Which pregnancy stretch mark cream is best?

Stretch marks are narrow streaks or stripes on the skin that are often caused by pregnancy, weight gain, rapid growth spurts or puberty. They can appear anywhere on the body where the skin is forced to rapidly expand. Stretch marks typically appear on the stomach in pregnant women, but they are also common on the breasts, back, lower back, hips, upper arms, calves and thighs.

Also known as striae, stretch marks appear when the skin is torn or stretched by rapid growth. Pregnant women can decrease their chances of getting stretch marks by using a pregnancy stretch mark cream. These creams can soothe and hydrate your stretched, irritated and dry skin.

What to know before you buy a pregnancy stretch mark cream

What causes stretch marks

Your genetics can impact whether or not you develop stretch marks during pregnancy. For example, those who have sensitive, freckled, pale or easily sunburned skin are much more likely to get stretch marks during pregnancy than others. Stretch marks are most common during pregnancy, but they can also appear on skin that is thin or damaged by the use of topical steroid creams.

Harmful ingredients

There are some ingredients and products that are dangerous to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, since the ingredients can be harmful to your baby. These ingredients include retinol, hydroquinone, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, parabens, aluminum chloride and essential oils.

Make sure to choose wisely when selecting a pregnancy stretch mark cream. It’s important to speak to your healthcare provider before adding a stretch mark cream to your routine, as you want to make sure that any ingredients that you apply to your skin are safe for both you and your baby.

What to look for in a quality pregnancy stretch mark cream

Formula

Pregnancy stretch mark treatments come in body butters, creams, oils and lotions, and the consistency of the treatment varies depending on the formula. For example, body butters tend to have the thickest consistency, while lotions and oils provide the thinnest consistency and creams fall somewhere in the middle.

Size

Many pregnancy stretch mark creams come in large, 32 ounce jars, since this provides the best value per ounce. You don’t need to repurchase these economy-size jars of cream as often, and they may last your entire pregnancy. That being said, you might also want to purchase a 2 ounce travel bottle for on-the-go use.

Fragrance

Most stretch mark creams have a mild floral fragrance, but if you are pregnant or feeling nauseous, a fragrance-free formula might be the best option for you. It’s also a good idea to patch test your stretch mark cream before use to ensure that the fragrance won’t irritate your skin.

How much you can expect to spend on a pregnancy stretch mark cream

The more basic pregnancy stretch mark creams go for about $8-$15, while mid-range pregnancy stretch creams vary in price from $20-$35. High-end pregnancy stretch mark creams can go for $50 or more.

Pregnancy stretch mark cream FAQ

How long after pregnancy does it take for stretch marks to fade?

A. Stretch marks never completely go away, but they will fade over time. That being said, keeping your skin hydrated with a moisturizing pregnancy stretch mark cream can help decrease irritation and keep your scars less noticeable. Similar to other kinds of scarring, topical creams can diminish the visibility of scars and reduce any redness.

Will stretch marks appear if you lose weight?

A. Stretch marks are caused by the stretching of the skin. Lesions can appear when you rapidly gain weight and become more visible after you lose weight. Many teenagers also notice stretch marks after they go through a significant growth spurt during puberty. Creams, lotions and corticosteroid pills can decrease the skin’s ability to stretch, and these medications can actually cause stretch marks as the skin loses elasticity.

What’s the best pregnancy stretch mark cream to buy?

Top pregnancy stretch mark cream

TriLASTIN Maternity Stretch Mark Prevention Cream

What you need to know: This cream’s nourishing formula helps regenerate new skin cells, so you won’t be so itchy.

What you’ll love: It’s nongreasy to lock in moisture and prevent tears in the skin. It also boosts new skin cell formation.

What you should consider: It’s described as “odorless,” but isn’t actually odorless. It has a mild fragrance.

Top pregnancy stretch mark cream for the money

Mommy Knows Best Stretch Marks & Scars Removal Cream

What you need to know: This affordable pregnancy stretch mark cream will give you the most bang for your buck.

What you’ll love: This natural and budget-friendly pregnancy stretch mark cream includes natural ingredients like mango butter, jojoba butter, shea butter and coco butter to prevent and reduce the appearance of stretch marks on the skin. This product is safe to use during and after pregnancy.

What you should consider: Customers say that this stretch mark cream doesn’t help eliminate scars.

Worth checking out

Era Organics Stretch Marks & Scar Treatment Oil

What you need to know: This organic stretch mark and scar treatment oil helps prevent stretch marks and eliminate scars.

What you’ll love: This Era Organics pregnancy stretch mark cream comes with anti-aging oil to revitalize the skin by treating rosacea, burns and acne. The blends of organic oils help keep the skin hydrated, nourish the skin and eliminate any wrinkles and scars.

What you should consider: Some customers say they wish this pregnancy stretch mark cream would come in a larger bottle so it would last longer.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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Which kitchen apron is best?

Whether you’re making a casual dinner, baking a birthday cake, or preparing a holiday feast, it’s easy to get messy in the kitchen. A kitchen apron will help protect your clothes while also keeping the dirt and germs they carry away from your food.

This guide will help you determine what you need from a kitchen apron. We’ve also included some recommendations, such as our top choice, the Arawak Brave’s Professional Cooking Apron, a sturdy choice with some handy features, such as pockets and a headphone loop.

What to know before you buy a kitchen apron?

Half apron vs. full apron

Most kitchen aprons are full aprons, which start from just below the collar and end anywhere from mid-thigh to the knee, depending on the wearer’s height. However, you can also buy half aprons, which start at the waist and reach down to the knees. The former is more popular for cooking because they offer greater coverage.

Material

Cotton is a popular material for kitchen aprons because it’s strong, easy to clean, and breathable (a huge plus in a hot kitchen), but you can also find options made from polyester or a cotton/poly blend, which are usually cheaper. Some cotton aprons are wax-coated for a waterproof outer layer that’s easy to wipe clean without compromising washability.

Size

Kitchen aprons are almost exclusively sold in just one size, which can be tricky for particularly tall or short people. The best options have adjustable neck straps, which can help you achieve a better fit.

What to look for in a quality kitchen apron

Color or print

You can find kitchen aprons in all kinds of colors and prints. Plain black and plain white are both popular choices as are vertical stripes and plaid. However, you have countless options available to you, from patchwork prints to Star Wars designs and just about everything in between.

Stain-resistance

Some kitchen aprons are designed to be stain-resistant, which is an excellent feature for any particularly messy cooks out there.

Pockets

The majority of kitchen aprons feature at least one pocket, but many have several pockets of varying sizes and locations. You can put almost anything you need to keep close at hands in your apron pocket, such as recipes, kitchen utensils, or jars of herbs. Although pockets aren’t entirely essential, they’re definitely a useful addition.

Headphone loop

Like to listen to music on headphones while you cook? Then look for a kitchen apron with a built-in headphone loop. You don’t want your earbuds to fall out of your ears and onto a hot stove or into a pot of soup. A headphone loop keeps the wires in place to prevent any mishaps.

How much you can expect to spend on a kitchen apron

Expect to pay anywhere between $10 and $100 for a kitchen apron, though you can find some excellent choices around $20 to $40.

Kitchen apron FAQ

Are there any other uses for kitchen aprons besides cooking and baking?

A. Yes, kitchen aprons don’t need to be used in the kitchen only. They can be useful for gardening, messy crafts, woodworking, and decorating. Of course, it’s not particularly hygienic to use an apron in the kitchen after using it for gardening or other outdoor uses, so it’s best to have a dedicated cooking apron.

Why are so many kitchen aprons white? Doesn’t white stain easily?

A. Yes, white does stain easily, but it can also be bleached to keep it looking bright and fresh, which is why professional kitchens often use white aprons and why they’re also popular for home use. Of course, there’s no reason why you need to opt for a white apron if you prefer the look of dark colors or more adventurous patterns.

What are the best kitchen aprons to buy?

Top kitchen apron

Arawak Brave’s Professional Cooking Apron

What you need to know: This rugged unisex apron is designed with grilling in mind, but you can use it for all kinds of kitchen tasks.

What you’ll love: It features a range of pockets for keeping utensils and other useful kitchen gadgets close. The adjustable straps mean they will fit most adults. The headphone loop is a welcome feature.

What you should consider: It attracts lint easily.

Top kitchen apron for money

DII’s Cotton Adjustable Buffalo Check-Plaid Apron

What you need to know: This is a simple yet sturdy kitchen apron that offers excellent value for the money.

What you’ll love: It has an adjustable neck strap for a personalized fit and a large front pocket. It comes in a range of plaid prints. Matching dish towels and potholders are also available.

What you should consider: It can only be dried in a cool cycle.

Worth checking out

Maison d’ Hermine’s Colmar Cotton Apron

What you need to know: This 100% cotton apron is designed in Europe and has an attractive floral pattern that’s also available in a range of other kitchen gear.

What you’ll love: It’s got a durable cotton construction and is machine-washable. It has an adjustable neck strap to fit people of varying heights.

What you should consider: The floral print might not appeal to some.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

The Timberwolves looked like they might just do it again Thursday in Los Angeles.

Three days after rallying from 25 points down to stun Oklahoma City, Minnesota trimmed a 23-point deficit that was still as big as 15 in the fourth quarter down to just three won a Jaden McDaniels’ layup to cap a 13-1 run with north of five minutes to play.

But the Lakers have a trio in LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves that guarantees Los Angeles’ a certain baseline of late-game offensive success. They generated a number of looks around the basket that resulted in a whopping 23 fourth-quarter free throws that stemmed the tide and helped secure a 111-102 victory over Minnesota.

As was the case in Oklahoma City, Minnesota’s rally Thursday came with Anthony Edwards not on the floor. Only this time, he wasn’t even on the bench. Edwards was ejected in the third quarter after picking up his second technical foul of the evening when he, as crew chief James Williams put it in the postgame pool report, directed “profanity toward the game official.” Edwards’ first technical of the night game in the form of a double-tech between he and former teammate Jarred Vanderbilt amid a mini spat between the two.

As he was walking off the court, Edwards threw the ball into the stands, an act that will likely carry, at minimum, another fine.

The second technical Thursday was No. 16 on the season for Edwards, an important threshold. Assuming neither call from Thursday is rescinded by the NBA, the guard will be suspended for Friday’s game in Utah.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, left, shoots as Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

“He’s got to be better,” Wolves coach Chris Finch told reporters. “He’s had too many outbursts. I think a lot of (the techs) are deserved. They’re going to miss some calls from time to time, for sure. So he’s got to be better. We’ve been talking to him about it, so it’s on him.”

Without Edwards, Minnesota (32-28) used a similar formula it used to rally past Oklahoma City to tighten Thursday’s affair. The Wolves forced misses from the Lakers, grabbed the ensuing defensive rebound and took off the other way. The Wolves scored nine of their 23 fast break points in the final frame. Rookie wing Terrence Shannon Jr. — a walking transition opportunity — led the Wolves with 25 points, including 12 in the fourth.

But given the hole they dug themselves, the Wolves had to be perfect down the stretch, and they had a couple careless giveaways that stunted momentum and Los Angeles eventually put the game away.

LeBron James finished with 33 points, 17 rebounds and six assists for the Lakers (36-21), while Reaves had 23 points and Doncic had 21 points and 12 boards. Los Angeles is now five games clear of Minnesota in the West standings.

Playing in his first game since suffering a toe injury in mid-January, Donte DiVincenzo had nine points, six assists and five rebounds for the Wolves. Naz Reid struggled mightily, going 1 for 10 from the field.

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SALT LAKE CITY – With two of their top forwards injured, and another offensive mainstay serving a suspension, there has been much talk among the healthy Minnesota Wild players about stepping up, making the most of new opportunities and having a “next man up” attitude.

But on some nights, that rhetoric doesn’t match the reality.

Making their second-ever visit to the Delta Center in Utah, the Wild fell behind early and couldn’t find enough consistent offense to mount a comeback, falling 6-1 to the Utah Hockey Club on Thursday night.

Freddie Gaudreau scored his second goal in the past four games, and Marc-Andre Fleury dealt as best he could under heavy traffic in front of him, finishing with 25 saves. The Wild have now lost two in a row, and after winning in their first trip to Utah in December, have now lost their last three to Utah.

The Wild’s penalty killers — an Achilles’ heel for the team all season — were overwhelmed early, as Utah scored on its first power play of the game, and went up 2-0 on a 5-on-3 advantage late in the first.

Goalie Karel Vejmelka had 16 saves for Utah, which is creeping back into the Western Conference playoff picture, having won four of its past five games.

Fleury, playing in his 21st game of the season, got a nice ovation from the fans at the Delta Center before the game, then was put to work right away as Utah dominated the offensive zone and took a lead less than four minutes in on a power-play goal by Barrett Hayton.

On the next shift, the Wild found their defensive corps reduced as Jake Middleton threw hands with Utah’s Jack McBain at center ice, and both men got a five-minute break.

The Wild had a pair of first-period power plays and tested the Utah goalie but got nothing on the scoreboard. Then the final minute of the first proved disastrous for Minnesota.

First Jonas Brodin went to the box for hooking. Then on the ensuing faceoff, Marcus Foligno caught Utah winger Nick Schmaltz with a high stick to the face, causing a bloody mess on the ice and sending Foligno to the penalty box for four minutes. The home club needed 16 seconds of 5-on-3 power play to double its lead.

Minnesota finally found an answer late in the second when Matt Boldy set up Gaudreau for a pretty solo rush to the net, which ended with Gaudreau making a deft move on the Utah goalie and netting his 12th goal of the season.

The celebration was short-lived, as Sean Durzi deflected a long-range shot past Fleury less than two minutes later, for a 3-1 Utah lead after 40 minutes. Then Schmaltz got his revenge for the first-period high stick, popping a third-period shot past Fleury.

When Clayton Keller popped a backhander over Fleury a few minutes later, the rout was on. Former Gophers star Logan Cooley added a sixth Utah goal with 4:59 to play, while Minnesota managed just three shots on goal in the third.

The Wild’s two-game visit to the Mountain Time Zone concludes on Friday when they visit the Colorado Avalanche for the second time this season. Puck drop is at 8 p.m. CT.

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