June 7, 2024
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4 MIN READ
Nourish Your Bump: Benefits of using a Tummy Oil During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a beautiful journey filled with excitement and physical changes. As your body grows to support new life, it's important to care for your skin. One must-have for pregnancy skincare is a tummy oil/belly oil.
More than just a luxury, tummy oils provide comfort and confidence throughout these nine months. Let’s explore how tummy oils work and why the right blend matters.
Key takeaways
- Tummy oils deeply moisturise and improve skin elasticity, helping to prevent stretch marks.
- Natural oils like argan, rosehip, and jojoba soothe itchy, sensitive pregnancy skin.
- Applying a tummy oil can become a relaxing ritual that fosters a bond with your growing baby.
Tummy oil benefits in pregnancy
Pregnancy often brings stretched skin, itchiness, and stretch marks. Tummy oils are designed to ease these common discomforts.
Preventing pregnancy stretch marks
Tummy oils are rich in nourishing ingredients that deeply moisturise and improve skin elasticity. This helps relieve tightness and reduces the chance of stretch marks. As your bump grows, your skin stretches. Rapid stretching can cause small tears in the skin's middle layer, leading to stretch marks. Oils with plant-based ingredients, like argan oil, boost elasticity, while vitamin E and rosehip oil help fade scars and support skin healing.
Calms and soothes itchy skin
Pregnancy hormones can make skin more sensitive and itchy. Tummy oils often contain anti-inflammatory and soothing ingredients to ease irritation and provide relief.
A special bonding ritual
Applying a tummy oil can become a calming ritual, helping you connect with your growing baby and practice mindfulness during this special time.
Ingredients to look for in a tummy oil
For the best results, choose natural, plant-based oils. High-quality, cold-pressed oils are more effective than refined oils. Here are some beneficial oils to look for:
Jojoba oil
Lightweight and fast-absorbing, jojoba oil moisturisses and soothes irritated skin.
Argan oil
Rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, argan oil boosts skin elasticity and helps prevent stretch marks. It also soothes itchy skin.
Avocado oil
Packed with vitamins A, E, and D, avocado oil deeply nourishes and hydrates but it does take longer to absorb into the skin.
Sweet almond oil
Sweet almond oil moisturises and soothes dry, itchy skin.
Rosehip oil
Full of antioxidants, rosehip oil supports skin repair and reduces scars and stretch marks.
Are essential oils safe in a pregnancy tummy oil?
Avoid essential oils during the first trimester. In the second and third trimesters, tummy oils with pregnancy-safe essential oils are fine to use.
Why avoid essential oils in the first trimester?
The first trimester is vital for fetal development. Some essential oils can trigger uterine contractions, which may increase the risk of miscarriage. Though research is limited, it’s best to stay cautious during this early stage.
Tummy oil vs tummy butter
Not sure whether to choose a tummy oil or butter? Here's a simple guide:
- Tummy oil: Lightweight and quick to absorb - great for daytime use.
- Tummy butter: Thicker and deeply nourishing - ideal for nighttime or very dry skin.
Your choice depends on your personal preference and skin type.
Introducing Mama Bare Belly Oil
Natural skincare brand Amaranthine has created Mama Bare Belly Oil - a tummy oil made with organic botanical oils and extracts to nurture your growing bump. This award-winning tummy oil deeply hydrates, soothes itchiness, and improves skin elasticity to help prevent stretch marks.
Key features:
- Essential oil free (scent-free)
- Certified cruelty-free
- Certified palm oil-free
- Handcrafted in Scotland
- Large 200ml bottle
- 100% natural
You may also be interested in our other pregnancy article: Are essential oils safe to use in pregnancy?
Our products mentioned in this article
Sarah Rueger
About the author
Sarah is the founder of certified palm oil free natural skincare brand Amaranthine. She is a qualified organic skincare formulator and has diplomas in Beauty Therapy and Clinical Aromatherapy.
