Resources: Healthline, Intermountain Health Care and Mayo Clinic

Changes in Pregnancy Skin: What Happens?

Pregnancy-related skin changes are very normal, but unique to each mama. Some are graced with flawless, glowing skin while others are not so lucky. The most common skin issues are dry skin, darkening skin (a condition called melasma or chloasma) and acne. Those with preexisting skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis or rosacea may notice their conditions getting worse or showing improvement during pregnancy. Your body is changing and being flooded with hormones, and will likely react in some way. Skin changes from pregnancy can also affect other areas of your body, like stretch marks, spider veins, hair growth and even hair loss.

As baby grows and your skin stretches, stretch marks often appear, usually presenting themselves in the last trimester. Stretch marks can present themselves as indented streaks stretching across the midsection, back, hips, breasts and bottom. They may also appear as pink, purple, red, black or blue streaks, sometimes starting out as bright streaks and fading to a lighter color. They range in all sizes from small to large stripes that cover large areas of the body. They are not painful or harmful, but some people don’t like the way they look.

What Determines Stretch Marks

The severity of stretch marks “is affected by several factors, including your genetics and the degree of stress on the skin. Your level of the hormone cortisol also might play a role. Cortisol-a hormone produced by the adrenal glands-weakens elastic fibers in the skin,” explains the Mayo Clinic. It is largely genetic, but they also come on due to the weight gain of pregnancy. When looking for a good oil, hydration is key!

Skin Care During Pregnancy

Baby gets water from your body. That, in addition to hormone changes, can lead to dry skin. Drink plenty of water! Intermountain Health Care recommends 8-12 glasses of water a day as you will need more water than average “to form amniotic fluid, produce extra blood, build new tissue, carry nutrients, enhance digestion and flush out waste and toxins.” In addition to drinking plenty of water, another strategy to prevent stretch marks is frequently moisturizing susceptible zones to help the skin stretch naturally as your body changes.

The most susceptible areas to stretch marks on your body are the belly, hips and thighs. Moisturize these areas regularly with either a lotion, oil or balm to support the health of your skin!

Elasticity Oil 

Elasticity Oil  is a wonderful product used for skin resiliency and restoration. It is highly absorbent, non-irritating to sensitive skin, and doesn’t clog pores! Mamas-to-be use it not just on their stretch mark prone areas, but on their entire body to promote elasticity of the skin and soothe any dryness. 

The Elasticity Oil can be used on all types of skin, including dry, normal, oily, and acne-prone. Massage Elasticity Oil onto bust, belly and behind every morning and evening. The oil absorbs quickly, smells wonderful and helps you feel relief from itchy, uncomfortable skin in all the changing areas on your body.

Alternative Uses for Elasticity Oil

1. Keeps your skin hydrated longer
2. Extremely high in vitamin E, Elasticity oil helps protect skin cells from harmful UV rays and other environmental stressors
3. Rich in vitamins A, C, and D, making it effective in helping to regenerate new skin cells and fight acne-causing bacteria
4. Antioxidant properties of Elasticity Oil are beneficial for the youthful appearance of your health and skin
5. Reduce signs of aging - the vitamin E in sunflower seed oil can help protect the collagen and elastin in the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in your face
6. Particularly beneficial for dry skin, Elasticity oil has natural calming properties that improve your skin’s moisture retention capacity
7. Anti-inflammatory properties help lower skin redness, decrease inflammation and enhances the development of new skin cells

Elasticity Oil Users Rave

“This elasticity oil is FANTASTIC! Absorbs nicely and does not leave a greasy feeling. Leaves your skin feeling luxurious, hydrated and soft!”

-Anonymous, Colorado

“I have gained 34 pounds during my pregnancy and haven't seen any stretch marks. The stretch marks that I did have from previous weight gain seem to have gone away a bit, too. This stuff is like magic and it smells really great.”

-J. Roe, Texas

“I loved the oil so much, I purchased it for my BFF when she announced her pregnancy as my MUST HAVE pregnancy product. I've now been using it on my newborns cradle cap and it is not too oily on Eric’s little head. Highly recommended.”

-Linda, California

“This oil soaks in fast, smells wonderful, and makes your skin feel amazing! Will buy it again.”

-Mich, California

“I found this product and immediately after beginning use, I was no longer itching and my skin was soft and smooth throughout the day. So far, I do not have stretch marks and it is not genetics because I have stretch marks on my thighs from years ago gaining my college freshman 15.
I recently ran out of the oil and began using regular baby oil until my new supply arrived in the mail. WELL, it doesn't even compare. First, the itching has returned with a vengeance along with a slight rash!! I am counting down the days until my new supply of elasticity oil arrives! I HIGHLY recommend this product and will definitely be using it again with our next pregnancy.”

-Kaibella, Texas

“I do lots of gardening and horse chores and this is great on dried out hands and knees.”

-Ellie, Rural Midwest