Stretch Mark Products

Britt428 · March 2016

I bought some Palmers tummy butter last week to get the jump on trying to prevent any stretch marks. After using it this morning, I've had a reaction to it. Rash everywhere I used it. Anyone have any suggestions on some other stretch mark products? Maybe something a little more natural.

elsie2014 · March 2016

It Works sells a stretch mark cream that works really well and is all natural. I don't sell it (though I used to), so there's nothing in it for me, just honestly telling you it works. Lol.

KilgraveMadeMeDoIt · March 2016

Whether or not you get them is largely (but not completely) genetic and there is plenty of evidence that the creams and oils on the market do absolutely nothing.

You'll find plenty of women who use the creams and lotions and whatnot who swear by them, but in all probability they wouldn't have gotten much in the way of stretchmarks anyway (about 15% of women don't.) Most women who use these creams and oils will still get stretch marks and the products haven't been shown, including through systematic reviews of the literature, to make a difference. Keep in mind that many women who get stretch marks with their first pregnancy will not get them with subsequent pregnancies, so even someone who swears up and down that she didn't get stretch marks with Kid 2 when she did with Kid 1 because of Product X is actually probably being fooled by a normal occurrence into thinking that a useless product worked.

The only real modifiable risk factors with regards to stretch marks are rate and amount of weight gain, prepregnancy weight, and (interestingly) maternal age, as older moms are less likely to get them.

elsie2014 · March 2016

KilgraveMadeMeDoIt said:

Whether or not you get them is largely (but not completely) genetic and there is plenty of evidence that the creams and oils on the market do absolutely nothing.

You'll find plenty of women who use the creams and lotions and whatnot who swear by them, but in all probability they wouldn't have gotten much in the way of stretchmarks anyway (about 15% of women don't.) Most women who use these creams and oils will still get stretch marks and the products haven't been shown, including through systematic reviews of the literature, to make a difference. Keep in mind that many women who get stretch marks with their first pregnancy will not get them with subsequent pregnancies, so even someone who swears up and down that she didn't get stretch marks with Kid 2 when she did with Kid 1 because of Product X is actually probably being fooled by a normal occurrence into thinking that a useless product worked.

The only real modifiable risk factors with regards to stretch marks are rate and amount of weight gain, prepregnancy weight, and (interestingly) maternal age, as older moms are less likely to get them.

What she said. All this is true, I should have read your question better. Something like a stretch mark cream (including the one from it works) will only really help reduce the appearance of stretch marks after you get them. ☺️

hellopartyof5 · March 2016

I would just get a nice lotion or oil because your belly will get itchy as it starts growing. I liked almond oil last time. But yea, stretch marks are largely genetic.

shevaCC · March 2016

Yup, those creams are mainly out there to separate you from your money. I liked a non comedogenic lotion last time towards the end when my belly felt itchy. I used cetaphil because that's what we had around the house, but any lotion you like would probably do.

KilgraveMadeMeDoIt · March 2016

elsie2014 said:

KilgraveMadeMeDoIt said:

Whether or not you get them is largely (but not completely) genetic and there is plenty of evidence that the creams and oils on the market do absolutely nothing.

You'll find plenty of women who use the creams and lotions and whatnot who swear by them, but in all probability they wouldn't have gotten much in the way of stretchmarks anyway (about 15% of women don't.) Most women who use these creams and oils will still get stretch marks and the products haven't been shown, including through systematic reviews of the literature, to make a difference. Keep in mind that many women who get stretch marks with their first pregnancy will not get them with subsequent pregnancies, so even someone who swears up and down that she didn't get stretch marks with Kid 2 when she did with Kid 1 because of Product X is actually probably being fooled by a normal occurrence into thinking that a useless product worked.

The only real modifiable risk factors with regards to stretch marks are rate and amount of weight gain, prepregnancy weight, and (interestingly) maternal age, as older moms are less likely to get them.

What she said. All this is true, I should have read your question better. Something like a stretch mark cream (including the one from it works) will only really help reduce the appearance of stretch marks after you get them. ☺️

And the only one of those that's shown any usefulness are tretinoin-containing creams (and some other retinoids.) They do help fade stretch marks but they are also teratogenic (dangerous to baby) and can't be used during pregnancy.

LaurenDarling · March 2016

I've heard the body shop's body butter is great! I've been using the non scented aloe Vera one as I'm uber sensitive to perfume.

2014poppy · March 2016

Bio oil or coconut oil

Des321 · March 2016

I used "anti-stretch mark" lotion from the day I found out I was pregnant (5weeks) all the way until after I delivered my son back in 2014. I used it on my entire body twice a day, every day. I got horrible stretch marks on my belly, hips, boobs, legs, butt-everywhere. Yes I did gain about 55 lbs, however if those lotions really worked I'm sure my stretch marks wouldn't have been as bad as they are. Though I will say it definitely helps the itchiness that occurs later on when your belly grows.

DunkinDecaf · March 2016

Another recommendation for the body shop's body butter for the occasionally itchy pregnancy tummy. They have so many awesome smells! It's the best. Like PP have said though, it won't keep away stretch marks. I use it for itchy/dry skin.

g8rmama_16 · March 2016

@KilgraveMadeMeDoIt So if my mom didn't get stretch marks and I have never gotten them before, I am less likely to get them?

sugar9277 · March 2016

Like written above, it's mostly genetic. However, I still used the Burts Bees cream - and had absolutely no stretch marks with my first, so I'm definitely going to do it again. :-)

LikeICantEven · March 2016

I agree, they are bullshit but I didn't really clue my husband into that. His job was to rub lotion on the belly, it really helped connect him to the pregnancy. Sneaky, but effective.

aquasocks · March 2016

I liked butt's bees for the itching but yep, I got them anyway. Not until late 3rd tri though. The weird place I got them was my arms. Wtf?

edit: I meant burt's but I'm gonna leave it as butts. My autocorrect has a sense of humor today.

beachylex · March 2016

I started using one for the heck of it and because I've heard your tummy will get itchy throughout the pregnancy. I use Bella B tummy honey stick. It's made with organic ingredients and an anti-itch formula.

DunkinDecaf · March 2016

aquasocks said:

I liked butt's bees for the itching but yep, I got them anyway. Not until late 3rd tri though. The weird place I got them was my arms. Wtf?

Baha. I'm imagining a swarm of bees flying out of someone's behind now.

Britt428 · April 2016

Thanks ladies for all the useful information!

Thewizardofrhythm · April 2016

Like what other PPs said its largely genetic. However... my girl who is a plastic surgeon told me that bio oil is her pregnancy go to. The woman makes people look like perfection. I trust her.

jstinkz · April 2016

Oh no how did I forget about the itching! I second coconut oil for that.

TwandaFTG · April 2016

Yep. No stretch marks last time and all I used was Jergens Coco Butter from Walmar. Thanks Mom!

Don't waste your money. But I haved the scar removal gel (mederma) before it is supposed to help lighten them after the fact.

KilgraveMadeMeDoIt · April 2016

HeyBooHey said:

@KilgraveMadeMeDoIt So if my mom didn't get stretch marks and I have never gotten them before, I am less likely to get them?

Less likely, yes, but there are no guarantees.

mrsjlang · April 2016

I'm just going to stick with my regular body lotion and hoping for the best.
All those fancy lotions marketed for belly's don't seem much different than a regular lotion anyways. IMO anyways.

Jmccabe12210 · April 2016

I use Bio Oil or the Palmers Cocoa Butter for stretch marks. (If you have a strong advert on to scents steer clear of the Cocoa butter for now) I used it the first time as well and still ended up with stretch marks but there not terrible. I definitely believe it has more to do with genetics. It doesn't hurt though!

AandDM2014 · April 2016

I'm not quite sure why Bio-Oil is such a popular product, but I personally would recommend against ever letting it touch your skin, especially during pregnancy. I don't know if you all know about EWG (environmental working group), but they have a thing called Skindeep that looks at the ingredients in a product and compiles information about each ingredient to see what studies have shown about it. Here is the one for Bio-Oil: https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/product/527572/Bio-Oil_Specialist_Moisturizer/. Developmental and reproductive toxicity is as high as it can go.

Jmccabe12210 · April 2016

Thanks! I actually have that app on my phone but never used it for Bio Oil. I would say a lot of the products we have especially scented lotions would have a high number on that site.

AandDM2014 · April 2016

@Jmccabe12210 Yes, I think that in general scented products have a higher number. I've been using plain, unscented lotions for about 9 years, so I'm totally used to them now. I actually kinda don't like the ones with scents!

I personally have the body oil from The Honest Company. It is listed as a 1, so basically no dangers and I like the way it feels.

Chcaggie1 · April 2016

Last time I used the Tree Hut Shea Body Butter from Walmart due to a suggestion from a friend. I started using it towards the end of the 1st trimester and faithfully applied it every night followed by coconut oil. I read all the studies and knew that if I was genetically inclined to stretch marks, and I assumed I was b/c my mother had them, that I couldn't stop myself from getting stretch marks. However, I also felt what was the harm in staying well moisturized?? And IF I ended up not getting stretch marks... bonus! I moisturized twice daily my entire body and stayed VERY well hydrated by drinking lots of water the entire pregnancy. Not only did I not get stretch marks, but I also had super soft skin and a little pamper time each night. Win win!!

I will be doing the same regimen again this time and keeping my fingers crossed I'll cross the finish line moisturized and stretch mark free. :-)

Mrs.Larsen333 · April 2016

just found out im pregnant with my first and have been looking for some stretch mark remedies myself and while reading this post i remembered that i heard vitamin e oil is really good for keeping your tummy skins elasticity to reduce stretch marks but i dont believe it fully prevents them.

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