Best cream or oil for stretchmarks?

[SallyMischievo]

It occurs to me (rather belatedly at almost 19 weeks and with a rapidly expanding belly!) that I probably ought to be using something in an attempt to combat stretchmarks. Any advice re which brands are best would be very gratefully received! Is it worth splashing out on an expensive one?

[mssleepyhead]

I'm not convinced anything stops them, but i'm basically bathing in bio oil twice a day (!) and i have to say, they don't look as bad as they might... I also enjoy the belly massage; it makes the bump very stroke-able : )

[SweetPeaPods]

I'm not convinced they work either but a friend bought me a Pai set. It has oil for night and cream for morning.
I do like spending the 5 mins rubbing it in though.

[whiteblossom]

I used bodyshops shea body butter last time (no stretch marks) and Im using it again this time, Im also using the shea dry body oil too. Baby oil work well too, great on damp skin.

Ive tried bio oil but I think its better at healing rather than preventing, there just wasn't enough moisture in it.

Ive bought all sorts of stuff this time around and I always go back and am now sticking with the shea butter. You cant beat it.

[Barbie1]

This is my third pregnancy and with the previous two I used the mama mio range. Expensive but very much worth it. I didn't get any stretch marks at all

I would use it again but after 18 months of use I'm sick of the smell of it!

I'm currently using elemis Camilla oil and touch wood no stretch marks at 25 weeks,

However I'm aware it could all be down to good genes rather than the creams

[ffallada]

I am using Palmers Cocoa Tummy Butter, £3 from Asda.
Did use bio-oil, but agree with whiteblossom that its better at healing than preventing.

I also agree with sweetPeaPods that I'm not sure anything really works, but I really like the smell of the Palmers stuff, and its so cheap I lather it on.

I should mention that I'm only 20 weeks so not really qualified to advise

[Bellyrub1980]

I don't like the smell of bio oil so using sweet almond oil in the mornings and dr organics vitamin e oil in the eves.

[Showy]

You can't prevent stretch marks as the skin tears at a level not reached by lotions and potions. However, a good moisturiser will minimise itching and discomfort and well hydrated skin helps afterwards when the marks heal and fade.

[sanfairyanne]

nothing stops stretchmarks but if a cream helps you feel better, why not?

i had 3 kids, no cream, no stretchmarks

[SallyMischievo]

Thanks all, have lots of ideas now and am looking forward to going shopping and sniffing them all! I'm a little bit fussy when it comes to smells and have gone off my usual soap since being pregnant... Silly question but are you supposed to just use on your bump or on breasts too?

[OooOooTheMonkey]

Bump, boobs, bum, inside of thighs, outside of thighs.

[Barbie1]

I second that about the smell thing...hence me choosing the elemis oil this time, only a very faint smell.

I use it as a bath oil, and all over moisturiser and once a week as a hair oil.

A little goes a long, long way

[SallyMischievo]

Thank you! Didn't think about hips and bum Will definitely go and have a look at the Elemis oil - stocked in John Lewis on Oxford Street apparently!

[OooOooTheMonkey]

Not did I Sally until it was too late! They're fading nicely now though. In not sure anything can stop them but it's certainly worth a shot!!

[happyzapper]

Bio oil great and not too expensive the more expensive ones dont act different they just have natural ingredients.i use a £100 for 100ml but thats out of the quesyion for most

[Pobblewhohasnotoes]

Baby bottom butter from Waitrose.

[Loveallmyboys]

I think if you have stretch-prone skin, nothing will prevent you getting them. But I just love these 2. I alternate! They both smell gooooorgeous! Especially the butts need one. Honey and lemon. Yum!

[Loveallmyboys]

^burts bees, even!!

[SallyMischievo]

Definitely what my butt needs! Thank you so much all. Lots of great suggestions x

[LittlePink]

I used bio oil then the sanctuary stretch mark oil last time. Not one stretch mark after DD. This time im on the palmers cocoa butter for now until its finished then will go back on to the sanctuary oil. I find the smell of the palmers a little bit too strong for my liking but my 2 yr old DD likes it "ummm smells nice mummy!"

[WanderingTrolley1]

Save your money (or buy some other treats for yourself)!

Nothing will stop the damned things if it's in your genetics.

[Cariad007]

I used a stretchmark oil by Just for Mums that I got from Savers for £1. Didn't get a single stretchmark but whether that was down to the oil, luck or genetics I'll never know! I didn't put a lot of weight on either which probably helped.

[Droflove]

I dont think anything will stop them if you are going to get them so I wouldn't bother with the hassle of putting it on daily.

[DayLillie]

I used to be covered in baby oil, but found out later that cocoa butter is the best thing and used that after (still do). Makes you smell like the Milky Bar Kid, though.

I just used it out of desperation, because I was so sore and it stopped the clothes rubbing. I'm not sure anything would have stopped it - I was just over-stretched, very quickly :(