You’re expecting a little one — congratulations! Between the joy of becoming a mother and the concerns about your changing body, it can feel like a lot to navigate. Yet nature has plenty of treasures to offer, and natural vegetable oils may help ease some of the minor discomforts that come with pregnancy. Here are a few ideas to guide you.
Why choose vegetable oils during pregnancy?
A pregnancy is a source of immense joy, but it also brings its share of small 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 perineum
Faced with these changes, many women are tempted to reach for cosmetic solutions, both as a preventive measure and to treat existing concerns. However, many conventional cosmetics are not suitable for pregnant women, as the ingredients they contain may interfere with the healthy development of the baby in utero. This is why using natural vegetable oils — cold-pressed and free from additives that could be harmful to the baby (such as fragrances, preservatives, texturising 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 stretch mark-prone areas. Its unique composition — four fatty acids, minerals including selenium, and lecithin — makes it a true beauty elixir for the skin.
- Our Huile Anti-Vergetures Prévention, 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 earlier you treat them — ideally while they are still in the inflammatory stage, appearing red or purple — the better the chances of them fading. The dermis, toned through regular oil massages, will produce new supportive elastic fibres. Stretch marks will heal more quickly and the skin will regain its plumpness sooner.
- Avocado oil, with its rich texture, works wonders on fresh stretch marks. The sterols it contains act as anti-inflammatory 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 nourishing at-home stretch mark treatment.
Which vegetable oil supports skin and hair beauty?
Pregnancy often comes with minor inconveniences that we 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 belly during pregnancy). In these cases, two options stand out: rosehip vegetable oil or lily macerated oil, both of which help even out skin tone while soothing the skin.
- For pregnancy-related acne: hormonal fluctuations can sometimes alter the nature of a pregnant woman’s facial skin, 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 is every reason to care for your hair preventively from the very start of pregnancy! Piqui and yangu oils are ideal for curly hair, passion fruit oil adds a smoothing coating 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 to blame — they can have a negative impact on venous health. Tingling, numbness and a feeling of heaviness in the legs are not uncommon during pregnancy. Thankfully, 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 stimulate 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 significant 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 reduced.
- Arnica macerated oil: arnica, a beautiful yellow flower, is widely used to soothe inflammatory conditions and prevent bruising. Arnica macerated oil is therefore ideal for preparing the perineal area for childbirth. Apply regularly from the third trimester onwards.
- St. John’s Wort macerated oil is another excellent option. A powerful soothing agent, it is 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 ideal for treating cradle cap once baby has arrived!
- Evening primrose oil is deeply softening and soothing. It supports skin elasticity while revitalising tired skin — making it a natural choice for maintaining perineal suppleness.