Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Stretch Mark Prevention: Pregnancy and Postpartum Essentials That Work 🤰🏼
29
items A realistic, tried-and-true routine to help prevent and minimize stretch marks during pregnancy and postpartum. This list focuses on deep hydration, skin elasticity, and healing, using clean, effective products plus simple habits that make a real dif...
Sections
6
🧴 Daily Belly Care (Hydration + Elasticity)
🪥 Weekly Skin Prep (Underrated but Game-Changing)
🤰🏼 Postpartum Repair + Scar Care
💦 Internal Support (Don’t Skip This)
💡 Optional “Extra Credit” Add-Ons
🛌 Lifestyle Habits That Matter
🧴 Daily Belly Care (Hydration + Elasticity)
Keeping skin deeply hydrated is supposed to be the #1 way to support elasticity and reduce stretch marks. These are the staples for morning + night.
Classic for a reason, helps improve the appearance of stretch marks and scars. With vitamin E it claims to help with stretch marks or an uneven skin tone.
6.7 oz Skincare Oil for Scars and Stretch Marks - Bio-Oil | Ulta Beauty
Also use for my belly in addition to bio oil. Great moisturizer for lower body, too. I liked using this on my glutes and thighs in addition to my belly.
Body Lotion Lightweight Body Moisturizer - Bio-Oil | Ulta Beauty
Received this as a gift at my baby shower. A little bougie but smells and feels great on the belly!
6.6 oz Belly Oil Stretch Mark Smoothing Therapy - HATCH MAMA | Ulta Beauty
I love Burt’s bees products and I used this during pregnancy and post partum.
Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter Stretch Mark Cream - 6.5oz: Paraben-Free, Sulfate-Free, Phthalate-Free, Whole Body
Can’t forget about a moisturizing body wash. This helps as a first step before after-shower oils and creams. I live in a cold and dry climate, so when it comes to cleansing, I need something moisturizing.
Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Hydrating Body Wash - 16.9 fl oz: Liquid Cleanser for Sensitive, Mature Skin
Safe in pregnancy and made me feel firm and glowy in pregnancy. Great alternative to traditional sun tanning.
Firming Daily Glow Gradual Self Tan Lotion
Stretch marks are much more visible if they’re exposed to sun. I’m already good about applying sunscreen, but especially to areas that are prone to stretch marks.
Daily 50 Body Lotion - Sun Bum | Ulta Beauty
🪥 Weekly Skin Prep (Underrated but Game-Changing)
Exfoliation boosts circulation and helps products absorb deeper, this is a secret weapon most people skip. Additionally, dry brushing and derma rolling can boost collagen.
Use before showering a few times a week to stimulate blood flow and support skin renewal. Dry brushing can really feel like a chore, but after getting into the habit of it, I really enjoy doing it not just on my belly but on my thighs as well.
The Ultimate Dry Brush - goop | Ulta Beauty
Smooths skin and preps it to absorb oils and butters more effectively.
The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Scrub - Naturium | Ulta Beauty
Magnesium-infused massage cream designed to relieve muscle tension, support deep sleep, and promote relaxation. The smell of this stuff is amazing.
PURE MAMA Magnesium Body Rub
With oils and lotions can be highly effective for promoting collagen which can help stretch marks. I love kitsch brand, and this derma roller lasted me a long time as long as I cleansed it with alcohol.
Micro Derma Roller - Warm Gray
🤰🏼 Postpartum Repair + Scar Care
Even with the best prevention, skin still needs support healing afterward.
Clinically proven to improve scar texture and appearance.
Mederma Silicone Scar Sheets - S - 4ct
Helps reduce discoloration and smooth skin over time.
Mederma PM Overnight Scar Cream - 1oz
Keeps skin hydrated while it repairs and tightens
The Glow Getter Body Oil - Naturium | Ulta Beauty
Great retinol for body care. Before I became pregnant, I really thought retinol was just for your face. But as soon as I had the baby and retinol was safe again I learned about the benefits of using it on your whole body.
Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment
💦 Internal Support (Don’t Skip This)
Hydrated, nourished skin starts from within, this step makes everything else more effective. Supplements are important during pregnancy but postpartum, too!
Key nutrients for skin repair and resilience. And necessary pre and postpartum! Pinkstork is an awesome, quality brand that focuses on faith and wellness. I try to take a prenatal all the time whether pregnant or not.
Premium Prenatal + DHA Gummies
Helps maintain deep hydration (especially important in pregnancy/postpartum). I’m a Flight Attendant and I workout and these are lifesavers.
LMNT Zero-Sugar Electrolytes Drink - Variety Pack - 2.1oz/10ct: Non-Caffeinated Powder with Five Flavors
Supports skin elasticity from the inside out. At a certain age, our body stop producing collagen on their own, so this is such a necessary supplement.
BLOOM NUTRITION Colostrum & Collagen Peptides Powder - Unflavored - 4.16oz/25 Servings
💡 Optional “Extra Credit” Add-Ons
Some things I did to go above and beyond. ✨
Great for those fading lines and marks, used this once a week. I mostly just applied to the marks themselves, not my entire belly.
100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil for Skin Elasticity - The Ordinary | Ulta Beauty
Can be applied directly, or soaked in a cloth and wrapped around your waist. This was something my midwife told me about while I was pregnant.
Sky Organics Castor Oil - 8 fl oz: Moisturizing, Whole Body, Non-Toxic, Vegan
I don’t know about you, but if I wanna stay hydrated, a cute water bottle always helps.
24 oz Wide Mouth with Flex Straw Cap
Underrated for targeting stretch marks.
Tea Tree Hemp Replenishing Hair & Body Oil - Paul Mitchell | Ulta Beauty
Get your partner involved, you deserve it. (;
Get your partner to apply the stretch mark cream : r/BabyBumps
For preventing new stretch marks, as well as treating old ones.
Stretch Mark & Loose Skin Belly Occlusion Patches™
🛌 Lifestyle Habits That Matter
Stay consistently hydrated (not just when thirsty).
6 Simple Ways to Stay Hydrated
I moisturized twice daily beginning second trimester.
Stretch Marks & Belly Care: A Nourishing Routine for Soft Skin
While more calories are needed in pregnancy I tried to focus on whole foods rich in healthy fats, protein, and plenty of fiber.
Whole-Foods Diet 101: A Complete Beginner's Guide
I trained abs safely in pregnancy and found that my core remained strong and tight postpartum. I really think this minimized stretch marks.
Strengthen Your Core Safely With These Pregnancy-Friendly Ab Workouts
Foods high in vitamin c are said to promote skin elasticity aiding in stretch mark prevention!
Exploring Vitamin C Rich Foods for Improved Health