Best skin tightening cream for stomach after pregnancy

Whether you have warrior stripes from a pregnancy or have simply developed pesky stretch marks over the years, we’re here to introduce you to stretch mark creams. These super-moisturizers can prevent and treat the stripes that like to decorate our bodies after being pregnant, growing too fast, or when bodybuilders work at bulking up. They're easy to use, and they can really help. Don't worry: You don't have to feel stuck with them.

But First, What Are Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are simply a scar that happens when skin is stretched too quickly. You can get them any time you gain weight, and teens sometimes get them around their joints if they have a particularly speedy growth spurt. Skin expert Laura Dyer MSHS, PA-C, a dermatology and aesthetic specialist in New York City, tells Best Products that unfortunately because of how stretch marks form, we're more susceptible to getting them during pregnancy because of how fast our bellies grow.

Dyer says that while you can’t always prevent stretch marks, you can definitely minimize their appearance by staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and zinc. And of course, it also helps to keep that belly moisturized, which is where stretch mark creams come into play.

So, What Makes a Good Stretch Mark Cream?

To help minimize the appearance of the stretch marks that you already have, Dyer notes that you should look for healing ingredients in effective stretch-mark prevention creams like vitamin A and vitamin E, along with cocoa, shea, and/or jojoba butters. Vitamin A helps the healing process and also assists with collagen production and pigmentation. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that is thought to help with wound healing. Cocoa, shea, and jojoba butters are thick, well-tolerated moisturizers that penetrate deeply into the skin, helping to keep it supple and healthy.

Dyer has personally used Burt’s Bees Belly Butter and Bio-Oil during her pregnancy and has said she's had “zero” stretch marks. Dyer also says you should use products that contain hyaluronic acid, which can tighten the skin and reduce inflammation to improve skin texture and help fade stretch marks over time.

Best Stretch Mark Creams

  • 1

    Best skin tightening cream for stomach after pregnancy

    Best Overall

    Stretch Marks Therapy Mederma

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  • 2

    Best skin tightening cream for stomach after pregnancy

    Best for Fast Results

    Stretch Marks & Scars Defense Cream Body Merry

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  • 3

    Best skin tightening cream for stomach after pregnancy

    Best Multipurpose Product

    Multiuse Skincare Oil Bio-Oil

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  • 4

    Best skin tightening cream for stomach after pregnancy

    Best Collagen Cream

    Milk & Honey Stretch Mark Removal Cream Butter Body Boost

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  • 5

    Best skin tightening cream for stomach after pregnancy

    Best Patches

    Aroamas Professional Silicone Scar Sheets Aroamas Scar

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How We Tested

      Armed with our expert information, we researched the top creams on the market in terms of popularity and user reviews to determine which products to test. Then, for the personally tested creams, we used them twice a day for 3 weeks, our editors slathered their stretch marks with creams, butter, and oils to find the ones that are actually effective — and will finally make a noticeable change in your stretch marks. For the non-tested products, they were heavily researched across multiple platforms and retailers.

      During the testing period, we looked out for a difference in texture (both the stretch mark and surrounding area), a change in the stretch marks’ appearance, and the scent and feel of the cream itself.

      These are the best stretch mark creams worth buying in 2022 that we’ve kept on using ourselves.

      Learn more about how we test products, from the questions we ask our testing team, to the types of products we feel are actually worth testing, to the overall time we put into our testing process.

      1

      Best Overall

      Mederma

      Stretch Marks Therapy

      2

      Best for Fast Results

      Body Merry

      Stretch Marks & Scars Defense Cream

      3

      Best Multipurpose Product

      Bio-Oil

      Multiuse Skincare Oil

      4

      Best Collagen Cream

      Body Boost

      Milk & Honey Stretch Mark Removal Cream Butter

      5

      Best Patches

      Aroamas Scar

      Aroamas Professional Silicone Scar Sheets

      6

      Best for Darker Marks

      Glow Organics

      100% Organic Stretch Mark Removal Cream

      7

      Best for Elasticity

      Palmer's

      Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Tummy Butter Balm

      8

      Most Improved Texture

      TEREZ & HONOR

      Advanced Silicone Scar Remover Gel

      9

      Best Organic Cream

      Botanic Tree

      Botanic Tree Simply Organic Stretch Mark Removal Cream

      10

      Best Firming Cream

      Clarins

      Body Partner Stretch Mark Expert

      11

      Best for Prevention

      Mustela

      Mustela Maternity Stretch Marks Cream for Pregnancy

      Cat Bowen Parenting Editor Cat Bowen is the parenting editor at BestProducts.com where she researches all of the best products for families from pre-conception through their teen years, focusing on matching scientific evidence with real-life needs.

      Latifah Miles Parenting Editor Latifah is the former parenting editor at BestProducts.com, where she spent her time researching and testing the latest, greatest, and coolest products created to make parenting a breeze; her work has been featured on Cosmopolitan, Romper, and Elite Daily.

      How can I tighten my stomach skin after pregnancy?

      Here are some things you can do to help firm up loose skin..
      Develop a cardio routine. Cardio exercise can help burn fat and tone your muscles. ... .
      Eat healthy fats and proteins. ... .
      Try regular strength training. ... .
      Drink water. ... .
      Massage with oils. ... .
      Try skin-firming products. ... .
      Hit the spa for a skin wrap..

      How long does it take to tighten loose belly skin after pregnancy?

      The first six weeks post-delivery. Your stretched-out abdominal muscles and lax skin will most likely begin to firm up. If you had a cesarean section, it can take a good two weeks for your scar to heal (and six weeks or longer to fully recover from your surgery).

      Does skin tightening work after pregnancy?

      Yes, it is possible to tighten loose skin after pregnancy. There are several different ways to achieve this, including exercise, diet, and certain skincare treatments. However, it's important to remember that it took you nine months for this skin to loosen. There is no magic formula to tighten it immediately.

      Why is my stomach saggy after pregnancy?

      Diastasis recti is caused by the overstretching of the linea alba, the tissue or fascia at the center of the rectus abdominis muscles, the “six-pack” muscles to the right and left of the bellybutton. The normal width of the linea alba between the rectus abdominis allows you to bend, twist, and carry a fetus.