7 Best Creams & Oils for Pregnancy Stretch Marks

Tiger stripes, angel scratches, glitter marks——whatever you want to call them, stretch marks are one of the most common skin differences a pregnant woman will notice. To get to grips with your new lines, slather on some of these hydrating creams and natural oil for pregnancy stretch marks.

Stretch marks can happen to anyone at any time. Gone are the days when we all struggled and strived for body perfection (no such thing—there never was and never will be).

Today, it’s all about embracing the skin we’re in. Instead of staring at your stretch marks with disappointment, build resilience and accept that your body will change.

Stretch marks are going to happen, and things are going to sag. Meh! Of course, that kind of acceptance isn’t going to happen overnight; it’s a work in progress. But there are little things you can do along the way to help build up your confidence. 

Like finding the best belly oil for pregnancy!

Stretch marks are completely normal, but if you’re looking to help treat your stretch marks during pregnancy, it’s time to educate yourself all about them. A lot of the time, how visible and deep your stretch marks comes down to the genetics lottery.

If your mum and nan experienced a lot of new lines during pregnancy, chances are, you will too. The best belly oil for pregnancy and stretch mark cream for pregnancy uses a blend of nourishing oils, vitamins, and peptides to help repair the skin, prevent itching, and keep you feeling hydrated and nourished.

Check out the video below as Dr Michelle Rodrigues takes us through everything we need to know about pregnancy, from hair loss to the best oil for pregnancy stretch marks.

What is the Best Oil for Pregnancy Stretch Marks?

Pregnancy stretch marks occur when the skin stretches at an increased rate. Oil treatments help ease and reduce the appearance of stretch marks by introducing a burst of hydration and natural ingredients, like vitamins A and E, that nourish the skin, encourage cell turnover, and improve its elasticity. 

The best belly oil for pregnancy will contain ingredients that work to make the skin more pliable and resistant to marking. Applying this body oil to your pregnancy stretch marks, even before they fully appear, prepares your skin to better manage the effects of rapid stretching.

Here are some suggestions for the best belly oil for pregnancy:

●  Designed to deliver long-lasting hydration to skin that’s been neglected,KORA Organics Noni Glow Body Oil instantly nourishes and softens. Lightweight and comfortable to wear, this body moisturiser offers the skin an abundance of essential fatty acids and antioxidants, so it begins to glow with health. Absorbing quickly into the skin, this elixir softens rough patches and leaves your skin feeling velvety. Perfect for post-pregnancy, use this formula as often as you want to help bring your skin back to health.

●  With a unique blend of skin-nourishing ingredients, KORA Organics Noni Glow Body Oil helps support skin cell rejuvenation. If you're struggling with pregnancy stretch marks, this formula will help keep your skin hydrated and moisturised so the marks begin to fade over time. Designed to help improve the skin’s tone, every application makes your skin look more radiant. If you’re struggling with textured, rough skin, this elixir will help keep you feeling soft and cared for without leaving a greasy after-effect. Warm a few drops between your palms and spread over your skin until well absorbed. Use after a bath or shower to boost the hydration even further.

●  As soon as you lose weight after you’ve had your baby, you might notice that your skin slackens and looks a little loose. Apply this oil to help bring back a sense of firmness. While stretch marks are tricky to get rid of completely, this elixir contains 100% natural essential oils and extracts, which work together to help minimise pregnancy stretch marks. The elasticity in the skin is restored and scarring and imperfections are taken care of. This unique stretch mark treatment helps keep the skin looking fresh, making it a great natural oil for pregnancy stretch marks.

●  Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil is a great body oil for pregnant women seeking the best oil for pregnancy stretch marks. The delicate scent isn’t overpowering, and the oil feels luxurious on the skin. Penetrating the skin deeply, this formula helps keep the skin firm, regardless of the changes it's going through. Working to define the contours of your body, this tonic smooths the skin out and helps even the skin’s tone and texture. Rosemary, Geranium, and Mint help firm, tone, and naturally improve the elasticity in the skin. Hazelnut Oil nourishes and softens skin that’s lost its lustre. Apply daily or as often as you need.

●  Designed to help improve the skin's overall appearance, this oil has been specially formulated to ease stretch marks. You don’t need to be ashamed of your stretch marks; they’re completely normal. But if you want your skin to look more even, this daily oil might help you achieve your goal. Made with Vitamin E and Almond Oil, this formula promotes skin elasticity and firmness while keeping dryness at bay.

●  If you want to protect your skin, Weleda Stretch Mark Massage Oil might be good to try. A uniquely nourishing oil that sinks into the skin easily, this formula will leave you looking and feeling softer than usual. Perfect for all skin types to enjoy, the oil can be applied to your pregnancy stretch marks to help diminish their appearance. Dermatologically tested, this formula can be massaged onto the skin whenever you want. If you’re battling stretch marks, apply the oil to the targeted area twice daily for maximum effect.

●  Made in Australia, this skin treatment oil works to boost the moisture levels in your skin. With added Kakadu Plum Seed Oil and a unique Berry Seed Complex, the formula helps keep you protected from free radical damage and irritating pollutants. The perfect oil to help brighten a dull complexion, you can apply this oil on your face or all over your body. An elixir that all skin types can enjoy, it leaves your skin looking more hydrated and feeling seriously moisturised.

●  If you like using natural ingredients on your skin, you’ll love Ella Baché Botanical Skin Treatment Oil. Expecting mothers can use this oil during and after pregnancy to help reduce the appearance of scarring and stretch marks. Revitalising dull skin that’s lost its lustre, this formula helps fight the first signs of ageing. If you’re dehydrated, this blend will nourish your skin and leave you looking revitalised, with a softer feeling skin. It’s ideal for all ages to enjoy, and dry skin will drink this formula up. Mix a couple of drops of oil with your cream or apply directly to your skin morning and night.

What is the Best Cream for Pregnancy Stretch Marks?

Creams designed to reduce the appearance of pregnancy stretch marks are often a combination of oil and water, packed with hydrating properties. They work by protecting the skin from drying out, making it less affected by the rapid stretching.

Look for products containing ingredients like Vitamins A and E, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, coconut, argan, rosehip oils, and peptides, as these active ingredients work to nourish and strengthen the skin without posing a risk to your pregnancy.

Applying your choice of cream as early as possible and continuing after pregnancy will improve your chances of reducing the appearance of pregnancy-related stretch marks.

●  Perfect for use all over the body, this balm helps keep the skin looking smooth and feeling soft. This formula is a great organic stretch mark cream for pregnancy and helps with eczema, psoriasis, and many other skin complaints. If stretch marks are causing you trouble, this blend smooths over the skin like butter and helps diminish the look of tiger stripes over time. Great for nappy rash and skin rashes in general, this blend can be enjoyed by both you and your newborn.

●  Some products are so versatile that you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream is one of those products. Great at helping with razor bumps, blisters, chicken pox scars, and itchy, ashy skin, this cream can be used where you need to see the nourishing effects. A great stretch mark cream breastfeeding helper, this formula soothes skin that’s cracked and lacking in hydration. Use as a hair mask, an all-over body moisturiser, a cuticle oil, and for wind protection. Whatever skin complaint your body has, this cream will probably help. Let the cream-to-oil formula completely absorb into the skin before you get dressed if you’re using it as a body moisturiser.

• From pregnancy changes to rapid growth spurts, anyone can benefit from the Clarins Body Partner Stretch Mark Expert to prevent or diminish the appearance of stretch marks. As an effective hydrator, this cream can help all skin types, lending much-needed moisture to achieve soft, supple skin.

• Filled with medicinal, nourishing properties to benefit your skin, this cream for stretch marks boasts a formula that helps to prevent and reduce the appearance of uneven texture, blemishes and discolouration. With ingredients like Centella Asiatica, Green Banana Extract and Hazelnut Oil, this cream hydrates, smoothens, and calms the skin.

• To deeply nourish the skin, the Weleda Revitalising Body Lotion formula is made up of organic sea buckthorn oil, mallow extract, and shea butter to hydrate and protect the skin by reinforcing the moisture barrier.  What more could you want to combat stretch marks with this combination of medicinal, natural extracts?

• Not only is this a wonderful remedy for stretch marks, but this lotion can also be used to revitalise dry, dull and damaged skin as part of your daily skincare routine. Dermatologically tested, the fruity fragrance will entice the senses, all while restoring and rejuvenating the skin.

How to Apply Stretch Mark Creams and Oils During Pregnancy

Now that you have found the best oil and creams for pregnancy stretch marks, it is time to figure out how to apply them for maximum effect!

To experience the full benefits of your chosen product, we recommend moisturising twice a day, ideally once in the morning and once in the evening.

Check with the manufacturer’s guide to ascertain how much of the cream or oil you should use for stretch marks. Be sure to also use gentle, circular motions as you apply the cream or oil, as this will help ensure an even spread across the skin and facilitate proper absorption.

The best time to apply natural oil or creams for stretch marks is when the skin is lightly damp, such as after a bath or shower. Doing so will further support the skin as it absorbs all the hydrating elements from your chosen products. After all, if you have taken the time to research and select the best oils and creams for pregnancy stretch marks, you will want to ensure that you are experiencing the very best they offer!

Remember, if you begin applying your chosen cream or natural oil for stretch marks as soon as you find out that you are pregnant, you will have a greater chance of managing or avoiding their appearance on the skin.

Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.

Want more great products for mums? We've gone and gathered all the best products for newbie or to-be mums, so you don't have to! Check them out here...

• The Best Stretch Mark Creams

• How to Treat Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

• Pregnancy Safe Skin Care Routine Using KORA Organics

• Answering Your Questions About Pregnancy and Hair Loss

• How To Treat Dry and Itchy Skin During Pregnancy

• A Dermal Therapist’s Pregnancy-Safe Skin Care Routine