With the weather warming up, skin becomes more exposed, which means we need to spend a little more time taking care of it post-winter neglect.
Stretch marks are a common skincare concern amongst women, so we have put together our edit of the best stretch mark creams and treatments to strengthen and even out the skin.
What are stretch marks?
Stretch marks are a common skin condition which most people will experience at some point in their life.
They can look like silver streaks across the skin, but they also range in colour, depth and intensity depending on your skin tone. While they start off quite prominent, they naturally fade over time, especially when using stretch mark creams and treatments to help support and strengthen the skin.
What causes stretch marks?
Stretch marks can be caused by a number of factors, but become most prominent during pregnancy when the skin stretches suddenly.
They can also be caused by genetics, so if a family member has them, it could be more likely that you will also get them at some point.
We advocate complete body positivity here at lookfantastic, and think that all skin is beautiful, but if stretch marks are a particular concern for you, take a look at our best stretch mark creams and treatments below.
10 of the best stretch mark creams for 2021
- Mama Mio Goodbye Stretch Marks Stretch Mark Minimiser
- Weleda Stretch Mark Massage Oil
- Mama Mio The Tummy Rub Butter
- JASON 32000IU Vitamin E Beauty Oil
- Burt's Bees Mama Bee Nourishing Body Oil with Vitamin E
- StriVectin Intensive Concentrate for Stretch Marks & Wrinkles
- Little Butterfly London Cocoon of Bliss Stretch Mark Butter
- Cowshed Mother Stretch Mark Balm
- Love Boo Super Stretchy Miracle Oil
- Balance Me Super Moisturising Body Oil
Which is the best stretch mark cream for me?
1. Mama Mio Mama Marks Cream 125ml
The experts in pre, during and post-pregnancy skincare, Mama Mio is undoubtedly one of the best brands on the market when it comes to targeted treatments.
Their
Goodbye Stretch Marks Stretch Mark Minimiser has been specially formulated to reduce the appearance of both new and old stretch marks caused by both pregnancy and weight fluctuations. In fact, even if you're not pregnant, this is one of the best products to use for stretch marks.
Free from common chemical nasties, the formula is instead infused with nourishing botanicals to soothe and moisturise, while Sepicalm™ VG helps to fade marks and Matrixyl 3000 promotes skin repair by boosting collagen production.
2. Weleda Stretch Mark Massage Oil 100ml
If you love completely natural and clean beauty products, you will love
Weleda's Stretch Mark Massage Oil.
Enriched with a blend of arnica extract and sweet almond and wheat germ oils, the oil helps to keep the skin soft during pregnancy so that it retains its elasticity and reduces the chance of stretch marks.
We recommend using this from the moment you find out you're pregnant to help prevent the appearance of marks.
3. Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter 120ml
If you don't like the feeling of an oil on the skin, you will love
Mama Mio's The Tummy Rub Butter (although it says tummy in the title, we actually love to use over the whole body!).
Formulated to keep your skin soft, supple and elastic for when your bump grows, the butter is enriched with Omegas' 3, 6 and 9 to build the skin's strength and reduce the chance of stretch marks. Shea butter and Vitamin E work to nourish and condition, and also reduce the chance of itching or irritation during pregnancy.
Free from common chemical nasties, it's great for all skin types including sensitive.
4. JASON Vitamin E 32,000iu Oil - Scar & Stretch Mark Treatment 30ml
Nourish, moisturise and help regenerate your skin with JASON 32000IU Vitamin E Beauty Oil. This natural antioxidant combats free radical damage whilst protecting skin against fine lines and wrinkles, leaving skin silky smooth.
Topical use of JASON 32000IU Vitamin E Beauty Oil helps decrease the appearance of roughness, wrinkles and prevents damage from environmental elements. This multi-functional oil also reduces scaring and stretch marks, leaving your skin soft and supple.
5. Burt's Bees Mama Bee Nourishing Body Oil With Vitamin E (115ml)
Keep your skin smooth and even with
Burt's Bees Mama Bee Nourishing Body Oil with Vitamin E.
Super luxurious and rich in texture, it melts into the skin upon application to not only nourish and keep your skin super soft, but also help prevent stretch marks and other skin issues that can occur during pregnancy.
For best results, we recommend continue using this post-pregnancy to support your skin as it bounces back into shape.
8. Cowshed Mother Stretch Mark Balm 250ml
Designed with new and expecting mothers in mind, this Stretch Mark Balm is a specially formulated blend of natural oils that encourages epidermal elasticity and minimises stretch marks. Each is carefully selected for its enriching properties, with Coconut oil as a moisturiser and Sea Buckthorn oil as a source of protective vitamins and minerals to care deeply for your skin. Gently massage onto your growing bump and any other areas that are changing throughout pregnancy for soft and smooth skin.
9. Love Boo Super Stretchy Miracle Oil
Prevent stretch marks with Love Boo Super Stretchy Miracle Oil. The 100% natural blend moisturises and nourishes the skin to reduce the appearance of scars, damaged skin and stretch marks.
10. Balance Me Super Moisturising Body Oil 150ml
Treat your skin to the benefits of Balance Me's Super Moisturising Body Oil; a 100% natural formula that helps to restore softness and suppleness from top to toe.
Infused with a host of beneficial ingredients, including Neroli, Starflower and Rosehip Oils, the luxurious oil moisturises and hydrates skin as it combats dry, flaky patches for long-lasting comfort.
