Stretch marks. Ugh. Your proclivity for them has less to do with the concoctions you slather on your stomach and more to do with genetics and how quickly the baby grows. But you know what they say about an ounce of prevention. Moisturizing with a specialized formula can’t hurt.
All stretch mark creams work in the same manner: They stimulate natural collagen production to reduce the appearance of stretch mark length, width, depth and discoloration, all the while discouraging stretch marks by building more elasticity into skin. Here, our faves:
1. Glowology Skin Perfecting Creme. We love the light scent, and the avocado oil/cocoa butter pack a one-two punch.
2. Clinique CX Stretch Mark Cream. Let’s get ‘em: This one targets every stretch-mark issue: length, width, depth, and discoloration.
3. Belli Stretchmark Minimizing Cream. This high-tech combination goes to work on stretchmarks of any age–so ideal to use post-baby, too.
4. Mustela Stretchmarks Double Action Cream. Ideal for prevention and new stretch marks, this one can be used on breasts, too. (Sorry, ladies, but it’s an unfortunate fact of life.)
