Stretch mark cream

[babyhamish]

What does everyone use/find the best to help prevent stretch marks? I'm 14 weeks pregnant but been told I should start using it now for best effect but it's such a headboggle to find what's best! Just looking for some good recommendations from real people who have actually tried and tested this stuff!!
Thanks in advance Xxx

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MNHQ Update
This is an old thread, but if you’ve come across it while searching for advice or information on stretch marks our guide to the best stretch mark cream has been recently updated to reflect current availability and new releases. It includes a wide range of options from oils to butters, cream and balms designed for stretch mark prevention, relief and treatment. It’s been compiled using the advice of skincare experts as well as Mumsnet user recommendations. We hope it’s helpful!

I believe if you're gonna stretch your eyes gonna stretch.
I used none with my 2 kids and luckily got no stretch marks.
My poor friend plastered herself in palmers and bio oil day and night and ended up riddled with them. She says her stomach is like Freddie krugars face.

From what I've read whether you're going to get stretch marks or not is purely down to genetics. I didn't use any cream at all and didn't get any, but my Mum was covered in them. I'd get a nice coconut oil, if anything it will smell nice, feel nice and you can use it for baby massage post birth.

Oh dear, something to look forward to then! I love coconut oil anyway and use it for most things so will just use this as it smells amazing! Thanks ladies Xxx

There's absolutely nothing you can do about it except give your money away to some company claiming to sell a product that stops stretch marks. I have none and never did a thing and my friend used bio oil and coconut oil every single day from the day of her positive test and her stomach is absolutely covered.

You can't prevent stretchmarks. Making sure your weight is steadily gained is one way to minimise them. I used Bio-Oil, twice a day, everyday with my first from around 10 weeks and Palmer's Cocoa Butter for in between (if I was watching TV or something) I still got stretchmarks though. They have faded to nearly non-existent and you have to really look to notice they're there. Expecting my second nearly 5 years after and haven't really been that diligent with the oil this time. I'm still using Bio-Oil and Cocoa Butter but I'm hoping my first has done most of the damage already! I don't think I'm as big this time though, I weigh less for one.

As others have said - nothing you can do, but it's nice to use something to help soothe itchiness/dryness etc as things start to stretch. I really like almond oil - though a friend bought me some mamma mio tummy butter which is lovely.

Just keep everywhere moisturised to avoid getting dry/itchy.

No point trying to prevent stretchmarks, they happen right at the base level of the dermis and is something to do with the elastane in your skin. I'm 38 weeks tomorrow and have a few on my hips and thighs, but I can see them popping up under my bump. My dm reckons they'll appear after I give birth. I don't have good skin and am covered in them from puberty/weight fluctuations.

My friend gave me Bio Oil for one of my pregnancies in an awe-struck way, completely convinced she was handing me miracle cream. I used it sporadically but they say it has no real effect except to trick you into feeling more in control! Lucky for all of us that they fade pretty nicely anyway, and are mostly in places that are usually covered day to day by clothing too. They're handy to use to show how much you've suffered for your children.

Hey op it's genetics and age. The younger you are, the more likely you are to get them as there is more collagen in your skin & that's what rips & leaves stretch marks.

I would agree with everyone and say that you definitely can't prevent them, it is all genetics...however! I used bio oil every morning and palmers every evening and the places I have missed (like under my bump) are much worse than the places I've plastered. Also my mum used nothing and has terrible stretch marks, mine aren't nearly as bad as hers. Could all of course be coincidence but I think keeping your skin moisturised with anything is helpful. Dry skin does generally tend to scar more/doesn't fade as quick.

I was convinced I was going to get them as I know it's genetic and my sister got absolutely covered but I didn't even get one. I used palmers cocoa butter morning and night but only so that my skin was nice and soft and not itchy, didn't expect it to prevent them. Interesting what previous poster said about age. My sister was 20, I was 30.

Thanks for all the replies, interesting facts about age as didn't think that would be a factor! Xxx

I was 34 and had none, so I don't believe that age is a factor

Sorry misread, ignore me

Personally- I don't think any completely stop stretch marks.

I've been using every cream/ oil under the sun however none have worked and my stretch marks are horrendous.

I think it's important to moisturise as your skin is changing so much but wouldn't spend to much money.

A lot of people use cocoa butter however I think it felt very greasy on my skin, I now use sanctuary spa mum to be cream like 3 times a day, if not more !

What ever you do.. just don't itch them as they become very sore.