The 8 Best Stretch Mark Creams For Pregnancy, Per Dermatologist Guidelines

In today's body-positivity-focused world, stretch marks are a badge of honor. It's important to note that stretch marks can happen at any time. For example, you can gain stretch marks simply by hitting the gym, lifting weights, and boosting your muscle mass. In fact, you can experience stretch marks any time you're experiencing rapid growth. 

And in that regard, they're most often associated with pregnancy. For moms— everywhere, stretch marks are often lauded as a proud representation that your body was able to grow a whole human. That's no small feat! And if you're proud of your tiger stripes—wear them with pride.

But if we're being honest, not everyone wants to rock them. Or some people are simply looking for creams to help support their skin elasticity during pregnancy, thereby minimizing their formation from the start. If you fall into either of those camps, these stretch mark creams might be the right move for you.

Stretch marks simply show that your body grew or shrank faster than your skin was able to produce collagen and elastin, the components that allow for the skin to be elastic. When the body changes rapidly but collagen and elastin production can't keep pace, the skin is ruptured. As a result, you get stretch marks in the form of a scar.

In a perfect world, you could nod your head and blink your eyes like I Dream of Jeannie and banish your stretch marks with a wish. But the reality isn't so simple. The truth is, there's no over-the-counter (OTC) topical solution that will make your stretch marks go away. However, some products are effective at reducing their appearance.

When picking a stretch mark cream for pregnancy, there are a few key factors to consider:

Scent sensitivity: The early stages of pregnancy can be a wild ride, full of cravings and repulsion. Consider scents you may be averse to before purchasing a cream or lotion. When in doubt, a scentless product is the safest choice.

Skin sensitivities: Whether you have known skin allergies or not, read the full ingredient list to make sure you're good with what's inside.

Consistency: Some creams and lotions are thicker than others. It's helpful to read customer reviews to see what real folks have to say about the consistency of a product. This way you'll have a better idea of what to expect.

Contraindications: As we'll cover below, if you're looking for a product to use while pregnant it's always best to speak with your doctor about the ingredients inside before using it. The same goes for breastfeeding.

And if you're pregnant, always speak with a physician before incorporating a stretch mark product into your routine. This is because some stretch mark creams or lotions contain ingredients that might be harmful to your baby.

For example, retinol—a common ingredient that can diminish the look of stretch marks—is usually not recommended for pregnant women because it increases the risk of birth defects.

Keep in mind that a variety of factors can affect whether a stretch mark cream makes sense for your routine. Everything from texture, efficacy, and even scent can all affect whether an item makes the cut. Also, remember that topical products will usually take time for results to become visible. At a minimum, plan to wait at least four weeks before deciding if a product is working or a dud.

In short, you can't completely prevent stretch marks. Still, experts have noted that while there's no magic potion that can prevent stretch marks from appearing, there are healthy habits you can incorporate that will lower your chances of getting them.

We've said it before and we'll say it again: Whether or not you choose to make an effort to prevent your stretch marks is an entirely personal choice. What really matters is your confidence. If you feel self-conscious about the skin you're in, it can take a toll on your mental health. If trying to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy is important to you, moisturizing creams and lotions are a safe way to keep your skin hydrated and happy. Just be sure to incorporate other methods (such as those listed above) into your routine. As always, speak with your doctor before trying new products during pregnancy.

You can't banish stretch marks with OTC skin care products. The best way to manage stretch marks is to take a preventive approach. This means that you focus on moisturizing your skin while you have your baby bump, drink plenty of water, and focus on a diet rich in skin-friendly foods. But remember that you can't always avoid stretch marks—no matter how proactive you are. And this is why a good moisturizing product with ingredients that target stretch marks is important to help minimize their look and appearance. Want more full-body hydrators? Check out mbg's favorite body lotions.