There are a number of essential oils to use for skin care when you are pregnant. However, there are also some essential oils that should not be used in pregnancy due to the potentially toxic chemical components in them that may cause an adverse reaction to the fetus. Essential oils are believed to benefit skin care conditions such as dry and oily skin, stretch marks and cracked nipples during and after pregnancy. Consult a qualified health care practitioner before using essential oils.
Skin Care and Pregnancy
Essential oils are extracted from plants and are used in the practice of aromatherapy to treat a number of health problems and conditions, including those related to skin care. The risk of a miscarriage or another pregnancy-related condition is usually highest in the first trimester and, consequently, the use of essential oils is usually contraindicated during this time. Use essential oils in both the second and third trimesters with caution and take professional advice before using them.
Shirley and Len Price, in "Aromatherapy for Health Professionals," write that the use of many essential oils during pregnancy is safe, although a high level of understanding of essential oils is needed. Never use abortifacient or emmenagogic essential oils in pregnancy, as they are potentially harmful to both mother and baby.
Types
Essential oils that are not contraindicated for use in pregnancy include Roman chamomile and geranium essential oil for the treatment of dry skin. Shirley Price, in "Aromatherapy for Women," advises the use of lemon or ylang ylang essential oils to treat oily skin, frankincense and lavender essential oils for the treatment of stretch marks, and rose, lavender and Roman chamomile oil for the treatment of cracked nipples.
Valerie Ann Worwood, in "The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy," advises to use a blend of rose, lavender and tangerine essential oils, in a carrier base of almond and wheatgerm oil, to prevent the occurrence of stretch marks on your skin after the birth of the baby. In addition, Worwood recommends a blend of calendula essential oil in a carrier base of almond and wheatgerm oil to take care of cracked nipples.
Essential Oils to Avoid
It is also important to know which essential oils to avoid in pregnancy. Essential oils that are believed to have abortifacient or emmenagogic properties include rosemary, peppermint, Clary sage and cajuput. The Penny Price Academy of Aromatherapy advises that these essential oils may also cause skin irritation to a pregnant abdomen. Price and Price write that different authorities list some essential oils as emmenagogic or abortifacient, whereas others do not. Therefore, it is difficult to know which essential oils may cause harm in pregnancy. Study the chemical components of individual oils, take professional advice and err on the side of caution if you are in any doubt as to the potential risk.
How to Use
Always dilute essential oils in a carrier lotion or oil, such as almond or wheatgerm oil. Reduce the quantity of essential oils used in pregnancy, depending on individual circumstances. For the prevention of stretch marks, massage the oils over the abdomen, thighs and buttocks area. Apply over the nipple and breast area for the prevention of cracked nipples. For other skin care uses, apply as appropriate in a lotion or carrier oil base.
Cautions
Research is often contradictory in the use of essential oils in pregnancy. Different experts offer differing opinions and advice, partly due to a lack of conclusive evidence. In addition, certain individuals may have different reactions to essential oils both in pregnancy and in skin care. Be aware that sensitive individuals in particular may have a greater risk of reaction. Pay attention to cautions and take professional advice before using essential oils in pregnancy for the treatment of skin care.
References
- "Aromatherapy for Health Professionals;" Shirley Price, Len Price; 2002
- "The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy;" Valerie Ann Worwood; 1991
- Penny Price Academy of Aromatherapy: Pregnancy & Aromatherapy Treatments Course Notes; 2004
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