From diet to skincare, every choice you make now can impact both you and the little one. A popular skincare ingredient that often comes up is marula oil.
It originates in South Africa from the nuts of the marula tree. And we know of it as hydrating and full of antioxidants. But then, is it safe to use during pregnancy? We’ll look into this;
Can I use Marula oil During Pregnancy? Is It Safe?
Yes, pregnant moms can go ahead and use marula oil; it is safe and effective!
I’ve had a couple of my patients use this and testify how well it does in retaining skin’s hydration and elasticity, which are especially important during these times when your skin keeps drying out and stretching.
Not only is it natural, it is non-irritating and often used topically, meaning it’s applied directly to the skin, deeply hydrating it.
Unlike some oil types that can be harsh and otherwise hurt expectant moms, marula oil is seen as a gentle and beneficial choice.
It stuffs essential fatty acids, antioxidants and amino acids that nourish the skin and hair and does it better. That is why I’ve always recommended it for moms-to-be all the time.
But before you ease in, you gotta play it safe! We’ve all got different skins, and what might have worked for me won’t necessarily do for you, and contrariwise. Plus, during pregnancy, your skin becomes overly sensitive than usual.
So, any safer bet? Yup! Do a patch test whenever you tryin this for the first time. Apply a small amount of marula oil to a part of your skin and wait 24 hours to see if there’s a reaction.
If you find that the area burns, itches or looks reddish thereon, you’d want to look past marula oil, at least for now. If you don’t notice any effects, this is for you; go ahead. (More on some safety tips soon).
Benefits of Marula Oil During Pregnancy
No two ways about it; marula oil can be a great helper during this time. It’s like a superfood for your skin because it loads good stuff like vitamins C and E. And it even has antioxidants, which keep your skin looking fresh and glowing[1].
For skin moisturizing, it’s a plus, especially as your belly grows, stretches and itches. If most of your worries are on stretch marks, then this oil can be your friend.
While it’s not a magic potion that makes them disappear, using it can help your skin stay supple and make it less likely to get those marks.
It is also pretty gentle, kind and not too harsh, making your skin feel super soft and smooth, which is a nice treat when you’re feeling all the ups and downs of pregnancy.
Tips For Safe Use of Marula Oil During Pregnancy
These easy tips on how to use marula oil are just what you need for safe, effective results:
Start with a Patch Test
I thought of skipping this since I already mentioned it a couple of times. It’s worth the re-emphasis, though.
Using marula oil during pregnancy can be a great way to keep your skin soft and hydrated, but it’s important to make sure you won’t have a reaction to it.
To be safe, you should try a patch test before using it all over your body. Here’s what to do; Pat a little bit of it on a small area of your skin. Maybe on your arm or the back of your palm, and then wait for a day.
If your skin doesn’t get irritated, itchy or swell, then this is probably okay for you to use. If you do see any redness or feel any itching, it’s best to stop using the oil and maybe talk to your doctor about it.
Look for Pure Marula Oil
If you decide to use marula oil, you should try to find the pure stuff. When it is 100% pure, it doesn’t have any extra chemicals, parabens or things added that might hurt you and the little one.
Products with extra stuff are more likely to irritate or cause allergies, which is something you definitely want to avoid when you’re expecting.
So take a good look at the label before you buy it, and make sure it says “100% pure marula oil.” Using the pure oil can help keep your skin soft and healthy while you’re waiting for your little one to arrive.
Use Moderately
You don’t need to use a lot of it to see benefits. For all we know, it is very rich and concentrated, so just a few drops are enough to do the work perfectly, I mean moisturize your skin deeply.
If you use too much, you might end up clogging your pores or having overly oily skin, which can certainly lead to breakouts or other skin problems. That’s why we always advise mamas to start small and see how their skin takes it.
You can always add a bit more if you feel your skin needs it. Using marula oil in small amounts helps to keep your skin healthy and glowing without causing any unwanted effects.
Avoid Open Wounds
You should stay the hell away from any cuts, scrapes, or open wounds. Your skin acts as a barrier that shuts out stuff that could cause infections, and when it’s broken, it’s easier for things to get inside that aren’t supposed to.
Even natural oils like marula oil can irritate an open wound and mess with the healing. So, if you’ve got a little boo-boo or scratch, just skip the marula oil on those spots and keep it to the healthy skin areas that could use some extra love and moisture.
This way, your skin gets the good stuff from the oil and avoids any trouble spots that need to heal on their own.
Storage Tips
Just like food, marula oil can go bad if it’s not kept in the right spot. So, you want to make sure it sits placidly in a cool, dark place in your house. Heat and sunlight can go a long way to decrease it’s potency, sometimes causing it to even spoil.
Think about keeping it in a cabinet or drawer away from windows where it gets hot and sunny. Also, make sure the cap is tight so air can’t get in and mess with the oil.
If you take care of how you store it, it will also take care of your skin all through your pregnancy.
Listen to Your Skin
Everyone’s skin is a bit different, and your skin can even change during pregnancy. Sometimes, what worked before might not feel right now.
So, if you start using this and notice your skin seems upset—like if it gets itchy, red, or just doesn’t feel good—it’s time to take a break. Your skin’s way of telling you what’s up is really important to listen to.
If marula oil seems to be causing any kind of trouble, it might be good to keep your doctor or dermatologist in the know. They can help you figure out what’s best for your skin during this special time.
Is Marula Oil Safe During Pregnancy? – THIS IS A WRAP
It looks like marula oil can be a safe and helpful buddy for your skin at these delicate times. It’s filled with all the good stuff that can nourish and protect your skin, which is working nine months of overtime.
In fact, it could hold in some moisture, keeping your skin soft and perhaps even warding off those stretch marks. But remember to steer clear of using it on any open wounds.
Keep it stored properly, and listen closely to how your skin feels when you use it. If your skin is giving you a thumbs up, it can be a great addition to your skincare routine.
However, when in doubt, especially when you experience some weird symptoms after using it, like redness, rashes or hives, it doesn’t hurt to have a quick chat with your doctor or a dermatologist to correct it, ensure it’s okay or discontinue use.
After all, when it comes to pregnancy, being on the safe side is always a good call. But with the green light, marula oil might just be that special touch your skin needs during this beautiful journey.
