Oil, Balm, Or Lotion? Our Top 3 Treatments For Stretch Marks
If you’re reading this, you probably know that there are hundreds of “miracle cure” treatments out there to prevent and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. There are balms, oils, and lotions available, but what are the best ones on the market, and how do you know which one is right for you?
Firstly, it’s important to remember that there is no guaranteed way to prevent or reduce the appearance of stretch marks, and usually, the reason why you have stretch marks is out of your control in the first place.
But using moisturizing agents can certainly help keep skin supple, ease any dryness and itchiness caused by stretched skin, and that's really what treating stretch marks is about: preventative care. Giving your skin the hydration it needs ahead of time to support the elastic fibers can reduce the significance of tearing.
Keep reading because we’re sharing our top oil, cream, and balm-based treatments for stretch marks so you can pick the best option for you!
What are stretch marks?
Before we dive in, let’s get a little bit sciency here - stretch marks (known as striae gravidarum) are tiny tears in the elastic fibers that form the support layer under your skin. These fibers typically help your skin 'snap back' but when they are overstretched suddenly they can tear and lose their elastic ability. Then, as those torn fibers are healing you start to see the darkened hue and striping of stretch mark scars.
Naturally, pregnancy is a time when your skin will go through significant and sudden stretching, which increases the appearance and likelihood of getting stretch marks. Other things which can increase the chance of getting stretch marks are:
Weight gain
You'll regularly gain weight during pregnancy (which is normal and healthy!). However, the more rapid the weight gain the more likely stretch marks are to appear.
Skin tone
The darker your skin is the less likely you'll be to see evidence of stretch marks, largely because they won't be as visible.
Genetics
Ultimately, one of the top determinants of whether you get stretch marks and how significant they are has a lot to do with genetics; chances are if your mother had them then you will too.
As we said, there’s no guaranteed way you can prevent stretch-marks, or even reduce their appearance. But moisturizing can help give your skin the hydration it needs ahead of time to support the elastic fibers, reducing the significance of tearing.
Our top oil, cream, and balm-based treatments for stretch marks
Whether you want oil, lotion, or balm we’ve got you covered, mama! Ultimately, all 3 of these bases have similar benefits, so it’s really down to personal preference - what types of moisturizer do you typically prefer? That’s usually a good place to start.
Check out our top pick for each:
1. An oil-based treatment for stretch marks: Bio-oil
7.7oz | $27.99
It’s likely you have already heard of this old favorite. Bio-oil has been trusted by women for years now. It was one of the first oils in the market (breaking away from traditional lotions and creams) and has a pretty good track record.
A 2018 study of 80 people with non-hypertrophic scars showed that Bio-Oil had a 14% “better reduction” in stretch marks in comparison with an untreated area. 51% of participants also said that their scars and stretch marks looked less pronounced.
They have the original formula and an all-natural formula as well. Both have the same proven ability to improve the appearance of scars and stretch marks.
2. A lotion-based treatment for stretch marks: Palmer’s
Palmer’s Massage Lotion For Stretch Marks
8.5oz | $5.99
This lotion is formulated with cocoa butter, shea butter, vitamin E, lutein, Argan oil, almond oil, and coconut oil, to deeply moisturize and soften the skin.
It’s also hypoallergenic, and free from mineral oil, parabens, and phthalates, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
3. A balm-based treatment for stretch marks: Nessa’s Scar Saviour
Scar Saviour by Nessa
30ml | £25
This is a great option for balm-lovers. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidants, this balm uses turmeric, marshmallow root, and vitamin E to penetrate the skin, boost collagen, and reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks.
Have a stretch-mark cream you’d recommend? Let us (and all the other mamas who are searching for their own “miracle cure”) know in the comments!
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