With the booming popularity of natural and organic beauty treatments, argan oil has emerged as a favorite for its moisturizing and skin health benefits. But can pregnant women share in the argan oil craze, too?
Derived from the nuts of the argan tree found in Morocco, this oil is touted for its nourishing properties. Yet, it’s normal to wonder whether this powerful natural remedy is safe for expectant mamas and their developing babies.
Let’s get into the facts and explore how this oil can be a part of a pregnancy-safe skincare routine.
Can pregnant women use argan oil?
Yes, pregnant women can safely use argan oil on their skin. This natural product packs plenty of Vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants, contributing to its hydrating and skin-elasticity benefits(1).
It doesn’t only work to prevent the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy but is also used for moisturizing and soothing itchy, stretching skin.
We emphasize that pregnant women go for pure, organic argan oil without any added fragrances or synthetic ingredients. This, when applied to the skin or hair, gives the best and safest results.
As with any product, expectant moms need to consult with their obstetricians or dermatologists before incorporating it into their routines.
Despite the general safety of argan oil, personal health conditions or sensitivities may also necessitate professional advice.
Benefits of argan oil during pregnancy
While expecting, your body goes through several changes, and taking good care of yourself becomes even more important. Here are some of its benefits for pregnant women:
- Moisturizes Skin: Your skin is prone to dryness and itchiness as your belly expands. Argan oil is deeply hydrating and can soothe your skin, keeping it soft and comfortable.
- Helps Reduce Stretch Marks: Many pregnant women worry about stretch marks. While they’re a normal part of pregnancy, this oil can help. Its rich vitamin E content improves skin elasticity, which may reduce the chance of developing stretch marks.
- Soothes Sore Feet and Achy Muscles: Your feet and muscles might feel sore and tired because of the extra weight. Massaging argan oil into these areas can be relieving.
- Safe for Sensitive Skin: Many women experience sensitive skin during pregnancy. This kernel-made oil is gentle and safe for such skin, making it the perfect choice for moms looking for natural skin care options.
- Improves Hair Health: Pregnancy hormones can ruin your hair, making it dry and thin. This oil can help restore shine and strength to your hair, keeping it healthy.
- Nail Strengthener: During this journey, your nails might also change, becoming brittle or soft. Rubbing in a little bit of this can strengthen them and keep them looking good.
- Non-Toxic Beauty Alternative: Many pregnant women look for beauty products without harsh chemicals. Pure argan oil is a natural, chemical-free option for your skin, hair, and nails.
Remember, while argan oil is generally safe, it’s always good to do a patch test on your skin first or consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you have nut allergies or sensitive skin. This way, you can enjoy its benefits during your pregnancy with peace of mind.
Tips for Using Argan Oil During Pregnancy
Your skin, hair, and nails might greatly benefit from argan oil. However, it’s important to use it safely and effectively. Here are some tips and safety considerations to keep in mind:
Use Pure Argan Oil
Pure argan oil means it’s all-natural, with no added chemicals or scents that might irritate your skin or harm your baby. It’s just packed with the good stuff, like vitamins and fatty acids, which are like a superfood for your skin.
Using a product that’s as close to nature as possible is always a good move when you’re expecting. Finding pure argan oil is pretty straightforward. Your focus should be on the label.
Look for words like “100% pure argan oil” or “organic.” This means there’s nothing in there but the oil. And take a peek at the ingredients list; it should only list argan oil, nothing else.
Moreover, good argan oil usually comes in a dark bottle to protect it from light, which keeps it fresh longer. So there you go. Using pure argan oil can be a fantastic way to keep your skin feeling great during pregnancy, as long as you make sure it’s the real deal.
Do a Patch Test
Before you go all in with your argan oil, rub a little bit onto a small area of your skin, maybe on the inside of your forearm. That skin is pretty sensitive, so it’s a good spot to test.
Once applied, wait for at least a few hours or a day. This is to allow your skin time to show any probable weird signs, like redness, itching, or bumps.
If you don’t experience this, and everything looks good fine after this mini-waiting period, that’s great news! It probably means you’re good to go and can start using argan oil as part of your routine.
Remember that just because it is natural doesn’t mean it’s a perfect match for everyone. Everyone’s skin is different, and you never know how yours will react until you try.
So this little patch test is your safety buddy, helping you use argan oil without any big surprises.
Use Sparingly
Think about argan oil as if it were a super-rich dessert. You wouldn’t have a huge slice because it’s so decadent; a little bit is satisfying enough. The same goes for this product.
Begin with just a drop or two in your palm. That might not seem like much, but it’s usually enough to cover your face and have you reap all the benefits you’re looking for, like softer and more hydrated skin.
If you’re using it in your hair, it’s the same deal. A couple of drops rubbed between your hands and then through the ends of your hair can help manage frizz and add a beautiful shine without making your hair feel greasy.
The step isn’t only about avoiding waste. It also means your bottle of argan oil lasts longer, so it’s better for your wallet, too.
Applying too much of any oil, even one as wonderful as argan can leave your skin or hair feeling a bit too oily. So, by using just a little, you get all the goodness without any downsides.
Avoid sensitive areas
Packed with nutrients, argan oil can be great for your skin, but not all parts. Some areas of your body are more sensitive than others. For instance, the skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate than other parts of your face, so you want to be extra careful.
Direct application to broken skin might also cause stinging or irritation; hence, it must be avoided. Instead, focus on areas where your skin can handle richer products.
Your cheeks, forehead, and chin are all safe if you’re using it on your face. These areas benefit greatly from the hydration and vitamins that argan oil offers.
You are free to mix a few drops with your regular moisturizer to dilute its concentration a bit. You still reap the benefits this way but in a milder form that is kinder to all parts of your face and body.
Store Properly
Just as you wouldn’t leave juice out in the sun or keep it somewhere warm, you shouldn’t do that with Argan oil either. Heat and light are not friends with argan oil; they can make it go bad faster.
That’s why finding a cool, dark place for your bottle is the way to go. A cabinet in your bathroom or a drawer away from sunlight and heat sources is ideal.
Also, think about how you’d want to keep air out of your juice to keep it fresh longer. The same applies here. Always make sure the lid or cap on your argan oil is screwed on tight after you use it.
If too much air gets in, the quality of the oil can be lowered over time. By storing it properly, you help keep all those nourishing properties intact, so every time you use it, you get the best benefits for your skin or hair.
Plus, it means you won’t have to replace your oil as often, which is both convenient and better for your wallet. So, a little effort in storing your argan oil right keeps it at its best.
Check with the Healthcare Provider
Checking in with a healthcare provider about it helps you understand the effects on your skin or hair and what to expect, and it ensures you get all the benefits with zero surprises.
Your doctor or dermatologist knows your health history and can tailor their advice for you. They can tell you if it really is a good match for you or if there’s a reason you have to steer clear.
For example, if you’ve got allergies or have hypersensitive skin, they can help you determine whether argan oil will be soothing or cause irritation.
This quick chat with your healthcare provider is your green light to ensure you’re set to enjoy everything the oil has to offer, knowing it’s a good fit for you.
This is a Wrap
To wrap up our discussion on argan oil for pregnant women, it’s undoubtful that this natural treasure offers a range of benefits. Be it moisturizing the skin or potentially helping prevent stretch marks.
The golden rule: Always, and I repeat, always prioritize safety and peace of mind. Because every woman’s journey is different, the smartest step before incorporating argan oil into your routine is to have a chat with your healthcare provider.
This ensures that it’s a good fit for you and won’t interfere with your pregnancy in any way. Remember, your body goes through many changes during pregnancy, and being mindful about what you apply to your skin is a big part of taking good care of both you and your baby.
