And in that regard, they’re most often associated with pregnancy. For moms everywhere, stretch marks are often lauded as a proud representation that your body was able to grow a whole human. That’s no small feat! And if you’re proud of your tiger stripes—wear them with pride. But if we’re being honest, not everyone wants to rock them. Or some people are simply looking for creams to help support their skin elasticity during pregnancy, thereby minimizing their formation from the start. If you fall into either of those camps, these stretch mark creams might be the right move for you. In a perfect world, you could nod your head and blink your eyes like I Dream of Jeannie and banish your stretch marks with a wish. But the reality isn’t so simple. The truth is, there’s no over-the-counter (OTC) topical solution that will make your stretch marks go away. However, some products are effective at reducing their appearance. And for best results, you should begin applying a stretch mark cream before you get stretch marks—even before you start to show. The goal is to keep the skin supple. Board-certified dermatologist Luke Maxfield, M.D., reminds us that “…the most important thing is to try to treat scars and stretch marks early while they are still maturing. Being proactive is always better than being reactive.” Alternatively, Hadley King, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist, recommends focusing on medical-grade silicone. They note that “Medical-grade silicone products have been clinically [shown] to be one of the most effective at-home scar treatments available1 for a variety of scar types, including hypertrophic, keloid, acne, and burn scars, as well as surgical scars.” For example, retinol—a common ingredient that can diminish the look of stretch marks—is usually not recommended for pregnant women because it increases the risk of birth defects. Keep in mind that a variety of factors can affect whether a stretch mark cream makes sense for your routine. Everything from texture, efficacy, and even scent can all affect whether an item makes the cut. Also, remember that topical products will usually take time for results to become visible. At a minimum, plan to wait at least four weeks before deciding if a product is working or a dud.
