Are you trying to cover up your stretch marks with clothing or makeup? Wish you had a magic eraser to wipe them off your body? Well, if not really magic, there are many stretch marks creams that work like one! With regular usage, they lighten the scars and make them almost invisible. The result- smooth, nearly flawless skin! Doesn’t that sound exciting?
In this article, we shall look into how stretch mark removal creams work on your skin and the list of the 3 best products in the market.
What are Stretch Marks Creams and How Do They Work?
Stretch mark creams are topical skin lotions which can reduce the appearance of stretch marks caused due to pregnancy, growth spurts, sudden weight changes etc. They provide a lot of moisture to the skin and prevent it from getting dry. With nourishing ingredients like cocoa butter, vitamin E etc. these products improve the skin’s elasticity and maintain suppleness.
When used regularly, you can see that the marks become less noticeable than before and the skin has a smoother finish. However, they do not completely eliminate them from your body, as the brand claim!
How to Choose The Best Stretch Marks Creams For Your Body?
Before buying a stretch marks cream, it’s important to consider the following aspects:
- Read the label properly to know what’s inside! Look for natural ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, Vitamin E, etc.. which are safe for all skin types and health conditions.
- Avoid choosing products that are slathered with chemicals. They cause more harm than good to the body.
- Make sure that the cream is not too greasy or too light. It must be of the right consistency to get quickly absorbed by the skin.
- If you have sensitive skin, go for products that are labelled as “Hypoallergenic” and “Clinically tested” to ensure the product causes no harm to your skin or body.
- If you are pregnant, avoid using creams that contain retinoids, Vitamin A etc. to prevent any side effects.
10 Best Stretch Marks Creams In India, 2023:
Listed below are the top 10 stretch mark removal creams and lotions which are ranked the best in the Indian market:
1. Palmer’s Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks:
Palmer’s has the reputation of being one of the most trusted brands for stretch mark removal products in India. This bottle is a massage lotion for treating and preventing stretch marks during pregnancy. It contains the goodness of Argan oil, almond oil, shea butter, collagen and elastin, which increases the elasticity of skin during pregnancy. It is a lightweight formula that can work well as a massage cream for improved blood circulation.
Key Ingredients: Cocoa Butter, Vitamin E, Collagen & Elastin, Centella Asiatica, Sweet Almond Oil, Argan Oil.
Best for Treating: Pregnancy-related stretch marks.
Pros:
- Non-Greasy Formula.
- Doesn’t cause any irritation on rashes.
- Leaves no residue on the skin.
- Keeps the skin moisturized for a few hours.
- Suitable for all skin types.
Cons:
- Doesn’t work if used in the later stages of pregnancy.
Ratings: 3.9/5
2. The Moms Co. Natural Body for Stretch Marks:
The Moms Co. Belly Butter is specially designed for expectant mothers who experience stretch marks due to over-stretching of skin. The product is a master blend of all-natural ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter and moisturizing oils that penetrate and nourish the skin. Apply the cream generously on the thighs, belly and hips for firm and elastic skin after a shower.
Key Ingredients: Cocoa Butter, Shea butter, Rosehip Oil, Sea Buckthorn Oil etc.
Best for Treating: Pregnancy stretch marks.
Pros:
- No harmful chemicals or synthetic substances.
- Creamy consistency for easy application.
- Reduces itching and irritation of the skin.
- Pleasant fruity smell.
- Works on very dry and flaky skin as well.
Cons:
- May lead to greasiness if you have a combination of oily skin.
Ratings: 4.2/5
3. Bio-Oil Skincare Oil:
Bio-oil Skincare Oil is one of the best products for getting rid of stretch marks and scars. It is in the form of lightweight, non-greasy oil with a mild fragrance. The product can be used to treat various skin problems including dryness, blemishes and lines on the skin. It is also safe for usage during pregnancy and even after delivery. It even promises to lighten your skin tone and give you a brighter appearance.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Calendula oil, Lavender oil, Rosemary oil, Chamomile Oil and PurCellin Oil TM.
Best for Treating: Pregnancy stretch marks, Growth spurts marks, Scars and Blemishes on Skin.
Pros:
- Lightweight formula that doesn’t stick at all.
- Gets quickly absorbed into the skin.
- Safe for usage on the facial area also.
- Doesn’t cause acne or blocked pores.
- Keeps skin moisturized for a long.
Cons:
- You might have to use a lot of products to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy.
Ratings: 4.2/5
4. Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy:
Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy is a clinically proven formula that nourishes your skin and locks in moisture. It even prevents stretch marks during pregnancy by increasing the elasticity of the skin and making it less susceptible to tears and marks. This paraben-free product contains the goodness of botanical ingredients like Onion bulb extracts to give you smooth, supple skin.
Key Ingredients: Water, Allium Cepae (Onion) Bulb Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Cyclomethicone, Arachidyl Alcohol, Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Ethoxydiglycol etc.
Best for Treating: Pregnancy-Related stretch marks.
Pros:
- Contains Natural Extracts.
- Doesn’t cause greasiness on the skin.
- Paraben-free formula.
- Keeps skin moisturized for a long.
- Lightens stretch marks when used regularly.
Cons:
- Contains alcohol.
Ratings: 3.6/5
5. WOW, Skin Science Stretch Care Body Butter:
This Stretch marks prevention cream from WoW Skin Sciences contains deep nourishing ingredients to repair and heal your skin. To revive dehydrated skin, the product is infused with natural essential oils like lavender, sea buckthorn, rosehip, and shea butter. You can use this cream to lighten scars caused due to pregnancy or sudden weight loss. It can also reduce the patchiness of the skin and leaves it even textured.
Key Ingredients: Calendula, Lavender essential oil, Rosehip oil, Vitamin A, Shea Butter.
Best for Treating: Stretch Marks caused by pregnancy, ageing or sudden weight changes.
Pros:
- Works well as a deep moisturizer.
- Repairs skin and acts as a protective barrier.
- Makes your skin smooth and glowing.
- Melts quickly and leaves no greasy residue.
- 100% Free from silicones, mineral oil, parabens, colours etc.
Cons:
- It takes a lot of time to work on stretch marks.
Ratings: 4.2/5
[See More: How to Get Rid of Stretch Marks]
6. Biotique Bio Coco Butter Tissue Firming Body Balm:
Biotique Bio Coco butter is an ayurvedic massage cream for stretch marks, which can soothe dry and stretchy skin. It is composed of rich cocoa butter, mustard oil etc., that makes your skin firm and toned. You can use it as a massage cream all over your body to get rid of sagging and surface scars. It is suitable for all skin types and must be used daily for effective results.
Key Ingredients: Cocoa butter, Sarsoan Tail, Arjun Chal, Jungly Mahuva, Badam Tail, Nagkesar, Cream Base Q.S.
Best for Treating: Stretch Marks caused by pregnancy, ageing or sudden weight changes.
Pros:
- Contains no harmful chemicals.
- Has excellent moisturizing properties.
- Spreads well and gets quickly absorbed into the skin.
- Has a nice herbal scent.
- Can be used as a body and facial moisturizer.
- Affordable product.
Cons:
- Not very effective on deep stretch marks.
Ratings: 3.9/5
7. Fix Derma Strallium Stretch Marks Cream:
Fix Derma Strallium Stretch Marks Cream is a powerful formulation to get rid of ugly scars and marks on the skin. It is the best stretch marks cream for pregnancy which can dissolve deep scar tissues and gives you a smoothened appearance. The product contains natural collagen, elastin synthesis boosters and a unique combination of red algae ext, Vitamin B3 etc. to even out skin tone and make it visibly flawless.
Key Ingredients: Red Algae Extract, Allium Cepa, Vitamin B3 And Antioxidants.
Best for Treating: Pregnancy and growth-related stretch marks.
Pros:
- Effective natural formulation.
- Improves stretchability of skin.
- Decreases prominence of marks.
- Easy to use tube packaging.
Cons:
- It doesn’t completely remove scars and marks but just lightens them.
Ratings: 4.1/5
8. Vigini 100% Natural Actives Stretch Marks Scar Removal Cream:
Made with 100% natural active ingredients, Vigini Erase Marks is an effective ointment for stretch marks. It works by boosting collagen production in the skin and increasing its elasticity. The product is free from harmful ingredients like Mineral oil, sulphates, parabens, artificial colouring etc. It is a hypoallergenic formula that can be used during pregnancy. It nourishes and deeply moisturizes your skin to leave it firm and tightened.
Key Ingredients: Sweet Almond Oil, Castor Oil, Jojoba oil, Arnica Montana Oil, Lavender Oil, Lemon Oil, Argan Oil, Chamomile Oil, Cedar Wood Oil, Aloe Vera oil, Vitamin A, E, & F; Veg. Squalene.
Best for Treating: Pregnancy and growth-related stretch marks.
Pros:
- 100% natural ingredients.
- Controls dryness and flakiness.
- Removes redness and itching.
- Works well as a massage cream.
- Lowers risk of stretch marks with regular usage.
Cons:
- May not completely treat existing stretch marks.
Ratings: 4/5
9. Himalaya Stretch Mark Cream For Moms:
Himalaya Stretch Marks Cream for Moms is specially formulated for expectant mothers. It is a gentle Ayurvedic herbal formulation that contains powerful ingredients like Centella, Pomegranate, Licorice etc. Other nourishing agents like sweet almond oil, olive oil, wheat germ oil, natural butter etc. penetrate deep into the skin’s cells to reduce dryness and itching. The product is free from harsh chemicals and is safe for everyday use.
Key Ingredients: Centella, Pomegranate, Licorice, and Rice Bran blended in the oils of Almond, Olive, and Wheat Germ and the butter of Kokum, Mango, and Shea.
Best for Treating: Stretch marks caused due to dryness and pregnancy.
Pros:
- No artificial ingredients.
- Safe and gentle product.
- Doesn’t make your skin greasy.
- Has a soothing fragrance.
- Treats dryness and damage.
Cons:
- Not very effective in treating existing marks.
Ratings: 3.5/5
10. Mamaearth Stretch Marks Cream:
Mamaearth Stretch Marks Cream is enriched with the goodness of milk protein, shea butter and cocoa butter to heal dry and stretchy skin. It also contains Peptides which can improve skin elasticity by boosting collagen levels. This clinically proven formula is free from fragrance and toxic chemicals. It can be used as regular body moisture to combat extreme dryness and patchiness on the skin.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Virgin Coconut Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Avocado Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Wheatgerm Oil, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Aloe vera Extract, Vitamin E, Cucumber Extract, Papaya Extract, Turmeric Extract, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (and) Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Milk Protein, Calendula Oil, Basil Oil, Geranium Oil etc.
Best for Treating: Stretch marks caused due to dryness in pregnancy.
Pros:
- Contains no harmful chemicals.
- All-natural, safe product.
- Is suitable for usage during pregnancy.
- Can be applied all over the body.
- Quick absorption formula.
- Safe for all skin types.
Cons:
- Fake bottom packaging.
- Quantity is less for the price.
Ratings: 3.7/5
[See More: Home Remedies For Stretch Marks]
How To Use Stretch Marks Creams?
When it comes to dealing with stretch marks, the mantra – “Prevention is better than cure” applies quite well. So, if you foresee the risk of getting these marks (in a case like pregnancy) or spot them in their early stages, you must add stretch mark creams to your skincare routine. Here are some tips to achieve maximum benefits:
- Make it a habit to use stretch mark creams on damp skin for the best hydration.
- Apply the creams or lotions generously on affected areas like knees, elbows, hips, thighs, buttocks, abdomen etc.
- Massage gently for better absorption of the product.
- Reapply after a few hours or if you experience a stretchy feeling on the skin.
What are the Benefits and Limitations of Stretch Mark Creams?
Most stretch mark removal creams are marketed as magic scar erasers! To what extent is the claim true? What are the real benefits of these products?
- Stretch Mark Creams have deep skin conditioners to restore hydration.
- They penetrate the skin’s lower layers and repair the dry and damaged cells.
- These creams also improve collagen levels to encourage new cell formation on the skin. With time, the old cells become less noticeable.
- By warding off dryness, they increase the stretchability of skin and make it less susceptible to wear and tear.
Now, let us see what these products cannot do:
- Stretch mark creams are not miracle products and cannot remove stretch marks permanently.
- They have very less effect on deep tissue scars.
- The results of the products cannot be experienced overnight. It takes at least a few months before you start noticing some change.
Before we conclude the article, let us assure you that having stretch marks doesn’t make you any ugly! However, if you dream of looking scar-free, prepare your skin well in advance using these stretch mark creams. If you notice one or two “tiger stripes” even after trying out the products, don’t worry! Tell yourself to accept these scars as Souvenirs of the past times!
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:
Q1. Can stretch mark creams permanently remove the marks?
Ans: No! In fact, no topical cream or product can erase the marks already formed on your skin. They only work on the new marks formed on the skin’s surface layers. By hydrating and nourishing the tissues in these layers, the creams lighten the appearance of marks and make them fade away.
Q2. Do stretch mark creams cause any side effects?
Ans: The side effects are minimal if you are using 100% natural formulations. However, there are stretch mark creams with retinoids that causes more harm than good to the body. They must be used only on a doctor’s prescription and must be avoided during pregnancy and lactation.
[See More: Best Scar-Removal Creams]
Q3. What are the other ways to remove stretch marks?
Ans: Some of the tried and tested ways to get rid of stretch marks forever are:
- Laser Therapy: This is known to cause thinning of scars and disappearance over time.
- Peeling: Chemical peels can remove surface cells and damaged tissues.
- Medicated Products: Products containing Tretinoin are said to have the maximum effect on the removal of stretch marks. However, they must be used only when suggested by a doctor!
