What are the best remedies for avoiding and get rid of these unsightly marks? Although it's worth it, I know - I just want to know how to avoid em besides the usual cocoa butter! (I can't stand the stuff!)

Yeah nfortunately marleycee, cocoa butter is the best remedy or you can even try a combination of olive oil and vitamin e  oil.

Or you can simply take vitamin e gel caps , squeeze the oil and put it on your stretch marks.

It should work.

As the abdomen becomes enlarged, a dark line called lineahigra often appears down the centre of the abdomen causing stretch marks. It can be prevented with proper care right from the beginning of pregnancy. Vitamin E can work wonder for some in preventing stretch marks. After having a bath every morning and before going to bed, a light almond oil or vitamin E oil massage will dispel the dryness of the skin. Another option is retinoic acid. Like vitamin E oil, it rejuvenates damaged skin tissue. It produces increased exfoliation of skin but must be used in small quantity, as it may cause inflammation and a burning sensation. Apply at night before going to sleep and wash off in the morning.

Stretch marks, especially the post delivery ones, occur due to the permanent snapping of the elastic fibres of the skin. They cannot even be surgically rectified. Creams and lotions are not of much use either. If you’re not planning another baby, the best option for you, would be to go in for a ‘tummy tuck’ or an abdominoplasty. Not only will the extra fat be removed, but the excessive skin, will also be snipped off. You will be able to flaunt a flat ‘teenage abdomen’, although, with a scar in the bikini area. The procedure is safe but needs to be done by a trained plastic surgeon.

I have very bad strecth mark on my abdominal area. Currently, I'm using Barmon Strecth Mark Cream, and it really works for me. I normally applies it at night before going to bed and I've been using it for nearly 6 monts and it is really working. Strecth mark can be very itchy. To avoid it from spreading, try not to scratch which I know it is hard but just give it a try and by applying some oilment that is made of cocoa butter to avoid itchiness.