Recommendations for Stretch Mark Prevention Creams

Sadly no cream will prevent these if you're genetically disposed to get them.
Otherwise we'd all be walking around stretchmark free, am I right?

Unfortunately, genetics is what tends to determine stretch marks. If you're genetically inclined, you're likely to get them no matter what cream you use. However, it might be fun/soothing to rub some nice smelling salve on your belly, so there really is no harm (and likely some benefit) in doing so.

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ETA: And, fwiw, I didn't use creams, and I didn't get stretch marks with either of my kiddos. My mom didn't have them either (and she had 4 kids). And I did get diastasis recti because of my big, preggers, basketball tummy, so it wasn't because my skin didn't get stretched.

I'm not sure anything can prevent stretch marks ... but I used Body Butter Cocoa Butter from the Body Shop with all my pregnancies. I was given a huge tube of it with my first pregnancy (like a large chapstick) and it was great - no residue, and smelled like cocoa.

I don't know if it had any effect, but I didn't have many (had plenty of other mementos) - but it kept my skin moisturized and less itchy as it stretched :)

Think about why your skin is marked. As baby grows the skin actually stretches. When anything stretches the fabric looks stretched, cloth, rubber, plastic. Stretch a plastic sack. The same thing happens to skin.

I have stretch marks on my hips caused by rapid growth as a teen. I was surprised when I saw them. They have faded over many years.

Practically speaking, I don't see how cream or lotion would stop stretch marks. The skin stretches.

As you can see below, there's no cream that can prevent or stop you from getting striae or "stretch marks."

The reason is that there is no cream that can absorb through the epidermal layer and into the dermal layer (where striae occurs).

Your best bet is to be sure you're staying hydrated, which may help a little, and have faith that they will fade over the years. I had terrible, red striae after my kids, and can hardly see them anymore.

The only good any cream will have it to help prevent the itchy-ness as your skin stretches. Stretch marks are based on genetics and have nothing to do with any creams you do or do not use. I used cream all the time with my third pregnancy because my belly was always itching. I got all new stretch marks because I carried her totally different then my other 2. I was riddled with stretch marks after my first. My second I don't think I got a single new one. They were both the same exact size at birth and I carried them pretty much the same way as well.

Don't bother. Sorry, but if you got them already, you'll get more regardless of what you do.
I speak from experience.

I used Mothers Special Blend with all three of my kids and I swear by it.

I also feel that a lot of it has to do with genetics. Same concept for someone wanting age defying cremes and saggy breasts. A lot is genetic.

That said... I didn't take any chances and I used a ton of cocoa butter when pregnant. I also drank a ton of water and still do daily.

My pregnancy was 20yrs ago. At this time, I use a lot of coconut oil.

Best wishes on your bundle of J.!!!

I have some stretch marks from when I had gained and lost weight when I was younger. When I became pregnant, a friend told me to use olive oil. I didn't get any more stretch marks, so you may want to try it. Get one of those pump sprayers for olive oil from the kitchen department of the store and some olive oil. Every morning spray it on your breast, belly and butt. I would do it after my shower and wear sweat pants and an old t-shirt while I got everything else ready for work. By the time I was ready to get dressed for work, the oil had soaked in. It does take some getting used to, but it worked.

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