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Over this past year – and specifically, during my pregnancy – I’ve been sticking to an animal-based diet and limiting my consumption of polyunsaturated fats and oils. Sticking to a low-PUFA But as I’ve been cleaning up my diet, I’ve also been questioning what I’m putting on my skin, and whether high-PUFA body oils were causing the same type of inflammation that eating them does. And the more I dug, the more convinced I was that high-PUFA body oils might be causing more damage than good for my skin.
In my search for pregnancy-safe body care, I came across the Womb Wisdom Skin-Toning Oil, a very-low-PUFA body oil that women are raving about for treating and preventing stretch marks. After reading a few user reviews, I added it to my cart and decided to give it an honest shot.
In short – it’s my new secret weapon for safely preventing stretch marks and maintaining my skin integrity during pregnancy. Here’s my Womb Wisdom Skin-Toning Oil review and what you need to know about this splurge-worthy body oil.
First of all, do PUFAs Harm The Skin?
Before I dive into the product, it’s important to understand WHY we should be avoiding high-PUFA oils.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are a type of fat that can be found in various packaged foods and skincare products – specifically, products that are labeled plant-based or vegan. And while going “seed-oil-free” is starting to gain popularity among the wellness community, people are still using them regularly in their “clean” skincare products. But why would you avoid eating it, yet still put it on your skin? Especially if you’re pregnant?
Here’s some concerns raised about PUFAs in skincare:
Oxidation and Aging:
PUFAs are prone to oxidation when exposed to heat, light, and air. Oxidation leads to the formation of free radicals which can cause damage to skin cells and potentially accelerate aging. Some studies suggest that oxidized PUFAs can cause inflammation, degrade collagen, and reduce skin elasticity.
Inflammation:
There is a concern that PUFAs, especially omega-6 fatty acids, may promote inflammation in the skin. Inflammation is a critical process in aging, known as inflammaging, and can lead to various skin issues such as acne, rosacea, and other inflammatory skin conditions.
Photosensitivity:
There is some evidence that PUFAs may increase sensitivity to UV radiation, leading to an increased risk of sunburn and potentially contributing to skin cancer. Sun damage is a leading cause of premature aging in the skin.
Barrier Impairment:
Some research indicates that PUFAs might impair the skin barrier function, potentially leading to increased transepidermal water loss and making the skin more susceptible to environmental damage and irritants.
High-PUFA Oils found in skincare
Rosehip Oil: This oil is rich in linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) and alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid).
Evening Primrose Oil: High in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA, an omega-6 fatty acid).
Grapeseed Oil: Contains a significant amount of linoleic acid (omega-6) and is often used for its lightweight texture that is suitable for acne-prone skin.
Hemp Seed Oil: Contains both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in a near-ideal ratio. It’s often used for its moisturizing and soothing properties.
Borage Oil: Like evening primrose oil, borage oil is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).
Safflower Oil: High in linoleic acid, it’s often used in products for acne-prone skin due to its lightweight nature.
Sunflower Oil: There are different types of sunflower oil based on their fatty acid composition.
Flaxseed (Linseed) Oil: While more commonly taken as a dietary supplement due to its high omega-3 content, it is sometimes found in skincare products for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory benefits.
What is the Womb Wisdom Skin Toning Oil?
The Womb Wisdom Skin-Toning Oil is a low-PUFA body oil from the company The Golden Secrets. This body oil is the FIRST ever organic, synthetic fragrance-free, true pregnancy-safe body oil. The oil is designed to promote skin elasticity and regeneration for a more smooth, clear, youthful glow.
The oil has a very light scent from organic essential oils – so no added mystery “fragrance” or endocrine disruptors. The oil is also free from any PFAS, inflammatory oils, synthetic colors and any other junk you wouldn’t want on your pregnant belly.
What the Womb Widsom Skin-Toning Body Oil is Good For
- Stretch marks
- Cellulite
- Sagging Skin
- Lack of firmness
- Dry/itchy skin
- Hormonal skin issues
- Feeling unbalanced
- Premature aging
- Menopause/Post-menopause
- Lack of emotional support
- PMS symptoms
- Stress, worry
Womb Wisdom Skin-Toning Oil: Key Ingredients
Cocoa Seed Butter:
- A robust saturated fat that is amazing at moisturizing.
- Reduce signs of aging and boost skin’s brightness, flexibility, collagen synthesis, and resilience.
- Aids in repairing harmed skin, minimizing and warding off scars and undesired blemishes, promoting the emergence of fresher, rejuvenated skin.
- Arachidic Acid content in Cocoa Butter is recognized for its pain-relieving and mood-lifting properties.
- Possesses qualities that shield the skin from damaging UV rays.
- Single source origin, cold-pressed
- Squalene-rich antioxidant properties that boost the collagen and elastin production to increase thickness, elasticity, firmness, softness, and smoothness.
- Promotes moisture retention for younger appearance.
- Repairs skin damage, signs of aging, and hyperpigmentation caused by hormones, UV radiation, or acne.
Tamanu
- Facilitates the growth of newer skin & restores skin health.
- Soothes, repairs, and diminishes redness, scars, stretch marks, and irritation.
- Prevents blemishes from forming.
- Protects against the harsh effects of environmental elements.
- Reduces age spots, stretch marks, cellulite, and dryness.
Full Ingredient List:
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil*, Calophyllum Inophyllum Oil*, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter*, Non-GMO Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Citrus Sinensis (Sweet Orange) Oil*, Boswellia Carteri (Frankincense) Essential Oil* This product is formulated with 99.5% *organic content, low PUFA and 100% Non-GMO. Specifically formulated to minimize stretch marks during pregnancy.
Based on National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) recommendations for essential oil use during pregnancy.
My experience using the Womb Wisdom Skin-Toning oil for 2 months
I purchased the oil when I was at week 20 of pregnancy. At the time I had a little baby bump, but nothing too noticeable. I also didn’t have any stretch marks, despite feeling like my belly was growing at the speed of light.
I immediately started using the oil twice per day, typically first thing in the morning (with a focus on lymphatic drainage on my legs – I’ve been using the oil with this lymphatic drainage tool) and after my evening shower on my belly and breasts. While I’m pretty firm with pressure on my legs, I’ve been extremely gentle with my belly and take my time massaging it in. It became a 5-minute self-care ritual that I incorporated into my mornings and nights that I quickly grew to love.
The texture of the oil has a little bit of a “greasy” consistency to it because, well, its an oil. I find that taking the time to rub it in well helps it absorb into my skin better. While it might not be something you want to use right before wearing silk or any delicate natural fiber, it still feels amazing to wear during the day under casual cotton clothing.
As for the scent, it has a bit of a sweet orange smell. It’s light, pleasant, and not overwhelming. I haven’t been wearing synthetic scents for over a year now (they immediately give me a headache) and this scent hasn’t bothered me one bit.
As you can see in the picture above, at week 29 of pregnancy, my skin is still smooth and hydrated with zero stretch marks, despite growing multiple pant sizes within just two weeks. My skin is hydrated, has a glowing complexion, and my skin texture feels insanely smooth.
Despite growing from what looked like NOTHING to a full-blown pregnancy belly within two months, my skin looks and feels perfect. And knowing that I’m not exposing my baby to high levels of PUFA and unwanted inflammation makes me love the product that much more.
I genuinely love the Womb Wisdom Skin Toning Oil and plan on trying out the Goddess Shaping Body Oil postpartum, or when I use up the last drops of this one.
I’ll continue to update this article as my pregnancy progresses and show some final (and follow-up) shots.
How to use the Womb Wisdom Skin-Toning Oil
Like any self-care practice, the key is to do it regularly take a *preventative* approach, or start using it before you have any skin concerns. It’s important to start using the oil before, during, and after your body is experiencing change.
The company recommends applying oil 3x per day to your belly, breasts, buttocks, and face immediately after bathing or showering, midday, and right before bedtime. I personally love using it in the morning with my TSG “Le Spoon” to help with cellulite and lymphatic drainage – but using it with just your hands works wonders as well.
The post Womb Wisdom Skin-Toning Oil Review: The Low-PUFA Body Oil I’ve Been Loving During Pregnancy appeared first on The Hive.
