I am trying to get all of the things I will need after the delivery. What stretch mark creams were recommended to you? Do any 2+ time mommas have any input on which ones to use or stay away from? TIA!
I will probably just let nature take its course. Stretch marks naturally tend to fade to a silvery color in 6-12 months. If they really bother me, I might do vitamin E or cocoa butter, which are natural options. The verdict is out if those things just help general skin health versus actually making a difference. Lotions and such don't actually penetrate deep enough into the skin to deal with the deep "damage" that happened. Time is the cure. Some people say Mederma can make a difference, but it contains ingredients that I don't use.
My derm told me that no amount of cream/oils will help with stretchmarks (may help w/elasticity of skin, though) if yours are genetically inclined. My mom had awful stretchmarks, and even though I put lotions and oils on all the time (Mama Bee, Bio Oil, Neal's Yard balm and oils), I got stretch marks very similar to my mom's.
My derm did recommend one of two things if I really wanted to get rid of them post-partum 1) get them removed by laser (they have to be the red stretchmarks per my laser hair salon's advice) or 2) try scar reduction sheets and put them on your belly under a Bella band or similar to hold them in place (I bought the large sheets on HollywoodBreastForms dot com).
Re: Stretch Mark Creams
More Green For Less Green
You should be using the creams before the baby comes to help them fade after the baby comes.
Nothing will cure or prevent stretch marks, but the creams will help them fade over time.
I use Palmers Coca Butter belly butter.
Emily 8.8.08
Madeline 1.2.11
William 8.5.12
My derm told me that no amount of cream/oils will help with stretchmarks (may help w/elasticity of skin, though) if yours are genetically inclined. My mom had awful stretchmarks, and even though I put lotions and oils on all the time (Mama Bee, Bio Oil, Neal's Yard balm and oils), I got stretch marks very similar to my mom's.
My derm did recommend one of two things if I really wanted to get rid of them post-partum 1) get them removed by laser (they have to be the red stretchmarks per my laser hair salon's advice) or 2) try scar reduction sheets and put them on your belly under a Bella band or similar to hold them in place (I bought the large sheets on HollywoodBreastForms dot com).