The Difference Between Stretch Mark Creams, Oils, and Lotions

It can be difficult to navigate through the world of stretch mark products. With so many options on the market, it can be a challenge figuring out which stretch mark product is best for you. Should you be looking for a stretch mark cream, lotion, or oil for your needs? Well, here we break down the differences between all of the different types of product offerings to help you figure out the perfect product for you. 

How to Lessen the Appearance of Stretch Marks

Let’s begin by understanding a little about stretch marks themselves. Stretch Marks are markings or scars on the skin that evolve due to the skin being stretched more quickly than it can keep up with. When the skin is stretched in this manner, due to everything from a growth spurt to pregnancy, the skin rips, resulting in stretch marks. These markings are scars and can appear in a variety of colors but with time usually fade to a greyish or white color. 

In attempting to deter the formation of stretch marks and help to diminish the appearance of existing markings it is crucial to keep your skin highly moisturized. Moisturized skin is better at stretching, can repair itself more quickly and healthy skin is more elastic, supple, and smooth. So what is the first step in lessening the appearance of stretch marks? Starting with a good product!  

What is the Difference Between Creams, Lotions, and Oils?

A cream is a combination of oil and water made to be used topically on the skin. It is known for its ultra-hydrating abilities and is usually fairly thick in comparison to its alternatives. Creams are known for their ability to protect the skin from drying out by creating a barrier to lock in moisture. Many creams contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid which is a natural substance created by your body to help lubricate everything from your tissues and skin to your eyes.  

Lotions, on the other hand, have higher water to oil ratios, making them lighter and easier to absorb into the skin. They do not last as long as their cream counterparts but are a perfect choice for helping skin, that doesn’t suffer from dryness, moisturized. 

Oils, are a natural hydrating solution and are the best for deeply moisturizing the skin while locking in hydration. If you have dry skin – oils are your go-to as they are known as the best moisturizers out there. Some oils can be difficult to absorb into the skin while others absorb easily and don’t even leave that greasy feeling. One thing to keep in mind is to make sure that any products you use do not contain mineral oils as they are known to damage your skin’s natural immune barriers while suffocating the skin.  

Which product should I choose? 

Understanding the ingredients in a product you are looking at is more important than whether it is an oil, cream, or lotion but having the knowledge to understand both will help with avoiding breakouts and getting the results you desire. 

Here are some of the ingredients you want to see in your stretch mark products. 

Hyaluronic Acid: 

We’ve said it before and we are saying it again! Hyaluronic acid. This is what your body creates to assist in lubrication. It is the most natural way to help increase the moisture content in your skin and is proven to help with everything from locking in moisture, to replenishing skin cells. It contains what you want to get that supple, younger, stretch mark-free skin you are looking for. 

Bentonite: 

Your knight in shining armor! Bentonite is not only an antibacterial, antiinflammatory ingredient it actively helps to detoxify your skin. It works by helping to get rid of dirt, oils, and even sebum which is the naturally oily, waxy solution your body creates to help with lubrication. Unlike hyaluronic acid, sebum in large quantities will clog your pores and allow acne to form on the skin. Bentonite manages sebum production, helps fight stretch marks while keeping skin healthy, and reducing the appearance of everything from dark spots to blemishing by promoting the regeneration of skin cells. 

Shea Butter: 

This natural wonder contains numerous fatty acids and vitamins that give it its anti-inflammatory properties. Not only is shea butter a fantastic moisturizer and skin softener it can also heal your skin helping to combat dryness, discolorations, and stretch marks while helping with wrinkles and blemishes. Shea Butter works by creating a barrier on the skin that seals in moisture which gives it its emollient properties. One suggestion would be to not use shea butter by itself but as an additive of a cream or lotion as the fairly think, fatty butter can lead to clogged pores if used in abundance. 

What You Want In a Nutshell 

When it comes to stretch mark creams, lotions, and oils what you want is a solution that has intense hydrating abilities and healing properties. These are the two things to look for when you begin your search. Hydration helps to deter new markings from forming while ensuring your skin has what it needs to heal properly. 

Now the skin’s ability to heal can envelop a variety of different processes. These include everything from assisting your skin in fighting off UV rays and radicals that affect the outer layers, it can be replenishing moisture stores so skin has what it needs to regenerate and it can mean assisting the skin in repopulating the millions of skin cells we lose on a daily basis. 

To give your skin what it needs to complete these many processes, it is important to find the product that is right for you and use it in a timely fashion. For oily skin, avoid oils – and look for more of a cream or lotion. If your skin is not dry or oily, or you are looking for a product for a child or teenager, stick with a lotion as it will provide what you need without changing the skin’s natural balance. When it comes to dry skin use a cream or oil that will help to lock in moisture and relieve your skin from dryness, itchiness, and cracking. 

When it comes to our bodies and skin, your body’s largest organ, it can be a finicky game trying to figure out what is best for you. Hopefully, this guide helps to narrow down the options and find you that perfect product without the need for trial and error. It is possible to get the stretch mark free, hydrated, glowing skin everyone desires – and it all starts right here.