This pregnancy belly oil is an easy DIY that will enhance your pregnancy skincare routine. Keeping your skin hydrated is one of the best ways to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy.
While there are plenty of belly balms and oils on the market, many of them are filled with toxins and chemicals that you don’t want anywhere near your skin – especially when you’re carrying your little one. Making your own pregnancy belly oil means you can be 100% sure that the ingredients are natural and toxin-free.
(The contents of this post do not constitute medical advice. This post contains affiliate links. Click here to read our disclaimer.)
What Causes Stretch Marks?
During pregnancy, stretch marks occur when your body expands faster than your skin does. The tears that develop when that happens are stretch marks.
Stretch marks usually form later on in pregnancy, often starting around the sixth or seventh month. Many pregnant women will develop stretch marks on their belly, breasts, hips, lower back, butt, and thighs.
Keeping your skin hydrated to preserve its elasticity is the best way to prevent stretch marks. Exercise can also help maintain your skin’s elasticity, as exercising improves circulation.
Stretch marks are nothing to be ashamed of. Many mamas wear them as a badge of honor! But if you want to prevent stretch marks (or just the itchy feeling that accompanies your expanding skin), making this DIY pregnancy belly oil is the way to go.
Even if the belly oil doesn’t completely prevent the development of stretch marks, it may reduce their appearance. And applying this belly oil is a beautiful act of self-care for your body during pregnancy.
Pregnancy Belly Oil Ingredients
Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil will act as the carrier oil in your belly oil. This means that you will use it in greater quantities than the essential oils in the recipe to dilute them and make them safe for use so you can enjoy their benefits.
Sweet almond oil is known for its effectiveness in preventing stretch marks. Its healing properties soothe the skin while promoting cell health and regeneration.
This oil can stain your clothing, so either wait 10 to 15 minutes after applying it to get dressed or apply your belly oil at night before you put on cozy clothes whose appearance you’re not worried about.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil helps in healing wounds and marks on the skin. It may increase collagen production and encourage the formation of new connective tissue.
Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense essential oil is often used to treat skin conditions. It contains antioxidants that may keep your skin soft and healthy.
Geranium Essential Oil
Geranium essential oil may improve skin elasticity and mend broken collagen. It also has a heavenly smell, which makes massaging the belly oil into your skin a truly diving experience.
Patchouli Essential Oil
Patchouli oil is known to heal wounds and fade scars.
Grapefruit Essential Oil
Grapefruit essential oil may help reduce the appearance of scars, stretch marks, and cellulite. Like other citrus essential oils, it can cause adverse reactions to your skin when exposed to the sun. So always use grapefruit essential oil with a carrier oil, and avoid exposing the skin where you apply it to direct sunlight.
DIY Pregnancy Belly Oil Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- about 2 oz sweet almond oil
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 10 drops frankincense essential oil
- 5 drops geranium essential oil
- 5 drops patchouli essential oil
- 5 drops grapefruit essential oil
Method
- Using the funnel, fill your glass bottle halfway with sweet almond oil.
- Add the essential oils to the bottle, then fill it almost to the top with more sweet almond oil.
- Turn the bottle a few times to mix the oils together.
- Apply your pregnancy belly oil to your belly, breasts, lower back, butt, hips, and thighs daily. Take a few minutes to massage the oil into your skin to really receive its benefits and enjoy the experience.
If you make this belly oil, please tag me @mamaembodied on Instagram! I would love to see your DIYs!
