We’re all familiar with Bepanthen as sore bum and nappy rash experts. Now they have an entirely different offering, a stretch mark cream for use both before and after pregnancy. Okay, I can’t comment on their preventative powers, but I can tell you if they’ve reduced the look of my stretch marks after 4 weeks use.

What is it?

Bepanthen Stretch Mark Cream is developed with the latest scientific knowledge and the needs of mums-to-be in mind. Unlike other stretch mark creams, Bepanthen comprises a unique formula which works to strengthen and support the skin before the first signs of stretch marks appear - thus reducing the risk of occurrence.

Contains:

• Extract of Centella Asiatica which encourages the production of collagen
• Provitamin B5 and glycerine which are proven to nourish the skin to improve elasticity
• Pure Olive Oil and skin lipids to moisturiser and act as a barrier to external influences
• Hypoallergenic and free from colours and preservatives

The lowdown before the cream…

Two babies have taken their toll. Okay, the stretchmarks aren’t disastrous (and they certainly don’t make my Craig think twice) but they might signal the end of my bikini-clad days.

Initial thoughts…

Before trialling this, I’ve been a big fan of Bio-Oil. It does the job, sinks in easily and eases my conscience that I’m at least trying to cover up the road-map my babies have left. I wouldn’t go so far as to pretend it works, who knows if it prevents marks you haven’t got yet, and they’re all still very much there (if a little lighter).

I have to admit that the pursuit of a scar-free tummy doesn’t consume me. I think my Craig is sensible enough to realise that the odd scar I’m sporting is because I’ve given him the best gifts on earth, more so, it could be a damn sight worse! I would like to look like Kelly Brook, but life just gets in the way.

So I used it on the odd few marks that my babies have left; twice a day (as recommended) on my tummy, my breasts and my thighs.

And?….

Oh dear. I soooo wanted to bring you a success story!

I’m not suggesting this cream has zero benefit.I actually like the smell (although have read online that some find it unpleasant), and it does offer fabulous hydration throughout the day. It has an almost silky texture and rubs in incredibly easily.

Within minutes it dries to a matt finish and leaves the skin feeling tighter and firmer. I haven’t had any new stretchmarks since using it which could indicate it’s doing its thing, or just that I’ve finally reached the pinnacle of physical fitness and have stopped growing (that’s a joke if ever there was one!).

I also really like the bottle design which features “bag in a bottle” technology. The action of pumping squeezes the bag inside the hard exterior case so you can access every last drop of cream. Well done Bepanthen - more companies should embrace this technology so we’re not so wasteful and get the most out of our purchases. I won’t bore you with all the lengths I’ve gone to to get the last bits of foundation out of my bottles.

Usually £24.99, it’s now reduced to £16.66 at Boots. If we compare this to other well regarded stretch mark lotions and potions, you can see that stretch marks are big business and Bepanthen’s offering is competitively priced :

Bio Oil (200ml) RRP £19.99

Clarins Stretch Mark Control (200mls) RRP £37.00

Mama Mio The Tummy Rub Butter (125mls) RRP £23.50

Various Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Remedies RRP from £3.00 -£9.00

Weleda Pregnancy Oil (100mls) RRP £15.00

TEN Stretch Mark Prevention & Reduction Cream (200ml) RRP £35.00

In fairness I’d buy the product again if I were to go on and procreate some more, but for now I’ll be sticking to Bio-Oil in a fairly half-arsed attempt to fade out my current tiger stripes. That said, it’s certainly been well received by others and was recommended by a massive 96% of mums-to-be during a product trial on Netmums.

To find out more about the entire range of Bepanthen products, head on over to Bepanthen.co.uk.