Itching is common during pregnancy, which is caused by increased levels of certain components in the blood such as hormones. The stretched belly skin will also cause itching! Therefore, it is never too early to start sourcing for itching creams to soothe your skin.
It is inadvisable to scratch the itch on your skin, especially at the abdomen area, since scratching it will often result in stretch marks that are more noticeable and harder to treat. Hence, it is crucial to find out the causes of these itches and ways to curb the urge to scratch that itch.
Some causes of itching during pregnancy include:
- Skin stretch marks
- Dry skin
- Fragrances or fabrics
- Hormonal changes
- Cholestasis (a liver disorder that can result in a buildup of bile acids in the blood that causes itching)
- Pruritic Urticaria Papules and Pregnancy Plaques (PUPPP) - an itchy rash that occurs around stretch marks during late pregnancy
- Prurigo (crusty and itchy bumps on the arms, legs or abdomen that can appear in any trimester)
Choosing The Best Itching Creams On The Market
During pregnancy, mothers shouldn't consume products that could potentially harm the fetus, hence it is important to consult your doctor before using any products to treat your itch.
To choose the best itching creams out there, here are few things to look out for:
- Ensure the ingredients used are safe and come from natural sources
- Avoid products with parabens, SLS, alcohol and so on
- Check labels to confirm it is safe for use during pregnancy
- Look out for multipurpose itch creams (like itch creams that help minimise the appearance of stretch marks)
5 Best Itching Creams For Pregnant Women In Malaysia
#1 Mama’s Choice Stretch Mark Cream
Why it’s good:
Mama’s Choice Stretch Mark Cream is formulated with selected natural ingredients and is enriched with Vitamin E and antioxidants, which is effective in repairing and replenishing the skin by providing moisture.
In addition, it helps to reduce stretch marks appearance and relieve itching that is caused by these stretch marks.
Features we like:
- Patented formula by Mama's Choice
- Provides comfort to the stretched abdomen, hips, and breasts
- Contains Lipobelle ™ Soyaglycone and aloe vera which promotes skin elasticity while keeping the skin soft, hydrated and supple throughout the day
- Rich in antioxidants and collagen-building components
- Gentle enough for sensitive skin
- Safe for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers
- Recommended for use during and after pregnancy and to help with weight fluctuations
#2 Bio-Oil
Why it’s Good:
Bio-Oil is one of the most popular and trusted products in Malaysia. Bio-Oil is formulated with the following natural ingredients: Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Calendula Oil, Lavender Oil, Rosemary Oil and Chamomile Oil.
It is a non-comedogenic (acnegenic) hypo-allergenic product that is suitable for daily use especially for individuals with sensitive skin.
Features we like:
- Good for removing new and old scars
- Reduces the likelihood of stretch mark formations during adolescent growth spurts, pregnancy, and periods of rapid weight gain
- Helps improve the appearance of existing stretch marks
- Softens and tightens wrinkled skin
- Helps replenish the skin's natural oils which could be diminished due to severe weather, frequent bathing and the drying effects of central heating and air conditioning
#3 MUSTELA Stretch Marks Cream
Why it’s Good:
Mustela Cream provides long-lasting hydration that strengthens skin elasticity, treats discomfort and, best of all, is fragrance-free.
Avocado peptides, which are patented natural origin ingredients, are used to strengthen the skin’s hydrolipidic barrier, thereby helping to moisturise and soothe the skin. More importantly, it is suitable for pregnant and lactating mothers.
Features we like:
- Increased skin hydration 4 hours after application
- Strengthens skin elasticity
- Tested by a dermatologist
- Made with ingredients formulated for pregnancy and lactation.
- 0% paraben, phthalate, phenoxyethanol
#4 Palmer’s Cocoa Butter
Why it’s Good:
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Concentrate Cream is made with genuine Cocoa Butter and enriched with Vitamin E in an emollient base. It soothes, heals and softens rough and dry skin as well as scars, and it also tones the skin.
It is an excellent whole-body moisturizer that also relieves itching due to stretching.
Features we like:
- SPF 15 protection
- Hydrates rough and dry skin
- Especially effective in hydrating hands, elbows and knees
- Compact size suitable for travel
- Provides moisture for 24 hours
- No parabens or phthalates
#5 Sebamed Anti-Stretch Mark Cream
Why it’s Good:
This product is suitable for preventing itches due to stretched skin during pregnancy.
The Anti Stretch Mark Cream helps soothe the discomforts from stretched skin caused by clinical treatments for slimming, mesotherapy, liposuction and the altering of breast size.
In addition, it provides maximum skin tolerance for all sensitive areas such as the abdomen, breasts, hips, and thighs.
Features we like:
- Contains avocado oil, natural sheaths and other lipids that provide efficient care and protection of the many skin layers
- Ensures better adaptation of connective tissues when there is rapid weight loss or gain due to the presence of a unique combination of Centella Asiatica (tiger grass) extract and peptides supported by a liquid-crystalline lipid structure from a complex derived from olive oil
- Can be used while breastfeeding provided that proper hygiene rules are followed
- Does not stain clothes
- Free of parabens, mineral oils, phthalates, alcohol and bisphenols (BPA)
- No animal ingredients used
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