Sommaire
What is an essential oil?
1- How essential oils work
An essential oil — sometimes called a plant essence — is a concentrated liquid essence obtained by steam or dry distillation of the volatile aromatic compounds found in a plant. These aromatic compounds can be found in bark, leaves, flower tops, buds, fruits or roots. They are complex chemical substances made up of around a hundred different terpenic and aromatic molecules. It is precisely these compounds that are collected to harness their properties. The benefits of essential oils are wide-ranging: antiseptic, soothing, healing, decongestant… They offer a natural way to address everyday minor ailments.
2- Texture and applications
An essential oil is not necessarily an oily substance. However, for dermatological use, it is recommended to use a fatty carrier (such as a natural vegetable oil or a plant butter) as a base. When it comes to diffusing them, a solid medium is essential — such as wax or a porous material (clay, terracotta) — or an alcohol-based liquid medium (such as neutral diffusion bases). Essential oils do not dissolve in water: adding a few drops to your bath is therefore pointless, as you will not benefit from their properties. It is also inadvisable to apply an essential oil directly to the skin, as its active compounds are highly potent and may cause unwanted reactions.
3- How to choose your essential oil?
Because essential oils are hugely popular, a wide range of products is available almost everywhere. That said, caution is warranted before purchasing. Only essential oils described as integral or chemotyped (meaning 100% natural and pure, undiluted with any other substance) are a true mark of exceptional quality. This is why some can be costly: the rarity of the plant, the complexity of the distillation process and the quantity of plant material required all affect the price. For instance, producing just one kilogram of Damascus rose essential oil requires harvesting around 4 tonnes of petals…
Can you use essential oils during pregnancy?
1- During early pregnancy
It is strictly forbidden to use essential oils during the first trimester of pregnancy. Why? Because their active compounds enter the bloodstream and act on the body. They can therefore reach the foetus via the placenta. The placenta is fragile and extremely sensitive to chemical compounds, which can interfere with its development. The risks of intoxication, malformation, and even foetal death or spontaneous miscarriage are significant.
2- During the course of pregnancy
From the 4th, or even the 5th month of pregnancy, expectant mothers may use a very limited number of essential oils, provided they carry no neurotoxic risk for the child. It is essential to consult a doctor before any use (including diffusion!). The use of essential oils must be medically supervised. All essential oils containing ketones (such as verbenone rosemary, which is otherwise excellent for stretch marks, or peppermint, ideal for nausea) are strictly prohibited during pregnancy. The same applies to essential oils that act on or affect the hormonal system (such as juniper EO, excellent for water retention, or cistus ladanifer, prized for its toning and firming properties).
3- During breastfeeding
The same conditions apply during breastfeeding. The chemical molecules in essential oils enter the new mother’s bloodstream, including the mammary glands. These compounds are then passed on to the baby through breast milk. The risk of intoxication for the infant is significant. The same recommendation as during pregnancy therefore applies: it is essential to speak with your doctor before any use.
Which essential oils can be used during pregnancy?
1- A few precautions to take
From the 4th month onwards, certain essential oils can be a real asset for expectant mothers — all the more so since most medications are off-limits during pregnancy. The following usage precautions must be observed:
- Consult your doctor beforehand.
- Do not apply to the abdomen.
- Follow the recommended method of use (diffusion, topical application, oral route) and the dosage advised by your healthcare professional.
- No homemade blends.
- Quality essential oils, 100% natural and integral.
- Use for short periods only.
2- Essential oils approved for use during pregnancy
Essential oils approved from the 4th month of pregnancy include:
- Linalool basil, lemon and ginger, to ease nausea during pregnancy.
- Roman chamomile, to soothe redness and itching.
- Ho wood, to address loss of skin elasticity and dryness.
- Petitgrain bigarade, to ease stress.
- Sweet orange and mandarin, to calm anxiety related to childbirth.
- Tea tree, to treat pregnancy-related acne.
- Virginia cedarwood and Italian helichrysum, for venous concerns and the feeling of heavy legs.
In total, around thirty essential oils are approved for use during pregnancy. Topical application is preferred, except on the abdomen. Essential oils should always be diluted in a fatty carrier, using just a few drops. You can add a small amount of essential oil to a natural vegetable oil, blend the mixture and apply it to your skin, avoiding the abdomen. One final rule: be mindful when blending essential oils. Some essences are not compatible with one another. If you wish to create your own blend, be sure to seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist first.
3- Vegetable oils: a better choice than essential oils during pregnancy
As you will have gathered, using essential oils during pregnancy is a complex matter. Forbidden during the first trimester, then restricted thereafter… It is also worth noting that none of the essential oils typically effective on stretch marks are approved for use during pregnancy. So what can you do to address pregnancy stretch marks on the stomach or chest?
Natural vegetable oils are a perfectly safe option! There are many to choose from, and they pose no risk to your baby. Coconut, macadamia or wheatgerm — the key is to choose high-quality oils that are 100% pure and cold-pressed for maximum effectiveness.
The Stretch Mark Care Oil is the go-to companion for expectant mothers. It combines 6 precious oils, including sweet almond, jojoba and avocado, to help prevent and reduce pregnancy stretch marks. Natural, pure, free from chemical additives and any ingredient that could be harmful to you or your baby, it leaves skin supple, soft and elastic — while supporting the skin’s recovery for visibly diminished stretch marks.
