Creams and oils for stretch marks during pregnancy: what to choose?

Stretch marks or stretch marks are stripes that appear when the skin is suddenly stretched.

Striae appear in almost all pregnant women.

Getting rid of stretch marks is very difficult, and sometimes the skin never manages to return to its original state.

Therefore, it is easier than to deal with already formed stretch marks - to prevent their occurrence.

Among all the ways to prevent the appearance of stretch marks, special creams are especially popular, with many prejudices associated with them.

We will try to dispel them by refuting or confirming the statements of manufacturers of pregnancy creams.

Why stretch marks appear during pregnancy

The body undergoes changes during pregnancy, the belly grows, hormones rage.

The skin stretches as the belly grows, and it is not always physically possible for it to return to its previous state. In addition, stretch marks (or, as doctors say, stretch marks) appear not just from stretched skin, but also from undermining of the dermis (the layer of skin under the epidermis).

Just in the lower layer there are small capillaries that burst and give this lilac effect of scars, and not just stripes. Therefore, in order to understand how to resist them, you need to find out why they arise:

• Strong growth of the abdomen.
• Weight gain. Unhealthy eating and lack of exercise can lead to weight gain, and if this happens often and in large quantities, then no one is immune from the appearance of stretch marks everywhere - on the stomach, buttocks, thighs. Therefore, if you have a strong tendency to gain weight, you can take a closer look at diets for pregnant women.
• Hormonal changes. The hormone progesterone plays the main role in pregnancy; it prevents muscles from becoming toned (about the same thing happens during menopause). At the same time, other muscles along with connective tissues remain without tone; when the dermis is stretched, the tissues are torn.
• Unbalanced diet. You probably know that fast food and sugary waters are harmful, and during pregnancy you will forget about them (and preferably forever). But there is also the concept of balance, when a pregnant woman’s diet must contain proteins, fats, and vitamins, otherwise collagen, which makes the skin elastic, will not be produced.
• Alcohol and smoking. Look at the faces of people who smoke or drink - they have yellow, dry, vulnerable skin. What kind of collagen is there if there is nicotine and alcohol nearby? Especially when it comes to smoking during pregnancy.
• Age. There is such a thing as childbearing age. Before 19 and after 30 years of age, it is more difficult for the body to cope with the stress that pregnancy entails. And stretch marks, which are associated with the same collagen production, appear very actively.

• Second birth. If you want a healthy child, and at the same time, remain healthy and strong, then you need to know that at least two years should pass between births. This is exactly what the body needs to recover.
• Physical state. If you prefer a chair or a sofa, and walking is a whole story for you, then the tissues will experience constant oxygen starvation, all the muscles will gradually weaken, sag, and so on.
• Lactation. How many actresses, for whom their body is important for their profession, previously refused to breastfeed for fear of losing shape, getting stretch marks, or sagging. But we are modern people, and now all possibilities are open to breastfeed and not be afraid of anything, having prepared in advance for this process.
• Risk factors. There are things that do not depend on us, but if you have the information, you can have time to take appropriate measures for prevention and, in any case, somehow reduce the number of stretch marks. These are the following factors: genetics, large fetus, twins or more, polyhydramnios, diabetes, obesity.

But being at risk does not mean folding your arms and waiting. There are enough remedies with which you can fight, for example, cream for stretch marks during pregnancy.

Causes of stretch marks in pregnant women

Striae appear for the most part not due to an increase in the volume of certain parts of the body, because during pregnancy the skin gradually tightens, but as a result of hormonal changes. The dermis loses its elasticity, the amount of collagen and elastin in it decreases, the skin cannot withstand stretching and breaks. The voids are filled with connective tissue. And the epidermis layer becomes much thinner, and stretch marks become visible.

At the same time, blood vessels are damaged, so striae at the stage of formation have a bright color. Then they gradually turn white, thereby indicating complete atrophy of the cells. The damaged area does not produce pigment, so during tanning the stretch marks remain white.

Pregnant skin requires care

The skin most often affected is the abdomen, thighs and chest. Some women are not susceptible to the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy, even if they do not use special products, but only 10% are such lucky women. The rest need to make every effort to provide their skin with proper care.

How the cream can help

Pregnant women are well aware of creams for stretch marks, as evidenced by numerous reviews. Living experience says that conventional products that moisturize the skin are ineffective in the area of ​​stretch marks.

The cream should be aimed specifically at damaged skin; for this, it must contain so-called biostimulants that accelerate tissue regeneration, kill injured collagen cells, renew elastin and increase the amount of glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans in the deep layers of the skin.

They retain moisture in the skin, due to which it acquires elasticity, thus preventing tissue rupture.

Such creams for stretch marks should contain skin softening substances, such as jojoba oil or shea butter. The cream must contain substances that improve blood circulation, collagen, as well as microelements with vitamins necessary for the skin.

There are a lot of creams in stores and pharmacies, and it is often not clear what exactly you need. You can, like 50 years ago, endlessly massage your stomach with Vaseline or, like 10 years ago, with olive oil, but, unfortunately, they don’t help much. Entire research companies have worked on remedies for stretch marks; they contain innovative components, thanks to which we will get the effect we need.

How to choose the right cream

Before you go to the store, think about what you need, because you need to get to the point, and not waste money on a product that may be good, but ineffective in your case.

Ask yourself why you need an anti-stretch mark cream, because every case is different:

• you need a cream to prevent stretch marks;
• I already have stretch marks, I need a cream to combat them;
• take into account the characteristics of the body;
• know the structure of the skin;
• understand how much you are willing to pay.

Having decided what you need, and having thus prepared for communication with a sales consultant, let's figure out what kind of creams there are and what they are for.

Let's start with the fact that most stretch marks appear in the second half of pregnancy and after childbirth, when the tummy “drops”.

Considering these statistics, creams are mainly aimed at young mothers, but don’t let that scare us. Let's look further at what good creams should be:

1. Creams for stretch marks should be natural. Smear the tummy where the baby is - this product should be super safe.
2. You need to buy creams only in serious stores or pharmacies. In street retail outlets, stalls, and markets (we will not offend anyone, but still, in most cases this is true) they buy cheap and often counterfeit products for sale, perhaps without even knowing about it.
3. The cream should not have a strong odor, which indicates the presence of a fragrance, so as not to cause you discomfort (smell is important for pregnant women) or an allergic reaction.
4. The cream must be hypoallergenic, as stated in the instructions. Also, before you start using a new cream, be sure to do a test on your skin.
5. The cream must be used regularly, then the effect will be maximum.
6. An effective cream for stretch marks should moisturize the skin, speed up blood circulation, retain moisture, and make the skin soft and elastic.

What can be found on the shelves

We will tell you about manufacturing companies that work with high quality, have proven themselves, and have long had many positive reviews.

• Mamacomfort .Cream for dry skin penetrates deeply into the epidermis, stimulates metabolism in the skin, nourishes it. Contains only natural substances: tea tree oil, olive oil, chamomile extract and horse chestnut.

• Avent . The structure of the cream is denser, but just as non-greasy. The cream moisturizes, tones, strengthens blood vessels. The composition is also 100% natural: almond oil, shea seeds, papaya oil, algae extracts.
• Mustela . This cream is very popular, apparently the price/quality ratio works. The product reduces stretch marks and prevents the appearance of new ones. Contains oils, vitamins, as well as elastin regulators and AHA acids.

• Vichy . A serious product that contains a complete list of all necessary nutrients and moisturizing substances. Activates collagen production, restores skin.
• Sanosan . If you use this product for prevention, you can ensure the absence of stretch marks; it contains proteins and olive oil, which increase skin elasticity.

• Pregnacare . The anti-inflammatory effect of this cream is found in evening primrose oil and aloe extract, and these substances also stimulate lipid metabolism. The zinc in the composition restores cells, vitamins C and E work as antioxidants and strengthen blood vessels.

There are quite a lot of creams that help in the fight against stretch marks. We have listed innovative companies; in addition, there are also high-quality and effective products that are produced by serious manufacturing companies of products for pregnant women and babies. These are Yves Rocher, Mothercare, Biotherm, BabyTeva, Guam, Galenic, Weleda, Attirance, Venus, Clarin, Green Mama, Rejene, Roc, Eveline, Collistar, Chicco, 9 months.

How to deal with stretch marks at home

When a woman is pregnant , it is recommended to use natural products as cosmetics that do not have unnecessary fragrances and emulsifiers. To avoid skin allergies, before using a cosmetic product, you need to test it on a small area of ​​skin. During pregnancy, you should not use essential oils that have a strong odor. This includes citrus and pine oils. During pregnancy, neutral methods of dealing with stretch marks are most suitable.

Recommended use:

1. Peach.
2. Almond.
3. Olive oil.

In order for a cosmetic product prepared at home to have the greatest effect, it is allowed to add essential oils of sandalwood, lavender, tea tree, ginger, calendula and ylang-ylang. If you experience any unpleasant sensations on your skin while using the cream, you should stop using it.

TOP 5 leaders among stretch mark creams. Their review

According to customer reviews and the quality rating of creams for stretch marks for pregnant women, the following companies are leading among manufacturers:

• Avent. The product of a British company that produces many products for pregnant women, young mothers and babies, is safe, environmentally friendly, and has been on the market for 30 years. Deeply nourishes cells, restores firmness and elasticity, helps in adaptation to skin tightening (good after childbirth). The product does not contain parabens, dyes or other harmful substances.

• Bepanthen. The Swiss company, which has been in this market for more than 70 years, guarantees safety, effectiveness, high regeneration of the epidermis, and deep penetration. The composition contains no preservatives, parabens, or dyes. If you start using it from the beginning of pregnancy until the postpartum period, the effect will be striking.
• Vichy. French manufacturer, has been working on products for pregnant women for 90 years, effectively improves skin condition, regenerates, moisturizes, heals. The company uses thermal waters in production, which are rich in mineral salts and microelements.

• Mustela. French cream, active substances obtained as a result of long-term research, natural, sold in almost 100 countries around the world, effective not only in prevention, but also for the treatment of stretch marks, well absorbed. Mustela stretch mark cream for pregnant women has a huge number of positive reviews, apparently the price/quality ratio is ideal.
• Pregnacare. The composition contains panthenol, lemon and primrose oils, allantoin, aloe and primrose extract. Well moisturizes the skin, relieves inflammation, restores skin tone.

Top 10 best products

Analysis of reviews from expectant mothers who used creams and ointments during pregnancy allows us to select the 10 most effective and efficient remedies for stretch marks.

But no review or advice from a friend can replace a doctor’s consultation, so before using any cream, be sure to talk to a specialist.

Avent

Among the large number of remedies for stretch marks, this cream is in greatest demand and love among pregnant women.

The product contains papaya oil, which moisturizes the skin, and algae extract, which regenerates epidermal cells.

Advantages:

• absorbs quickly and does not leave greasy marks;
• economy;
• nice smell;
• average price range;
• efficiency.

No particular shortcomings were found.

Mama comfort

This gel is specially designed for expectant mothers with highly sensitive skin.

It works especially well in the last months of pregnancy and after the birth of the baby. The gel contains extracts of green coffee and tea, various oils, which have an excellent effect on the skin, smoothing its surface.

Advantages:

• low cost;
• natural ingredients;
• prevalence.

Flaws:

• a pungent aroma that not all expectant mothers like.

Vichy

The composition of the product is considered to be quite low-allergenic and contains thermal water, which moisturizes the skin and makes it elastic.

Can be used at any stage of pregnancy, optimally starting at 4 months.

Advantages:

• light odor, almost imperceptible;
• absorbs quickly;
• contains collagen.

Flaws:

• high consumption.
• high price;

Sanosan

In the list of Top 10 products, this ointment occupies not the last place due to its natural composition.

Wheat protein, hibiscus and jojoba essential oils restore skin elasticity and nourish it with a variety of nutrients. This gel does not contain various dyes and harmful ingredients, which only confirms its safety.

Advantages:

• naturalness;
• low price.

Flaws:

• fat content;
• low absorbency.

Chicco

It is one of the most common remedies for stretch marks on the domestic market.

The composition contains only natural ingredients - vitamins, wheat oil. Expectant mothers note that the cream acts gently, moisturizing and softening the skin.

Advantages:

• average price range;
• effective action.

Flaws:

• sharp specific aroma.

Clarins

This cream has a triple effect: it prevents the appearance of stretch marks, fights existing defects and takes care of the skin.

The product acts at the molecular level, stopping the release of special enzymes responsible for the destruction of collagen and elastin proteins.

Advantages:

• extremely effective cream;
• able to cope with old stretch marks.

Flaws:

• Not every mom can afford it.

Biotherm

This gel is recommended for use from the second trimester, when the baby in the tummy begins to rapidly increase in size.

You can also use the gel after delivery, when the skin begins to shrink. The effect is based on the action of soybean oil and karite.

Advantages:

• nice smell;
• naturalness.

Flaws:

• low efficiency;
• high price.

Lierac

This gel is considered an innovative product containing natural flavonoids. The use of products helps reduce the number and size of the fatty layer of the skin, improve color and increase the elasticity of the skin.

In addition, stretch marks are significantly reduced in size, and the skin is evened out.

Advantages:

• innovative composition;
• light consistency;
• reduction of cellulite.

Flaws:

• high price;
• The gel leaves greasy stains on things.

Mustela

This product has a double therapeutic effect: it helps reduce existing stretch marks and prevents the formation of new ones.

It is applied at the end of pregnancy and during the first weeks after the birth of the baby. The cream contains various oils to soften the skin, elastin regulators and moisturizing components.

Advantages:

• can reduce the severity of stretch marks;
• Suitable for long-term use.

Flaws:

• high price.

Pregnacare

The unique composition of the products includes primrose oil, which helps restore ceramides and improve lipid metabolism.

Other elements (zinc, vitamins, aloe and calendula extract) soothe the skin, activate skin respiration, strengthen vascular walls, and moisturize the skin.

Advantages:

• innovative composition;
• multiple effect;
• inexpensive.

No particular shortcomings were found.

How to choose a cream for stretch marks during pregnancy

In any case, a cream for stretch marks during pregnancy should have the following qualities:

• company reputation;
• popularity and positive reviews;
• safety, it must be indicated that the product is intended for a nursing mother or pregnant woman;
• the composition should have an effect on increasing collagen or skin elasticity;
• hypoallergenic;
• absence or minimum of preservatives, fragrances, dyes and flavors;
• good absorbency;
• environmental friendliness;
• affordable price.

The best cream for stretch marks during pregnancy is the one that is right for you, provided you choose carefully and wisely.

What should be the composition and what do the substances in such creams mean:

• Natural oils. They tend to penetrate deeply and easily through the intercellular space, retain moisture, and help increase the number of cells in the skin.
• Glycerin or silicones. Substances similar to oils, but they do not know how to nourish the skin, in addition, with prolonged use they damage the skin layer.
• Vitamins. Necessary for the body to activate metabolic processes, cell renewal, and thicken the skin.
• Hyaluronic acid and hydrolyzed proteins. Needed to help retain water.
• Plant extracts. Natural and effective components with different properties.
• Essential oils. Increases elasticity, softness, nourishes and moisturizes.
• Elastin with collagen. The main component, which is responsible for the elasticity of tissues, is produced due to many factors.
• Algae extracts. Accelerate metabolic processes, nourish and regenerate cells.
• Antioxidants.
• Retinol.
  Promotes better skin regeneration, activation of components that improve elasticity. As for retinol, it exists in two forms: fat-soluble vitamin A and water-soluble provitamin A. It must be said that fat-soluble retinol is immediately absorbed by the body, and water-soluble retinol is subject to its processing by the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, in the case of processing, the body absorbs as much as it can absorb, and no more. At the same time, fat-soluble can harm the body if used for a long time. Retinol, even in the form of a cream, can affect the kidneys and heart of the child during pregnancy, have a negative effect on the central nervous system, and lead to improper development of the reproductive organs. Therefore, during pregnancy you should avoid creams that contain retinol, look for carotenoids instead.

Let us also remind you about the expiration date and period of use, which must be indicated in the instructions (1st trimester of pregnancy or all 9 months and after childbirth).

Bottom line

During pregnancy, every woman should lead a healthy lifestyle; you should not eat fast food, fried or too spicy foods. It is necessary to load the body with measured physical activity. Stretch marks are very difficult to get rid of, so it is necessary to prevent their occurrence. To do this, it is necessary to use comprehensive care that will help the skin restore its aesthetic appearance.

The use of oils, creams, and emulsions against stretch marks helps soften and protect the skin of a pregnant woman. If you use cosmetics for stretch marks correctly, then unsightly scars will never appear on a woman’s tummy after childbirth.

How to use it correctly

Instructions for using creams for stretch marks should be included with the product. We will describe the most common algorithm for working with such creams.

• wash and dry well;
• apply cream to problem areas;
• wait until completely absorbed before getting dressed.

You can do the procedure twice a day; see the instructions for how many times.

At different times, you need to approach the issue of stretch marks differently. Ideally, you can start using anti-stretch mark cream a couple of months before conception, so the skin will learn to stretch and tighten and become elastic.

The belly begins to grow especially actively in the second trimester of pregnancy, and it makes sense at this moment to choose natural and effective remedies for stretch marks.

If the moment is missed, then after birth, choose creams that will make stretch marks less noticeable. Once again, please note that some products can be used during pregnancy, others only after childbirth.

Such creams cannot be applied to scars from a cesarean section.

And one last thing. When it comes to stretch marks, an integrated approach is important: in addition to the cream - a contrast shower, gymnastics, massage, rubbing in oils, as well as support from the inside - vitamins and proper nutrition.

The use of folk remedies in the fight against striae

The most effective are:

1. Seaweed.
2. Chamomile decoction.
3. Aloe juice.

These elements must be alternated with each other to reduce the visible manifestations of scars after childbirth. You can make scrubs at home that contain ground coffee, sugar, salt or soda. This composition not only helps to polish the skin, but also nourishes it. It is recommended to use a homemade scrub no more than twice in 7 days.

After the scrubbing procedure, the skin must be lubricated with a nourishing cream. At home you can make a cream containing mumiyo. It is necessary to dilute 2 tablets of the product in warm water, then mix the composition with baby cream. The cosmetic product must be used every day.

Reviews of cream for stretch marks during pregnancy

• Lyudmila. When I was carrying my first child, I didn’t even think about what could be wrong with my belly, but the doctor didn’t tell me - they didn’t care about that, as long as I looked at the tests well, that would be fine. And after birth, I sadly discovered stretch marks, I didn’t even understand what they were, I thought it would go away, but my mother said: oh, stretch marks, and explained what it meant. And soon they began to irritate me, I began to look for something to anoint them with. I tried Chico, Bepanten, Vichy, although my mother told me to smear it with glycerin, but I thought that these old methods were complete nonsense. Nothing helped. When I had my second one, I started doing this very much, everything that I was already familiar with was used - I love Vichy, Bepanten, Fermenkol. After the second one, the new ones were no longer so scary, and even those became a little smaller, so I recommend it.
• Anna. Knowing that there could be stretch marks, I read everything about them and prepared in advance, even bought some medications. I think I’ll start with them, and then we’ll see and try others. I bought it for 9 months and Clearwin, and at the same time I kept giving myself massages with different oils, watching TV and rubbing myself. Then I switched to more expensive products, decided to buy Greenmama, and my husband gave Bioterm. I smeared it from start to finish, and when my stomach started to go away, I massaged it very actively and used Mamacomfort, everything is natural. In general, I can say that I solved this problem more or less normally, there are almost no stretch marks.
• Valentina. My husband immediately told me not to have stretch marks, bought me a box of Mustela, then another box, I used this cream all the time. I can’t say what would have happened without him, but it seems that he helped. True, I noticed a couple of stretch marks, in the very places where my tummy was especially round, but in general, everything was fine.