As a mother of two with a third baby on the way, Bubbsi founder Sweta Doshi appreciates the benefits of a good pregnancy glow as much as anyone—but she also knows that the word “radiant” doesn't fully begin to capture the dramatic ups and downs of pregnancy skincare.
In addition to the changing shape of our bodies, pregnant women often have to deal with stretch marks, itching and dryness. But, even with dozens of expensive pregnancy stretch mark creams on the market, it’s not always easy to find natural pregnancy skincare that is also safe for baby, nourishing for the whole body, non-greasy and easy to use–all while being able to tackle multiple issues during pregnancy and post-partum.
The good news is that the same naturally-derived Bubbsi products that protect and moisturize babies are great for expecting mothers’ skincare, too! Coconut oil can not only help prevent and reduce the appearance of stretch marks, but its anti-fungal, antibacterial properties can help prevent and heal skin irritations and infections. Plus, Bubbsi’s light coconut vanilla scent makes it a soothing part of daily pregnancy self-care.
How Coconut Oil Helps Prevent Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are tiny scars that happen when the skin’s connective tissue is stretched, causing the collagen fibers to break down and the blood vessels underneath to show through. They can appear when skin has stretched dramatically during a short period of time (such as during a rapid weight gain), but, in pregnancy, they tend to pop up on the belly, breasts, bum, hips and thighs around the middle to end of the second trimester.
While up to 90 percent of pregnant women develop stretch marks, the American Pregnancy Association says that one of the best defenses against them is making sure that the skin maintains its elasticity during pregnancy. Since dry skin is less elastic and more prone to tearing than well-hydrated skin, the moisturizing benefits of coconut oil make it a naturally-derived, safe alternative to most pregnancy stretch mark creams. Coconut oil can also help reduce the appearance and severity of stretch marks by promoting collagen turnover in wounds and reducing inflammation.
How Coconut Oil Helps With Dry Itchy Skin During Pregnancy
Another uncomfortable side effect of pregnancy is how the loss of elasticity and moisture, as well as hormonal changes, can also cause dry, flaky, itchy skin.
In the past, generations of expecting mothers have reached for mineral-based products, like Johnson’s Baby Oil, Aquaphor and Vaseline, as both a pregnancy stretch mark cream and to combat irritating skin itching issues. But, given that mineral oil products are derived from petroleum and can clog pores, modern moms are seeking a cleaner and more earth-friendly alternative to mineral oil.
According to a study reported in Dermatology Times, “coconut oil was found to be equal to (with a trend toward being superior to) mineral oil as an emollient, resulting in significant skin hydration and increased surface lipid levels.”
Bubbsi’s Whipped Coconut Oil Body Cream is a nourishing blend of coconut oil, shea butter and Vitamin E that can alleviate dry, itchy skin during pregnancy—especially when followed up with our non-greasy Coconut Oil Balm to lock in moisture and soothe specific dry patches. After the baby arrives, this comforting combo can help breastfeeding moms soothe dry, cracked nipples and protect little ones against common infant and toddler skin issues such as baby eczema.
How Coconut Helps Prevent Skin Infections During Pregnancy
Along with stretch marks and dry, itchy skin, women can develop other rashes and skin infections during pregnancy including heat rash, hives, atopic eruptions (i.e. eczema, prurigo, which is a rash of small bumps filled with fluid, and pruritic folliculitis, a.k.a. pregnancy acne), and PUPPP rash, which produces itchy bumps, usually in the late second or third trimester.
As a natural emollient with anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial properties, coconut oil not only helps to prevent and treat these ailments, but it has also been shown to decrease staph colonization on skin.
How Pregnant Women Can Incorporate Coconut Oil into their Skincare Routine
Unlike expensive supplements and treatments, coconut oil can be seamlessly incorporated into anyone’s daily self-care routine as an alternative to standard pregnancy stretch mark cream and a general skin saver.
Bubbsi’s gentle, naturally-derived, quick-absorbing formula makes it simple and relaxing for expecting moms like Sweta to keep skin calm, smooth and healthy throughout pregnancy by conditioning daily with Whipped Coconut Oil Body Cream, then layering Coconut Oil Balm to deeply moisturize targeted trouble areas such as dry patches on the belly, elbows, heels–or wherever dry, itchy skin flares up. Best of all, both Bubbsi’s Newborn Starter Set and our Head to Toe Moisture Starter Set make great gifts for both mama and baby to get started on a daily, deeply-moisturizing ritual that supports healthy, wholesome, sustainable skincare for the whole family.
