Hormonal changes during pregnancy bring about a number of effects on a woman's body—especially on her skin. While pregnancy isn't the only reason why one might get stretch marks, it is definitely the most common. As a pregnant woman's skin stretches during the gestational period, the chances of the appearance of stretch marks increase. Hence, many pregnant women reach for the best stretch mark prevention cream during pregnancy in Singapore in hopes to reduce the visibility of these marks, if not prevent its appearance.
To help all expecting mummies out there to find the stretch mark cream during pregnancy for them in Singapore, we've made a comprehensive guide so you can choose among a variety of choices and make an informed decision.
Before we identify the best stretch mark prevention cream during pregnancy in Singapore, let's first understand what are stretch marks and what causes them?
Stretch marks are caused by tearing of the layer of the skin called the dermis during periods of the rapid growth of the body, such as during puberty or pregnancy. Rapid weight fluctuations caused by pregnancy may result in these stretch marks, and 90% of pregnant mothers are prone to stretch marks. While many mums have begun to embrace these tiger stripes, for some, stretch marks are a cause of embarrassment and can affect one’s confidence.
Stretch marks may appear differently on different people. Generally, they look like streaky lines on the surface of the skin. They can appear to be pink, red, silver, purple or brown, depending on the colour of your skin.
Stretch marks are harmless and we can’t really prevent them from forming, but there are certain tips you can try to minimise their appearance. However, do note that these tips may only work if you start early in your pregnancy and are consistent in making them part of your daily routine.
How To Minimise The Appearance of Pregnancy Stretch Marks
Maintain a steady pregnancy weight gain
Your pregnancy weight gain should be determined by your healthcare provider, based on your height, weight and medical history. Rapid weight gain can contribute to the appearance of stretch marks, so as long as you’re gaining weight accordingly, you should be able to prevent massive skin stretching throughout your pregnancy.
Hello hello, H20!
Yes, mummies, keep yourself hydrated with good ol’ H20 every day! Stretch marks can be minimised by keeping your skin hydrated, so keep your water bottle with you all day, and drink at least 8 glasses of water daily, as recommended by doctors.
Eat nutritious, skin-loving food
Your prenatal vitamins help you and your baby get the sufficient vitamins and nutrients needed throughout the pregnancy, so don’t skip your daily doses, okay? Aside from that, when it comes to skin health, there are certain vitamins that are known to nourish the skin such as:
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- Vitamin A : Contains retinoids, a vitamin A derivative that is known to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Recommended food sources include eggs, milk and yogurt, cheese, oily fish and carrots.
- Vitamin C : Promotes collagen and tissue production. It also improves skin elasticity and strength. Recommended food sources include strawberries, citrus and peppers.
- Vitamin E : Supports the immune system and helps cells to regenerate. It also contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial especially for skin health and appearance. Recommended food sources include almond, peanuts and peanut butter, mango and avocado.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids : Important for the health of cell membranes, results in soft, supple and wrinkle-free skin. Recommended food sources include cold water fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines; plant oils like soybean oil and canola oil; nuts and seeds such as walnuts and chia seeds; and fortified foods like juices, yogurt and soy beverages.
Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise!
Stretch marks are the worst when you have dry, itchy skin. Start moisturising your skin early on in your pregnancy with a gentle, hydrating and skin softening cream/lotion. Even better if it’s formulated specially for pregnancy, so you can be sure that it protects your stretching skin well and is safe for you and your baby. It may take a while to see results, but have a little patience, just keep massaging the cream in and you’ll soon notice the difference!
Do Stretch Mark Creams Really Work?
As mentioned earlier, stretch marks can’t be prevented 100 percent, but thousands of mums have tried and tested some of the best stretch mark creams in the market and based on their reviews as well as clinical studies, most of them are found to be effective in reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
The trick is to start early on in your pregnancy. Consistent use of an effective stretch mark cream can help reduce the visibility of stretch marks. Find a good stretch mark cream that not only comforts your skin, but also provides the essential skin-loving nutrients it needs to stay hydrated, soft and healthy. Based on extensive research, stretch mark creams should provide you with:
- Moisture and Hydration to prevent dry skin and formation of stretch marks
- Skin Tightening Properties to tighten, repair and bring back supple skin
- Safe Ingredients for both mum and baby
Best Stretch Mark Prevention Cream During Pregnancy In Singapore
Best All-Purpose Stretch Mark Cream and Halal-Certified
Why it's great
Mama’s Choice Stretch Mark Cream may be the new kid on the block, but it's definitely showing great potential. From the packaging to its content, you can tell that lot of care was placed in making the product. It combines a selection of natural, premium ingredients that hydrates, moisturises and tightens the skin to minimise and repairs stretch marks. For women who are looking for an all-purpose stretch mark cream for your growing belly, breast and hips during pregnancy, this is the cream for you. This cream is also certified halal.
Mama's Choice is one of the fastest-growing brands in Indonesia and around Asia.
Features we love:
- Skin-hydrating and moisturising benefits: Contains lipobelle soyaglycone, aloe vera, shea butter, olive oil and jojoba oil to keep your skin moistened and nourished all throughout the day
- Skin-tightening properties: Rich in antioxidants and collagen-building components.
- Safe ingredients: Paraben-free, alcohol-free, hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested
Safe for: Pregnancy, Postpartum, Breastfeeding, Halal certified
Instructions for use: Massage onto your growing belly and other affected areas every morning and night. Always massage in a circular motion to promote blood flow. For best results, begin applying from the second trimester of pregnancy and continue until at least 6 months after pregnancy. For other forms of stretch marks, use twice daily for 6-8 months.
Best for Value
Why it's great
Based on an 8-week in-home trial on 102 women aged 18 - 49, Palmer’s was able to provide improved skin elasticity for 98% of the women. Palmers is dermatologically approved, and we love that the lotion feels super luxurious and smells great on the skin due to the cocoa and shea butter. For women who are looking for a lotion with a great skin feel and is not greasy, Palmer’s Cocoa butter lotion is what we recommend.
Features we love:
- Skin-hydrating and moisturising benefits: Cocoa & Shea butter forms the foundation of this cream which provides all-day hydration and softens, smooths and plumps skin while forming a protective moisture barrier for expanding bellies
- Skin-tightening properties: Contains Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps to tighten the skin and repair stretch marks
- Safe ingredients: Free of mineral oil, parabens, phthalates, fragrance allergens and dyes. Hypoallergenic, suitable for sensitive skin and dermatologist-tested
Safe for: Pregnancy, Postpartum
Instructions for use: Apply all over your body or on the affected area three times per day.
Most Recommended by Doctors
Why it's great
Okay, this is not cream but when stretch marks are concerned, it's impossible to not mention Bio-Oil. Bio-Oil skincare oil was first formulated in 1987 to improve the appearances of scars and stretch marks. We love that on top of its leading stretch mark oil brand, there is also an all-natural option that works as well based on studies in clinical trials.
Features we love:
- Skin-hydrating and moisturising benefits: The primary ingredient PurCellin Oil ensures maximum absorption and keeps the skin hydrated
- Safe Ingredients: Recommended by pharmacists and doctors around the world due to its clinical trials in the use of oil in its stretch mark creams
Safe for: Pregnancy, Postpartum
Instructions for use: Bio-Oil should be massaged in a circular motion into the scar and surrounding skin, twice daily, for a minimum of 3 months. During pregnancy apply from the start of the second trimester.
Best Hypoallergenic Stretch Mark Cream
Why it's great
Based on a clinical trial tested under dermatological control, 96% of women which used Mustela Stretch Mark Cream did not develop stretch mark creams. We love that Mustela is formulated with plant-based ingredients such as avocado oil and avocado pesticides. It also comes in two varieties in terms of light fragrance and fragrance-free. Free of any alcohol or caffeine, this hypoallergenic cream is safe for mothers and babies. For women looking for a tried and tested all-natural alternative, the best stretch mark prevention cream during pregnancy is Mustela Stretch Mark Prevention Cream.
Features we love:
- Skin-hydrating and moisturising benefits: Beeswax and shea butter in the lotion helps to moisturize and nourish the skin, leaving the skin feeling soft and comfortable
- Skin-tightening properties: Patented ingredient by Mustela using avocado peptides shown to relieve sensations of tightness, reinforcing skin elasticity and leaves the skin feeling supple and comfortable
- Safe ingredients: alcohol-free, SLS-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free and phenoxyethanol free. Formulated to minimize the risk of allergic reactions
Safe for: Pregnancy, Postpartum, Breastfeeding
Instructions for use: This cream can be used morning and evening as soon as the first month of pregnancy. It can be used during breastfeeding.
Best Premium Stretch Mark Cream
Why it's great:
For women who are looking for a premium stretch mark cream that works, Biolane Pour Elle Stretch Mark Cream is made with 97% natural ingredients, and its rich and creamy texture feels great on the skin. This product is the best stretch mark prevention cream during pregnancy for many in Singapore because it’s made with organic argan oil that is proven to help increase the skin’s elasticity, to better resist the stretching of the skin during pregnancy.
Features we love:
- Skin-hydrating and moisturising benefits: Formulated with hydra-bleine, which combines with oils and proteins to limit water loss and dehydration of the skin
- Skin-tightening properties: Enriched with organic argan oil rich in essential fatty acids and beta-carotene that nourishes and strengthens the skin to prevent stretching
- Safe Ingredients: Hypoallergenic and tested under dermatological supervision to minimize the risk of allergies. Alcohol-free, soap-free, paraben-free, phenoxyethanol free and phthalate-free.
Safe for: Pregnancy, Postpartum, Breastfeeding
Instructions for use: Apply two to three times per day, from the start of pregnancy. Continue to apply for three months after the birth for optimal effectiveness (avoid the nipples if breastfeeding).
Best Organic Stretch Mark Cream
Why it's great
For women who are looking for an organic stretch mark cream made of natural ingredients, we recommend Gaia Pure Pregnancy Belly Butter. We love that the cream is rich without being greasy. It is specially formulated to maintain moisture, suppleness and elasticity to reduce stretch marks and scars during and after pregnancy.
Features we love:
- Skin-hydrating and moisturising benefits: Pure cocoa butter & organic shea butter help to hydrate and replenish the skin's vital moisture
- Skin-tightening properties: Organic rosehip and wheat germ oils, which are rich in vitamins help to restore skin’s elasticity to help prevent and reduce stretch marks
- Safe ingredients: Made with ingredients that are certified, natural and organic
Safe for: Pregnancy, Postpartum, Breastfeeding
Instructions for use: Gently massage it into your belly, breasts and thighs twice daily during pregnancy and for 12 weeks after the birth.
Best LightweightStretch Mark Cream
Why it's great:
We love the new and improved plant-based formula from Clarins which uses minimal ingredients chosen with extra care to minimize stretch marks. We love how the cream melts into the skin leaving a lightweight “barely" there feel.
Features we love:
- Skin-hydrating and moisturising benefits: Contains of hazelnut to help nourish and soothe your skin
- Skin-tightening properties: a powerful blend of Centella Asiatica and Organic Green Banana extracts—that promotes visible skin firmness and tighten skin.
- Safe ingredients: fragrance-free and colourant-free ingredients
Safe for: Pregnancy, Postpartum
Instructions for use: Apply to thighs, hips, stomach and breasts with circular motions.
Price Comparison
Here's a table of prices to help you with your purchasing decision:
Editor's Note: Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication. However, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
We hope this list helps in finding the best stretch mark prevention cream you can use during pregnancy in Singapore. Other than the use of these creams, there are more steps you can take to minimise the appearance of stretch marks.
