Looking for recommendations for stretch mark prevention cream

[Momma97]

Am still very early on in pregnancy but am wondering when should you start using stretch mark cream/oil and what ones work for you?
(Would prefer something with fairly natural ingredients as I suffer with sensitive skin and eczema)

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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've heard that it's genetic, you're either going to get them or you're not. I had none and didn't use any cream at all, but my Mum says she had loads 🤷 coconut oil is meant to be good, if anything it smells nice, natural ingredients and feels nice. You can get from Sainsbury's for £3

@Momma97 I agree you either get them or you don't (I have loads on my legs from normal teenage growing) so I'm expecting loads! Spoken to people and I'm using the palmers cocoa butter (the one that says stretch marks on the front. I'm trying that and my sling feels super soft and trying to keep myself and therefore my skin hydrated just to minimise them or heal them quicker when they do arrive. I can't say yet if it works but it's worth a go 😁

I used bio oil and didn't get any in my first pregnancy. I'm using it again now second time around, all over my chest, torso and hips. I agree with pps though, I think genetically you're more likely/less likely to get them.

I’m using pure coconut oil (from the supermarket) as I use that for dry skin/hair anyway. I do have stretch marks from rapidly gaining weight a few years ago which are silvery now, so I’ll probably get them again regardless...

I used bio oil. No stretch marks, but that is probably luck.

I didn’t use any and I’ve had three children- no stretch marks at all. It’s genetic.

I agree with PPs but no one can say for sure so I researched and did as much as I could to prevent anyway. Things I did were -

Drank loads of water to keep very hydrated

Ate tangerines/oranges/satsumas as I read they have a natural collagen to help keep your skin elasticated

Used Palmers stretch mark cream every morning from day 1 of pregnancy right up until a few months after I have birth

Used bio oil every night as above

When I had a bath or shower I would use a dove bar of soap and leather myself up with it. Not only does it smells delicious but it is so moisturising and I did this every time I washed so often twice a day but at least once

All of these sound a bit obsessive but I craved fruit and was also thirsty in pregnancy so the first two were easy and I moisturise my skin daily anyway so it didn't take much extra effort. I've had three children and never had a stretch mark despite my bump always being gigantic

No cream actually works - if there was one which did, everyone would know about it.

It's mainly genetic

So follow a regime which pleases you with any oil/cream you like the smell of. Massage is in itself lovely

I used bio oil religiously in my pregnancy, I am still covered in stretch marks.

I have loads of stretch marks from my teenage years but I didn’t get any when pregnant. Used Elemis camellia oil. Not saying that’s what stopped me getting stretch marks but I’m definitely using it again now I’m preggers with number 2!

I've got stretch marks on my hips from my teens but never got any throughout my last two pregnancies. My mum never got any either.

I do think genetics play a part but I moisturise all over daily anyway (always have done for chronic dry skin) and kept that up.

I'm expecting some this pregnancy because I'm so much fatter bigger.

I use the garnier 7 day moisturiser btw, but that's what I've used for about ten years!

I started using bio oil at about 24 weeks ( wasn't really showing before then - more looked rotund). But have been using a Secret Saviours band for just over 3 weeks now ( nearly 32 weeks) and they have done a study which shows it should lessen the severity of them if they do form. Might be worth looking at if you're keen to avoid them, although not cheap.