Stretch mark cream for pregnancy

During pregnancy, the skin on the abdomen and chest inevitably stretches. Under certain circumstances, stretch marks may form - a kind of scar that forms as a result of microtrauma of the skin fibers. Such cosmetic defects seriously upset most women, so stretch mark cream during pregnancy is a pressing issue for every expectant mother.

They start using creams from the second or third month of pregnancy, and continue to apply them for some time after childbirth, until the skin on the abdomen is completely restored. The essence of such creams is that they nourish and moisturize the surface tissues, making them more elastic and resilient. As a result, the fibers become more extensible, which prevents the formation of stretch marks.

The choice of cosmetic products against stretch marks is quite large. In cosmetic stores and even in pharmacies you can buy both inexpensive products and more expensive products. How do they differ, and which of the creams is really effective?

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Most Popular Brands of Stretch Mark Creams

• Sanosan cream is a time-tested remedy for preventing cicatricial changes, holding intradermal structures from excessive stretching and rupture. The main components of Sanosan are protein fractions of wheat and olive oil. These components have a positive effect on the elasticity and plasticity of tissues, which significantly slows down the formation of scar tissue. The cream has been tested in numerous tests, which have clearly confirmed that this product is distinguished by its naturalness, therefore it is absolutely harmless for both the expectant mother and the developing child.
• Vichy Cream is a cosmetic product based on thermal water, the main purpose of which is active skin hydration. Additional components include: Bassia oil (helps synthesize collagen), glycerin (softens the skin) and silicon (strengthens the skin). The cream is hypoallergenic, spreads evenly on the skin, and is quickly absorbed. The manufacturer recommends using the product twice a day throughout pregnancy.
• Cream Mama Comfort (our mother) is a product suitable for both pregnant and nursing women. It does not contain fragrances or chemical dyes, and most of the components are natural. The main components are: hyaluronic acid (maintains tissue turgor), horse chestnut extract (strengthens the vascular skin network) and various vegetable oils (moisturize and protect the surface layer). The cream is well absorbed by the skin, does not leave a greasy shine, and the sensations after applying the cream are comfortable and light.
• Bepanten cream is a popular product with provitamin B5 for skin care during pregnancy. This cream cools, neutralizes bacteria, and heals minor injuries. The effect of the drug is not only external, but also deep in the tissues, which helps preserve moisture and nutrition in the skin layers. Bepanten is applied twice a day to clean skin until fully absorbed. It is completely natural and does not pose a danger during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Mustela cream is an excellent preventive and therapeutic remedy for stretch marks, which not only prevents their appearance, but also significantly reduces existing defects. The cream contains special moisturizers, oils, minerals, as well as sophora extract and silicon. The product is hypoallergenic and harmless.
• Bepanthenol Emulsion (Bepantol) is a product similar in composition to Bepanten ointment. It does not provoke the development of allergies, does not contain preservatives and dyes, and is absolutely harmless for both mother and baby. Bepanthenol has a light and pleasant consistency and an unobtrusive odor. It is absorbed by the skin within 2 minutes.
• Veterinary cream Zorka is originally intended for the care of cow udders, but many people also use it to care for their own skin. Indeed, this cream is natural and does not contain chemicals or hormones. The main ingredients are soybean and palm oils, chamomile and beet extracts, as well as shea butter, wax and liquid collagen. The main active ingredient is Floralisin, which is a micellar extract. The use of Zorka cream provides skin hydration and smoothness, eliminates wrinkles and strengthens blood vessels, supports the skin in case of excessive stretching.

The above list is far from all the creams that are often used to prevent stretch marks. Each woman selects the product individually. And in order to choose the best creams for stretch marks during pregnancy, it is important to simply use them correctly. We will talk about this further.

How to choose the best stretch mark cream?

The composition of a useful stretch mark cream should be represented by vitamins and, first of all, vitamin A, which qualitatively retains moisture in the skin layers. In addition to this vitamin, aloe extract, hyaluronic acid and chitosan have the same ability. It is desirable that the ingredients include tocopherol, ascorbic acid, collagen, microelements, plant extracts, kelp, shea butter, as well as a good amino acid composition. The presence of natural oils is welcomed - for example, cocoa, coconut, rose hips, grape seeds, etc. This will increase the elasticity of the surface layer of the skin.

For a lasting and reliable effect, stretch mark creams should be used regularly, in the morning and at night: only in this case can you count on their positive effect. In this case, you should start using the selected product no later than the third month of pregnancy. The cream is applied not only to the abdominal area, but also to other problem areas: mammary glands, thighs and buttocks.

The rating of stretch mark creams is classified depending on their purpose. For example, there are products for prevention and for treatment of existing skin defects. There are many such external preparations on the cosmetics market today. In this case, it is necessary to pay attention not so much to the price (although this too), but to the naturalness of the composition of the creams. This is important, first of all, in order not to harm the fetus growing in the womb. It is even more desirable that the label contains an inscription indicating that this product is allowed to be used during pregnancy.

According to numerous reviews, the most popular cream manufacturers are the brands Sanosan, Avent, Galenic and Nasha Mama.

Stretch Mark Cream Recipes

If the domestic cosmetic market is overflowing with products that help fight stretch marks, then what prevents you from making a similar remedy at home? Is there a homemade cream for stretch marks during pregnancy?

Yes, such recipes really do exist, and we have selected the most interesting ones for you.

1. Mix equal parts of flaxseed and almond oil. Lubricate problem areas 2 times a day throughout the entire period of gestation.
2. Mix 1 tbsp. oat flour, 3 tbsp. cosmetic clay and grape seed oil until the consistency of liquid sour cream. Apply the mixture to the body for 15 minutes, then rinse with water without detergent. The procedure should be carried out every other day. The finished mass can be stored in the refrigerator.
3. Prepare a mixture of 100 ml of kefir, 1 tbsp. of any vegetable oil, 15 g of glycerin (or any cream with glycerin) and 1 g of mumiyo. The resulting cream should be applied to the skin for 20 minutes (without rubbing), then washed off with water without detergent.
4. Squeeze the juice from aloe leaves (100 ml), add the same amount of vegetable oil, as well as the contents of 20 capsules of the drug Aevit. Mix everything well. Store in a cool place. Apply to the areas of suspected stretch marks daily at night.
5. Mix 4 g of mumijo, 1 tsp of drinking water and up to 100 g of any moisturizing cream. Lubricate body areas 1-2 times a day. This remedy is not recommended for use during breastfeeding.
6. Combine 1 tbsp. fresh coffee grounds left over from brewing coffee with 1 tbsp. honey and 1 tbsp. homemade sour cream. Massage the mixture onto the abdominal area and leave for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water without soap.

In addition to using various vegetable oils to prepare creams, it is also recommended to take them internally. Thus, daily use of 1 tbsp. of any vegetable oil in the morning on an empty stomach will not only make the skin elastic, but also relieve constipation, which often plagues women during pregnancy.

Stretch mark cream during pregnancy is really necessary if a woman does not want to lose the beauty of her body. However, it is equally important to monitor your diet and weight, not to overeat, and walk in the fresh air. If you take all the necessary measures, then after the birth of the baby, the skin will remain as beautiful as before.