During pregnancy it’s not just your body that undergoes change, some women also experience differences in their complexion. Whether that’s dryness, extra sensitivity or even extra breakouts, the changes that occur are generally due to fluctuating hormones.
You might think it’s difficult to achieve the ‘pregnancy glow’ whilst juggling work and home life, but our essential oils expert, Aromatherapist Jo Kellett says otherwise. In fact, you can keep skin hydrated, prevent oiliness and minimise stretch marks with beautifully blended essential oils, and maximise your pregnancy skin glow.
Jo says: “It’s safe to use aromatherapy from your second trimester, though there are certain essential oils to avoid and you will need to reduce the amount you use. We recommend making your own blends – don’t be worried about this – it’s very simple, just one drop of essential oil to every 5ml of blending oil.
There are three common changes to the skin which can occur during pregnancy – these are dryness, oily skin and stretch marks. Aromatherapy is a wonderful way to nourish and nurture your skin throughout this precious journey.
If you are experiencing very itchy skin or have any other worries about the changes that are occurring to your skin, please consult your Midwife or Obstetrician.
Dry Skin
As your baby grows and your body changes shape you may notice your skin becoming dry. Keeping hydrated is essential for everyone but particularly important if you are pregnant. Massaging an aromatherapy blend into your skin will relieve the dryness and moisturise your skin.
Jo says: “I would recommend using 25ml of nourishing Jojoba as a blending oil and add the following wonderfully scented essential oils. Simply apply every other day to areas of your body that feel dry.”
3 drops of Lavender – Lavandula angustoflia
2 drops of Frankincense – Boswellia carterii
Oily Skin
Some women find their skin may become oily or congested with breakouts. Again, this is down to the changing levels of hormones throughout pregnancy. You may find that your skin changes on your face or you may notice a ‘break out’ over your chest or upper back.
Jo adds: “Some people think using an oil for ‘oily skin’ to be counter-intuitive when it is exactly the opposite. A cold pressed blending oil will encourage a balancing effect, and with the addition of essential oils, you can potentially improve the quality of your skin. To 25ml of blending oil add the following essential oils.”
3 drops Bergamot – Citrus bergamia
2 drops of Geranium – Pelargonium graveolens
Apply the blended aromatherapy oils every other day to areas of congestion.
Stretch Marks
A lot of women are concerned about stretch marks developing whilst pregnant. This tends to be a familial thing, if your Mum or sister were prone to stretch marks then it may be something you will also develop.
Jo says ”To help minimise stretch marks, you will need to apply a blend every other day from the beginning of the second trimester to your abdomen, across your lower back, around the breast tissue and to your thighs. Add the following essential oils to 25ml of Jojoba blending oil:
2 drops of Neroli – Citrus aurantium amara
3 drops of Mandarin – Citrus nobilis
Jo concludes: “Not only can aromatherapy nurture the skin, the uplifting and calming essential oils can also provide much-needed relief after a stressful day.”
*If you have any concerns about you or your babies’ health during pregnancy you should consult your Midwife or Obstetrician. The use of essential oils is complimentary to your well-being during your pregnancy and does not take the place of orthodox medical care*
About Jo Kellett
Our essential oil expert, Jo Kellett TIDHA MIFPA CIMI, graduated from the Tisserand Institute of Holistic Aromatherapy in 1996. She returned to the college in 1999 as an Essential Oil Therapeutics Tutor, where she taught until the college closed. Jo runs a successful private Aromatherapy practice in Brighton, specialising in Women’s health. Jo is also an internationally published author and has lectured on the subject of Aromatherapy both in the UK and abroad.
For more information on Jo Kellett, check out her website or Instagram
