First things first: stretch marks aren’t inherently bad. They won’t affect your health and they won’t harm you or cause you pain, either. They’re basically just scars that appear when your skin stretches at a faster rate than normal. Because of this, they’re common in pregnant women and often appear on the belly. They can be permanent, but they can also fade over time.
Though stretch marks aren’t harmful or painful, many don’t like the way they look on their skin. While you can’t stop your belly from swelling as your baby grows, there are things you can do to prepare your skin and minimize or even prevent stretch marks. The best stretch mark creams, salves, butters, and oils can help you keep your skin well-moisturized and prepared for your baby’s growth.
Stretch marks are striations that appear on the skin when it expands or shrinks quickly. Depending on the person, stretch marks can be barely visible or starkly obvious. In general, however, new stretch marks tend to be more visible and appear quite dark compared to your normal skin tone. However, they can fade over time though they might not completely disappear.
In general, you’ll commonly see stretch marks on parts of the body that have more fat deposits. These include the belly, breasts, hips, arms, and buttocks. Pregnant women are likely to develop stretch marks because of how their skin stretches because of the baby’s growth and pregnancy-related weight gain.
However, even if you’re not pregnant, you can still develop stretchmarks if you’re currently going through puberty, if your weight fluctuates, and if you’re building up muscle. Women in general are also more likely to develop stretch marks than men.
Best Stretch Mark Creams
Stretch marks can be tough to deal with, especially postpartum. Figuring out how to get rid of stretch marks can also add more stress to new moms. A lot of moms tend to feel like they’re not quite themselves anymore and that their bodies have undergone so many overwhelming changes. A good stretch mark removal cream can help you regain some control over your appearance, which can be comforting both physically and mentally.
Thus, finding the best stretch mark cream for you can be a good part of your pregnancy and recovery period. You can start using stretch mark cream early on in your pregnancy as a preventative measure, though there are also creams, butters, and oils that can help reduce the appearance of existing stretch marks.
It’s also important to keep in mind that even the best stretch mark creams can take time to work, and you shouldn’t get discouraged if you don’t see results right away.
Check out the top picks in Singapore below to find the right one for you.
1. Aleva Naturals Stretch Mark Cream
One of the most-trusted stretch mark creams in Singapore, the Aleva Naturals Stretch Mark Cream is made of high-quality ingredients that can help your skin bounce back. With organic shea butter, olive oil, pumpkin seed extract, and other herbal ingredients, this cream can help nourish your skin.
Not only does it help reduce the appearance of pregnancy stretch marks, but it can also relieve the itching that typically comes with a growing belly. Because of its ingredients, this cream is safe to use during pregnancy. It has no harsh chemicals and is also vegan and cruelty-free
You can squeeze the cream straight out of the tube and easily spread it over your skin. It has a smooth and spreadable consistency, making it easy to apply. It’s also non-sticky, so it’s not difficult to handle and is easy to wash off of your fingers. The formulation is light and not greasy, so it’s comfortable on the skin even in hot and humid weather.
Most of all, it can help ensure that you don’t develop visible stretchmarks even while gaining weight throughout your pregnancy.
Pros
- All-natural; made of organic shea butter, olive oil, pumpkin seed extract, and herbal ingredients
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Has a smooth consistency and is easy to spread on skin
Cons
- Smell is not unpleasant but can be off-putting to some
2. Earth Mama Belly Oil
With grape seed oil, organic jojoba seed oil, organic calendula flower extract, and other nourishing ingredients, the Earth Mama Belly Oil moisturizes and protects your skin. It’s also vegan and cruelty-free, and you can rest assured that it’s safe to use and free of harsh chemicals.
You can put it on during your pregnancy to soften the skin on your belly and make it more supple as it stretches to accommodate your growing baby. It can help prevent or reduce the appearance of stretchmarks, and it can also help relieve irritation and itchiness. Thus, it can help get rid of at least one source of discomfort during pregnancy.
Furthermore, this oil is easy to spread and quickly sinks into your skin. Even though it’s an oil, it’s not greasy and doesn’t feel heavy on the skin. Additionally, you’ll still be able to use it even after pregnancy. It can still help keep your skin moisturized and supple after you’ve given birth.
Pros
- Contains grape seed oil, organic jojoba seed oil, organic calendula flower extract, and other nourishing ingredients
- Non-greasy and easy to apply; can still be used after pregnancy
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- Smell can be quite strong and overwhelming
- Can stain clothes if not allowed to dry and be absorbed by the skin properly
3. Mustela Maternite Stretch Marks Oil
Dermatologist-tested and made of ingredients specifically chosen for pregnant and postpartum moms, the Mustela Maternite Stretch Marks Oil is moisturizing and nourishing. It helps improve skin elasticity, which can in turn help prevent stretch marks or at least reduce their appearance. If your skin tends to be quite dry, this oil can help moisturize your skin effectively. This will reduce itchiness and flakiness.
Additionally, it’s light enough that your skin will be able to easily absorb it if you take the time to rub it in thoroughly. Make sure that it’s been well-absorbed before putting on clothes to prevent staining.
Because it’s an oil, it’s a lot easier to spread on your skin. Even just a little bit of it can go a long way. You can put the oil on your palm then apply it to your skin, or you can put it directly on your belly. One bottle can last for quite a while, depending on how often you apply. It can last for about a month or so with regular application.
Pros
- Helps make skin more elastic
- Moisturizing; prevents dryness and itching
- Easy to apply and spread
Cons
- Can stain clothes when not properly absorbed by skin yet
- Can take time to be absorbed with improper application
4. Palmer’s Tummy Butter for Stretch Marks
Palmer’s is perhaps one of the best-known and most trusted brands when it comes to the best stretch mark cream. Palmer’s Tummy Butter for Stretch Marks comes in a tin jar and has a smooth, buttery texture that’s pleasant on the skin and easy to apply. It’s typically used during pregnancy to keep the skin elastic and more able to adapt to stretching so it can help prevent pregnancy stretch marks or at least make them less visible.
Additionally, this tummy butter contains shea butter and cocoa butter, both of which moisturize the skin and are commonly used in stretch mark creams. It also has ingredients such as lutein and argan oil, which help keep the skin moisturized and can make scars less visible.
You can use this tummy butter during pregnancy to protect your skin from dryness, and it can keep your skin feeling and looking smooth for up to a couple of days before you need to reapply.
Pros
- Contains shea butter, cocoa butter, lutein, argan oil, vitamin E, and other nourishing ingredients
- Keeps skin moisturized, smooth, and elastic for up to a couple of days
- Smooth texture; easy to apply and spread on skin
Cons
- Can feel a bit greasy upon application
- Can stain clothes while not yet absorbed by the skin
5. Sebamed Anti-Stretch Mark Cream
Looking for a stretch mark cream that isn’t greasy or sticky and doesn’t take forever for your skin to absorb? The Sebamed Anti-Stretch Mark Cream is a great choice. It’s not heavy at all and can be easily absorbed while still providing your skin with the protection and moisturizing you need.
Additionally, it’s dermatologist-tested and safe to use. It has no parabens or mineral oil, and it’s a good choice if you want to avoid using animal products. It contains shea butter and avocado oil, and it’s tested to have a pH of 5.5. Another ingredient is centella asiatica or tiger grass, which helps the skin recover better and more quickly.
Another thing that’s great about this cream is that it’s not difficult to spread. A pea-sized amount can go a long way, and you’ll be able to easily spread it evenly over your skin. You can first apply the cream in dots around the area you want to cover, which then allows you to apply the cream more efficiently.
Pros
- Contains shea butter, avocado oil, and centella asiatica
- Lightweight, non-greasy, and easy to absorb
- No parabens, mineral oil, or animal products
Cons
- Scent can be unpleasant for some
- Can take a bit longer to take effect compared to others
6. Clarins Body Partner Stretch Mark Expert
No matter what skin type you have, you’ll be able to safely use the Clarins Body Partner Stretch Mark Expert without having to worry about skin irritations. It contains a variety of skin-nourishing ingredients, such as centella asiatica, banana fruit extract, tocopherol, and hazel seed oil. It can easily be absorbed by the skin, and it’s not very heavy, greasy, or sticky when applied.
This stretch mark cream isn’t just useful for pregnant moms who want to prevent stretch marks. It’s also useful for those who want to avoid stretchmarks due to weight fluctuations.
You can also apply it on your breasts, hips, and thighs, so it can help prevent any marks that may appear on just about any part of your body. Simply put a small amount on your hand, then apply the cream to your skin in circular motions. It won’t take long at all for your skin to absorb the cream.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy for skin to absorb
- Non-greasy and non-sticky formula
- Contains centella asiatica, banana fruit extract, tocopherol, and hazel seed oil
Cons
- Scent can be unpleasant for some
7. Palmer's Stretch Mark Cream
Yet another offering from this trusted brand, Palmer’s Stretch Mark Cream is reliable, tried, and true. It’s packed with a variety of skin-nourishing ingredients, including shea butter, cocoa butter, vitamin E, lutein, argan oil, almond oil, and coconut oil.
These ingredients keep your skin moisturized and protect it from scars and stretch marks, ensuring that it’s smooth, supple, and elastic. You can apply this cream over your belly, hips, breasts, and buttocks to keep stretch marks away.
A lot of women swear by Palmer’s, and for good reason. Over time, it has been proven again and again to be one of the best stretch mark creams out there. This brand has also had a long history and has built up a reputation as a reliable skin care brand. This stretch mark cream is rich, easy to spread, and soothing to the skin, making it great for itchy or dry skin.
Pros
- Contains shea butter, cocoa butter, vitamin E, lutein, argan oil, almond oil, and coconut oil
- Smooth and rich formulation that’s easy to spread on skin
- Soothing and effectively moisturizes dry or itchy skin
Cons
- Can be sticky when not yet absorbed by the skin
- Takes time for the skin to absorb
8. Weleda Stretch Mark Massage Oil
With the Weleda Stretch Mark Massage Oil, you can take control and take steps to prevent stretch marks before you even start showing. You can start applying this oil to your belly as soon as you find out that you’re pregnant, and it can keep your skin moisturized and supple throughout your pregnancy. It’s dermatologically tested and free of harsh ingredients, so it’s formulated to be safe to use.
This cream contains sweet almond oil and wheat germ oil, both of which benefit the skin. Sweet almond oil can keep your skin soft and moisturized, as well as reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Meanwhile, wheat germ oil is a good source of vitamins A, B, and D. It’s easy for the skin to absorb and can also promote healing.
The oil also easily sinks into the skin so it dries easily and quickly. It won’t leave you with a greasy or sticky feeling, even in warm weather.
Pros
- Contains almond oil and wheat germ oil, which can keep the skin moisturized and supple
- Can be used all throughout pregnancy and until the end of breastfeeding
- Dermatologically tested and made with pregnancy-safe ingredients
Cons
- Can be difficult to spread on the skin
- A bit expensive for the amount of product
9. Maternea Anti-Stretch Mark Body Cream
Packed with highly beneficial ingredients, the Maternea Anti-Stretch Mark Body Cream can help ensure that your skin is well-cared for. It has vitamin E, vitamin C, almond oil, and jojoba oil, all of which can help nourish the skin and keep it moisturized. It helps prevent stretch marks as well as reduce the appearance of stretch marks that are already there.
This cream will work best if you start using it early on in your pregnancy. This way, your skin will be in great condition before it starts stretching to accommodate your growing belly. You can apply it to your skin in the morning and at night for the best results.
It’s also fragrance-free, so you’ll be able to use it without any problems even if you have sensitivity to smells, which is common in the first trimester. It also won’t trigger any allergies, making it safe for sensitive skin.
Pros
- Contains vitamin E, vitamin C, almond oil, and jojoba oil
- Moisturizes and prepares skin
- Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic; suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Runs out quickly with regular use
- Can be a bit greasy when not absorbed by the skin yet
FAQ About Stretch Mark Creams
Creams and oils won’t be able to 100% prevent stretch marks. However, these products can reduce the possibility of stretch marks forming. They can also reduce itching caused by your skin stretching out as your belly grows larger.
This depends on what you expect to see from stretch mark creams. Stretch mark creams and oils won’t completely get rid of stretch marks, but they can help reduce the appearance of these marks.
1. Aleva Naturals Stretch Mark Cream
2. Earth Mama Belly Oil
3. Mustela Maternite Stretch Marks Oil
4. Palmer’s Tummy Butter for Stretch Marks
5. Sebamed Anti-Stretch Mark Cream
6. Clarins Body Partner Stretch Mark Expert
7. Palmer’s Stretch Mark Cream
8. Mama’s Choice Stretch Mark Cream
9. Weleda Stretch Mark Massage Oil
10. Maternea Anti-Stretch Mark Body Cream
There are plenty of treatments and remedies for stretch marks, including creams, oils, natural remedies, and even medical treatments like lasers, micro needling, and more. However, all these treatments and remedies aren’t 100% effective at reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
References
- https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/scars-stretch-marks/stretch-marks-why-appear
