9 Stretch Mark Creams For A Super Smooth Bump

Growing up, whenever my mother wanted to remind of us the sacrifices she had made for my siblings and I (which she insisted on doing on a regular basis), she would lift up her top and show us the multitude of stretch marks and loose skin imparted on her through pregnancy.

Most of the blame was directed at my elder brother (with whom she had gained over 4 stone), after believing, at the tender age of 22, that when pregnant we should eat as much as physically possible! (this was the 80’s after all). Although it wasn’t her intention, I grew up with the belief that pregnancy ruins your body and if I wanted children, this is just a sacrifice I would have to make. Of course I have since learnt that this isn’t actually correct. Yes stretch marks can go hand in hand with pregnancy but a healthy balanced diet, regular exercise and the consistent application of a good stretch mark cream goes a long way in helping to avoid the dreaded stretch.

With baby number one I slathered myself in Mama Mio's Tummy Rub Oil twice, sometimes thrice daily. With baby number two, I made it may mission to test out as many stretch mark creams and oils as I could (purely with the intention of compiling this list, obviously). And you know what,  it worked. Two pregnancies down the line and the only stretch marks I have are the ones gained as a teenager (of which admittedly, insert crying emoji here, there are quite a few).

So there we have it, after 9 months plus of research, my 9 recommended stretch mark creams for a super smooth bump.

During Pregnancy

Sukin BioNatural Skin Oil £ 12.99. A preservative free skin oil to nourish and help repair the skin whilst improving the appearance of scars, stretch marks and ageing skin. Oh and its smells pretty yummy too.

Mama MioThe Tummy Rub Butter £25. My old fave helps to protect your skin against pregnancy stretch marks thanks to a combination of organic shea butter and omega 3, 6 and 9 essential fatty acids contributing to skin strength and elasticity.

Ermana Soothe Mama Body Oil £22. Soothe Mama Body Oil contains a luxurious blend of nourishing vitamin e, jojoba, apricot and macadamia oil to hydrate the skin and help prevent stretch marks.

Dr HouschkaRose Nurturing Body Oil £20.50. Another classic by Dr Houschka. Rose Nurturing Body Oil with extracts of damask roses and rose essential oil soothes, calms and protects sensitive skin, while locking in moisture and improving elasticity.

The Jojoba Company100% Natural Australian Jojoba Body Oil £19.99 . Only Jojoba mimics the skin’s natural oils to put back in what age takes away. Naturally antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and hypoallergenic it is also rich in vitamins A, D & E and Omega 6 & 9 essential in the prevention of stretch marks.

MustelaMaternite Stretch Mark Prevention Cream £16.75. Suitable for use throughout pregnancy, this pampering cream keeps skin supple, soft and pliable, promoting elasticity to ensuring stretch marks are prevented.

Anne SemoninVitamin Rich Body Oil £39. Both an anti-aging treatments and pregnancy stretch prevention treatment, Anne Semonin’s exclusive blend of omega 3 & 6, grape seed and olive oil boost cell regneration to nourishing and protect the skin.

Post Pregnancy

Apothederm Stretch Mark Cream £65. Apothederm's clinically proven Stretch Mark Cream uses a patented SmartPeptide technology that helps build collagen while reducing the appearance of red and silver stretch marks, all while smoothing your skin’s texture and reinforcing the skin’s fundamental support structures.

Clarins Stretch Mark Minimiser £39. This award winning Body stretch mark cream lotion encourages the reduction of stretch marks thanks to it’s exclusive Crowberry extract which helps enhances the production of collagen fibers to boost skin’s elasticity, while helping the removal on existing marks.