You’re expecting a little one — congratulations! But alongside the joy of becoming a mother, you may have concerns about the physical changes your body is going through. Nature, however, holds some wonderful treasures that can make your pregnancy journey much smoother. Natural vegetable oils may help soothe some of the minor discomforts that come with pregnancy. Here are a few ideas to guide you.
Why choose vegetable oils during pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a time of great joy, but it also comes with its share of little challenges. The body undergoes such profound changes that it sometimes shows signs of strain. The physical demands of pregnancy can lead to a number of discomforts:
- Skin prone to stretch marks, sometimes to dryness, and sometimes to hyperpigmentation (such as chloasma or linea nigra)
- Changes in hair texture and quality
- Increased muscle strain, especially in the back and pelvic floor
Faced with these changes, it’s tempting to reach for cosmetic solutions — both as a preventive measure and to treat existing concerns. However, many cosmetics are not suitable for pregnant women, as the ingredients they contain may be harmful to the baby’s development in utero. This is why using natural vegetable oils, cold-pressed and free from ingredients that could harm your baby (such as fragrances, preservatives, texture agents, or mineral oils derived from petrochemicals), is strongly recommended.
Which vegetable oil helps prevent stretch marks?
Stretch marks, skin lesions caused by sudden and intense stretching of the skin, are extremely common during pregnancy. It is estimated that between 50 and 70% of women will develop them during their first pregnancy. That said, they are not inevitable — especially when preventive care is put in place. Consistent skincare on the most vulnerable areas, such as the belly, bust, hips, thighs and buttocks, can help protect against pregnancy stretch marks.
Applying a natural vegetable oil once or twice daily can play a key role in preventing stretch marks. Recommended oils include:
- Jojoba oil, whose composition closely resembles the skin’s natural sebum (with a predominance of gadoleic acid), absorbs easily and nourishes the skin deeply without leaving a greasy finish. It is particularly recommended for dry and/or dehydrated skin.
- Sesame vegetable oil, with its nourishing and emollient properties, is especially well suited for massaging areas prone to stretch marks. Its unique composition — four fatty acids, minerals including selenium, and lecithin — makes it a true skin beauty elixir.
- Our Stretch Mark Prevention Oil, a blend of 6 natural vegetable oils (sesame, avocado, jojoba, soya, sweet almond and sunflower), is a rich complex of fatty acids that is exceptionally beneficial for the delicate skin of pregnant women.
Which vegetable oil helps repair stretch marks?
If stretch marks appear despite your regular use of natural vegetable oil, all is not lost! The sooner you treat them — ideally while they are still in the inflammatory stage and appear red or purple — the better the chances of them fading. Massaging with an oil tones the dermis and encourages the production of new supportive elastic fibres. Stretch marks heal more quickly and the skin regains its plumpness sooner.
- Avocado oil, with its very rich texture, works wonders on fresh stretch marks. The sterols it contains act as anti-inflammatory and healing agents, speeding up skin repair.
- Wheat germ oil is at once emollient, restorative and protective. Its rich texture pairs beautifully with a lighter, drier oil. It is also very well tolerated by sensitive skin.
- Hazelnut oil, known for its healing and antiseptic properties (one of the reasons it is recommended for treating acne!), is also well suited to caring for existing stretch marks. Its fine texture absorbs quickly, making it ideal for blending with the two oils mentioned above to create a homemade stretch mark treatment.
Which vegetable oil is best for skin and hair beauty?
Pregnancy often comes with minor inconveniences you could do without. Fortunately, certain vegetable oils can come to the rescue!
- For hyperpigmentation concerns: the hormonal upheaval of pregnancy can cause changes in skin pigmentation, such as chloasma (the pregnancy mask) or linea nigra (the dark line that appears on the pregnant belly). In these cases, two options stand out: rosehip vegetable oil or lily oil macerate, both of which help even out skin tone while soothing the skin.
- For pregnancy-related acne: hormonal fluctuations can sometimes alter the nature of the skin on a pregnant woman’s face, leading to oiliness or even breakouts. In these cases, jojoba and hazelnut oils, already recommended for stretch marks, can work wonders!
- For hair care: in general, hair actually thrives during pregnancy — the oestrogen produced in abundance contributes to its strength and vitality. Hair loss or dullness tends to occur later, in the postpartum period. That said, there’s every reason to care for your hair from the very start of pregnancy, as a preventive measure. Piqui and yangu oils are ideal for curly hair, passion fruit oil adds smoothness and shine to fine hair, fenugreek oil stimulates growth, and Brazil nut oil or shea olein will strengthen all hair types.
Which oil helps relieve heavy legs?
Another common companion of pregnancy: the sensation of heavy legs. Once again, hormones are largely to blame, as they can have a negative impact on venous health. Tingling, numbness and feelings of heaviness are not uncommon during pregnancy. But there are solutions!
- Calophyllum inophyllum vegetable oil is a must-have for anyone experiencing veno-lymphatic insufficiency. Thanks to its circulation-boosting properties, it is a highly regarded ingredient for toning microcirculation and supporting venous return.
- Safflower oil, rich in vitamin K, is also recommended for heavy legs. It helps restore healthy fluid circulation. Light and fine in texture, it absorbs easily into the skin for a comfortable, effortless application.
Which vegetable oil is best for perineal massage?
Why massage the perineum during pregnancy? Because it will be put under considerable strain during childbirth. Certain oils are particularly well suited to nourishing and softening the perineal area. With regular massage, labour can unfold under the best possible conditions — postpartum discomfort is likely to be less intense, and the risk of tearing is reduced.
- Arnica oil macerate: arnica, a beautiful yellow flower, is widely used to calm inflammatory reactions and prevent bruising. Arnica oil macerate is therefore ideal for preparing the perineal area for childbirth. Apply regularly from the third trimester onwards.
- St. John’s Wort oil macerate is another excellent option. It is a powerful soothing agent, often used by athletes to ease sore muscles. And pregnancy, after all, is quite the physical feat!
- Sweet almond vegetable oil is a true all-rounder. It can be used for almost anything — recommended equally for stretch mark care and perineal massage. It is also perfect for treating cradle cap once your baby has arrived!
- Evening primrose oil is deeply softening and soothing. It supports skin elasticity while revitalising tired skin — making it an ideal choice for maintaining perineal suppleness.