We get asked all the time, does stretch mark cream work - or is this just an expensive lotion marketed towards expecting mamas? It all depends on what’s in the bottle!
The truth is, most stretch mark creams do a great job of moisturizing your skin and making it feel better while it’s dry, itchy, and irritated. But the ingredients aren’t actually capable of getting into the layer of skin where stretch marks form.
8 Sheep Organics stretch mark serum is different. It’s formulated with two clinically studied ingredients that the American Academy of Dermatology has said can help prevent and potentially even fade the appearance of stretch marks: Centella Asiatica and Hyaluronic Acid.
Learn more about how stretch mark creams work below, including tips on adding one to your daily ritual so you can progress gracefully through this next chapter of life!
Short Answer
Yes, stretch mark cream works if it has ingredients that penetrate beyond the surface of the skin to work where stretch marks form. Cocoa butter, shea butter, and mineral oil don’t do that, yet they’re the most common ingredients in mainstream stretch mark products. Centella Asiatica and Hyaluronic Acid do, which is why they’re the stars of the show in our stretch mark serum.
What Makes Stretch Marks Appear in the First Place?
Stretch marks are tears in the dermis - the connective tissue layer underneath the surface of your skin. Those fibers snap when your skin grows faster than it can generate new collagen.
Stretch marks are totally normal. They can happen whether you’re pregnant or just growing rapidly, be it from building muscle in the gym or gaining body fat. You can even end up with stretch marks simply as the result of a rapid growth spurt.
You can learn a lot about a stretch mark from its color. Those red or purple marks are new - and while they’re the most unsightly, they’re also the most receptive to treatment. White or silver stretch marks usually mean the skin has scarred.
Whatever is causing them, though, you want to put an end to it. They can take a toll on your self-confidence, which begs the question - does stretch mark cream work?
Does Stretch Mark Cream Work?
Some do. Others don’t. That’s probably not the one-size-fits-all answer you came here hoping for. But since the ingredients used in stretch mark products can vary dramatically, we have to get more specific about the type of stretch mark cream you’re asking about.
The Problem With Most Stretch Mark Creams
There are two main ingredients we see most stretch mark creams rely on - cocoa butter or mineral oil. And we’re not here to bash them and tell you they have zero purpose in skincare. They do. They work wonderfully to soften the skin and ease irritation.
But you don’t need a moisturizer. You need something that moisturizes AND keeps your skin from tearing. Clinical research showed that cocoa butter didn’t work any better than a placebo for stretch mark prevention.
Whether it’s Bio Oil vs Mederma, these big brands don’t use the two ingredients that actually make a difference in your skin’s elasticity and resiliency. 8 Sheep Organics does.
What Makes 8 Sheep Organics True Belly Serum Different?
The True Belly Serum is a one-of-a-kind stretch mark cream powered by two clinically validated ingredients for stretch mark prevention: Centella Asiatica and Triple-Weighted Hyaluronic Acid. It's the only stretch mark product on the market that combines both in clinical concentrations.
So, how does stretch mark cream work with these two ingredients working in synergy? Centella Asiatica (AKA gotu kola, cica, it goes by a lot of names) supports collagen production in the layer that needs it most - the dermis. That’s where stretch marks form. In other words, Centella Asiatica may prevent stretch marks by making your skin more elastic.
Meanwhile, the form of Hyaluronic Acid we use delivers three molecular weights of hydration to help it get deep beneath the surface of the skin, rather than simply sitting on top and making your skin feel soft.
The best part is every ingredient is organic, with no nasty stuff you have to worry about during pregnancy. It’s made in small batches here in the USA, and can be paired with all our organic pregnancy products for a smoother transition through each trimester!
See What Other Women Had to Say!
So, does stretch mark cream work? The True Belly Serum has helped thousands of women feel more comfortable in their own skin through all stages of life. You don’t just have to take our word for it. All the 5-star reviews speak for themselves!
“Love it. Helped to moisturize my belly and avoid getting stretchmarks. 😍” - Jocelyn
“Used this serum throughout my whole pregnancy and I don't have a single stretch mark! Just bought more to keep my skin happy.” - Tiffany
“This serum is AMAZING!! I used it every night in combination with the belly moisturizer (the whole stretch marks prevention kit) throughout my entire pregnancy and I didn’t get any stretch marks. I’m now two weeks postpartum and have 0 stretch marks or loose skin.” - Allison
There are plenty more where those came from, too. And with a 100-day money-back guarantee, what do you have to lose? Try the best stretch mark cream for pregnancy firsthand and see just how well it works.
When Does Stretch Mark Cream Work Best?
Quick caveat - stretch mark cream cannot always eliminate existing stretch marks. Prevention is the name of the game. Those white or silver stretch marks are scar tissue, and they’re probably permanent. You can still fade them a bit, but they’ll never disappear altogether.
That’s why it’s so important that you begin using stretch mark cream early on in your pregnancy. Ideally, within the first trimester. A lot of moms come to us the moment they see those two lines on the pregnancy test. They’re able to get ahead of stretch marks by improving elasticity.
Tips on Making Stretch Mark Cream Work For YOU
Beyond picking the right product and using it early on, here are some more tips on making the most of stretch mark cream:
- Use it twice a day, every day. Morning and night works best for a routine.
- Apply right after the shower when your skin is still a little damp - this boosts absorption.
- Don’t stop at the belly. You can end up with stretch marks on your breasts, thighs, arms, and anywhere in between.
- Make sure you’re hydrating from the inside out, too. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
The sooner you start, the better odds you have of being one of the women who never ends up with unsightly stretch marks. Get the #1 belly butter for stretch marks today!
So, Does Stretch Mark Cream Actually Work?
In closing, does stretch mark cream work? Yes - as long as the formula is built for it and you use it early enough before things get out of hand. The problem is, most of what you see on the shelf or popping up on Amazon can’t reach beneath the surface.
That’s what makes 8 Sheep Organics different. It’s formulated to fight stretch marks where they form. Get yours today and see what keeps moms coming back for more, even after they give birth!
Frequently asked questions
Can you 100% get rid of stretch marks?
Complete removal is rarely a realistic goal, especially once the stretch marks have become white or silver. That’s scar tissue. The goal is to minimize their appearance as much as possible.
What fades stretch marks quickly?
Centella Asiatica and Hyaluronic Acid have the strongest clinical backing for minimizing the appearance of stretch marks. Retinoids have been shown to be effective as well, but they’re off limits while you’re pregnant and nursing.
How long does it take for stretch mark cream to work?
The ingredients are working to improve skin elasticity from that very first application. But it can take a week or two for your skin to really feel more supple, which is why starting early matters.
Is it too late to treat old stretch marks?
Never! Older marks may not disappear completely, but they can still fade over time. Shop 8 Sheep Organics today and start your journey.
