shea butter, this argan oil cream is safe to use during pregnancy. Both hypoallergenic and elasticity-imporving, this cream is a must for reducing the appearance of stretch marks quickly.
Burt’s Bees Mama Belly Butter
This cream is a nourshing shea butter cream that is free of all parabens, petrolatum, sls, and more; plus it’s super easy to apply. One shopper said, “This stuff is awesome, nice smooth feel, works great, smells good! I have 0 stretch marks and have used it my whole pregnancy!”
Burt’s Bees Belly Butter
California Baby Super Sensitive Unscented Lotion
Many prengant people used California Baby Lotion is a soothing cream that contains calendula and aloe vera, making it the perfect product for both your belly and your babies. Talk about versatile!
California Baby Super Sensitive Everyday Lotion
Smooth like (Belly) Butter
This super-hydrating formula feels solid in the jar, but melts into the skin upon contact with body heat (hence the name!). With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, nearly 2000 reviewers can’t be wrong. “If I could give it 10 stars I would!” raved one.
Glow Organics Belly Butter
A version of this story was originally published in August 2018.
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