How to choose best, safe and effective creams for stretch marks?

How to choose the best, safe, and effective creams for stretch marks?

Many pregnant women develop stretch marks which are a very common pregnancy symptom. Stretch marks are scars that caused due to skin tearing. These tiny tears in the skin are caused due to several reasons such as weight gain, genetically, carrying multiple babies, etc. during pregnancy. Stretch marks don't cause any harm to you or your baby. They also get fade overtime. Most women get stretch marks on the belly, breasts, thighs, buttocks, hips, and arms during and after pregnancy. Stretch marks occur in different colors such as red, purple, silver, pink, reddish-brown, brown, or yellow depending on the stage they are in. Some women proudly show off their stretch marks as it shows their pregnancy journey while some others want to minimize them. In this article, we'll talk about the features that you should look for while buying a stretch mark cream during or after pregnancy.

The best cream for stretch marks during pregnancy

Look at the following things whenever you buy a stretch mark cream:

1. Go Hypoallergenic

A product that is hypoallergenic doesn't contain any essential oils, fragrances, or dyes that can cause any irritation or allergic reactions. Choose a cream that has no preservatives, no colors, or no artificial fragrances as they can cause allergy and can also harm you or your baby. Pregnancy is a sensitive time when you've to be cautious about everything that you eat or whether what you apply to your body. You don't have to use or consume anything that can cause allergic reactions. So, if you've sensitive skin go for the hypoallergenic product.

2. Good Quality Ingredients

It's one of the most important factors that you should definitely consider while buying a stretch mark cream. Choose a cream that contains natural ingredients that moisturize your skin as well as reduce the itchiness too. 

(Also read: How to get rid of Stretch Marks during pregnancy?)

3. Cocoa and Shea Butter Enriched Cream

Cocoa and Shea Butter are the natural ingredients that keep your skin hydrated. Choose a stretch mark cream that is enriched with the goodness of cocoa and shea butter. Both of these ingredients help to nourish your growing belly and also reduces the itches that are often accompanied by stretch marks. The cream with these ingredients helps to soothe the itchy and dry skin. Shea butter is filled with antioxidants and minerals that help to build elasticity of the skin.

4. Cream with Humectants

Creams with humectants such as glycerine, aloe vera gel are extremely effective at keeping skin moisturized. They also help to improve the skin's elasticity. Choose a stretch mark cream that contains humectants such as glycerine.

5. Safe And Natural Ingredients

Choose a stretch mark cream that contains those ingredients which are safe to use during pregnancy. Avoid using such brands that contain urea, salicylic acid, retinol, tretinoins, or retinoids as these are harmful to use in pregnancy.

6. Natural and Chemical Free Cream

Choose a stretch mark cream that is natural, organic, and chemical-free. The cream that soothes your itches and also nourishes your skin will be a good choice. Use that stretch mark cream which is free from artificial dyes and scents.

(Also read: How to look beautiful and attractive after delivery?)

7. Good Quality Formula

Choose a cream that has a good quality formula as you have to apply it daily on your body. The cream with moisturizing properties that can make your skin to feel comfortable and also reduces itchiness and dryness.

8. Safe to use

Remember to choose that cream for your stretch marks which is made of natural ingredients and fewer chemicals. Choose a cream that is enriched with the goodness of hydrating ingredients as they help to soothe the itchy and dry skin that often comes with a growing belly.

When I apply a stretch mark cream to the affected areas?

It's best to apply a stretch mark cream after you'd a shower or a bath when your skin is slightly damp so that the cream absorbed well within your skin.

Benefits of using a Stretch Mark Cream

Some of the benefits of using a stretch mark cream on the affected areas are:

• Stretch Mark Creams your skin elastic, smooth, and full of moisture.

• These creams soothe the itchy and dry skin that often comes in pregnancy.

• They also keep your skin toned and tight.

• Stretch Marks cream hydrate your skin and also repair and restores skin cells.

(Also read: Risk Factors of Pregnancy after the age of 30)

There are many stretch marks creams available in the market so don't get caught up in the hype over.  Just consult your doctor to choose the best stretch mark cream for you as your doctor knows better that which product is safe for you during or after pregnancy. Don't apply any stretch mark cream on the affected areas without consulting your doctor.

Also, read other pregnancy-related articles :

• Pregnancy at 40 weeks - Symptoms, Ultrasound, Baby Development, Baby Size, Childbirth and Signs of Labor

• Pregnancy 38 weeks baby movement - Normal fetal movements, NST and BPP

• Kegel Exercises during pregnancy

• 10 Best exercises to induce labor naturally

• Blood test for pregnancy - Blood Group, Rh Factor, Cost, Accuracy, AFP and Multiple Marker Screening

• Top 10 best books to read during pregnancy

• Braxton Hicks Contractions vs True Contractions

Disclaimer: This content is intended for general information only and it should not be used as the basis of patient treatment. The given content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, treatment or any diagnosis. Always consult a doctor for more information. Our website doesn't claim responsibility for this information.