19 May 2011
In
Aromatherapy, Essential Oils, Massage, News, pregnancy, Pregnancy Massage
CARE FOR YOUR SKIN THROUGH PREGNANCY WITH AROMATHERAPY
Many changes occur physically during pregnancy due to the change in levels of hormones. Moles, freckles or birth marks may change shape or colour. Some people experience a change to their usual skin type, i.e. someone who has very oily skin may notice their skin becoming dryer and someone with dry skin may notice a change in their sebum levels which may increases the likelihood of an acne flare up. If the skin becomes very dry and itchy its worth mentioning it to your midwife as it may be assign of some disturbance with your liver function.
Some women will notice a change in their overall body temperature and may find that they perspire more. This is due to the increase in blood flow and a rise in metabolism. I’m sure we’ve all seen heavily pregnant women walking about in November with only a t-shirt on!
Pigmentation may darken in some areas, some women notice a change over their faces, a darkening called ‘Chloasma’ or the ‘mask of pregnancy’, and some women will get a dark vertical line over their belly as the uterus grows leaving what is called the ‘linear nigra’.
The most commonly known skin changes are stretch marks and these can be unsightly and some women fear their arrival. Stretch marks appear due to a change and a loss in the adhesive quality in the deeper layers of the skin. They don’t only appear over the abdomen they can occur over the breast tissue and around the lower back and buttocks also.
Most of these are not necessarily a need for concern but women do worry about these changes and aromatherapy can be very beneficial.Massage in itself nurtures the skin through the application of a base oil. A cold pressed vegetable oil is best, but you can self massage with any vegetable oil. Mineral based products are best avoided as they act as a barrier as opposed to enhancing the skin quality. Also they are not derived from a sustainable source.
With the added benefits of Essential Oils the skin can be glowing and nurtured throughout your pregnancy. The therapeutic effect of the essential oils comes from their chemical makeup.
One of these properties is known as Cytophylactic. This means to encourage cell regeneration. Other properties that are beneficial are Vulnerary oils, essential oil with this property promotes the healing of wounds and Cicatrisant oils which have an effect on improving scar tissue. TheAntiseptic quality of essential oils is well documented and may be used for cuts, infections, acne or boils.
All essential oils used topically (applied to the skin) in pregnancy must first be diluted into vegetable/carrier oil and never applied neat or directly on to the skin. Aromatherapists should always use a 1% blend throughout pregnancy in any application.
So which are the best essential oils for pregnancy to assist with skin care?
Neroli, citrus aurantium has a totally wonderful aroma and is great oil for skin care. It has the aforementioned quality that is cytophylactic. It can be beneficial for stretch marks.
Frankincense, Boswellia thurifera, an ancient essential oil used for many purposes. One of its therapeutic qualities is to nurture the skin. The oil is obtained by cutting the bark of the Frankincense tree which then oozes a resin. The oil mimics what naturally happens in nature. If the tree is damaged or cut in anyway the resin seeps from the tree and protects the wound. Frankincense applied in a blend to the skin will enhance and repair skin damage just the same way as it protects the tree.
Mandarin, citrus reticulata is another essential oil for stretch marks, as well as having Cicatrisant quality it is also a mild antiseptic and astringent, useful in cases of acne or oily skin.
These are just 3 of the many oils that can be used safely and effectively throughout pregnancy. Always consult a qualified aromatherapist if you are unsure of any application or essential oil.
If you would like personal or professional advice on any of the above, you can contact Jo at jo@fromtheseed.co.uk from the seed offers bespoke holistic care from conception to baby and beyond in Brighton. For more info visit www.fromthe seed.co.uk