Artemis Mother and Baby Massage Oil
What is Mother and Baby Massage Oil?
Artemis Mother and Baby Massage Oil is a natural herbal oil extract that can be used to soothe, soften and moisturise the skin. This natural massage oil is suitable for pregnant mums to soothe sensitive or irritated skin, promote skin elasticity as it stretches to accommodate the growing baby and help reduce stretch marks. It is also suitable as a relaxing massage oil for baby’s sensitive skin.
Why use Mother and Baby Massage Oil?
As your body changes during pregnancy, the skin over your abdomen stretches enormously as your baby grows, becoming tight and uncomfortable and often stretch marks form. Your skin can also become sensitive in other areas of the body including the breasts. Mother and Baby Massage Oil is an oil extract of two natural herbal ingredients that have been used traditionally for centuries to treat skin problems and to salve irritated skin. These natural oils have moisturising, soothing and healing properties that will help support skin structure and maintain elasticity as your skin stretches, which helps reduce stretch marks. Mother and Baby Massage Oil can also be used to give your new baby a relaxing massage.
What are the Key Benefits of Mother and Baby Massage Oil?
- Traditional medicinal plant formula
- Soothing massage oil suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women and for baby
- Supports skin structure and function
- Helps reduce stretch marks in pregnancy
- Can be used on the growing abdomen; also other sensitive areas during pregnancy
- Natural hypoallergenic oil suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin
- Natural oil that contains moisturising properties and helps keep skin soft and hydrated
- Natural oil that promotes healing and reduces inflammation
- Does not contain artificial colours or fragrances, mineral oils, parabens, sulphates or synthetic fillers
- GE free
The structure and function of skin
The skin is our largest organ and plays an important role as a protective barrier against infection, injury, and harmful effect of the sun’s rays. Our skin also helps prevent dehydration due to loss of moisture, regulates our body temperature and produces vitamin D essential for healthy bones. This hard working organ has two layers. The epidermis is the outer layer that produces the protein keratin, which strengthens the skin and is constantly renewed as cells at the top die off; the epidermis also contains melanin, the pigment that protects us from UV radiation which causes skin damage. The dermis contains small blood vessels, nerves, sweat glands and hair follicles with their sebaceous glands that produce the oily sebum to lubricate the skin. The dermis also contains collagen and elastin, which give skin its elasticity and flexibility. The barrier function, elasticity and appearance of the skin depend on its hydration and its fat content, which is comprised of ceramides, free fatty acids and sterols, all important components of cell membranes. Most skin disorders are a result of a breakdown in the barrier function of the skin and loss of moisture.
What are stretch marks?
When your body grows rapidly, the dermis layer of the skin stretches very quickly and can form tears. This can happen on your abdomen during pregnancy to accommodate your growing baby; also your breasts as they also grow in preparation for milk production. This tearing of the skin forms a pattern of fine lines, which are scars known as striae or stretch marks.
What is cradle cap?
Cradle cap is a form of dermatitis known as infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis that is very common in babies in their first few weeks of life. Cradle cap appears as patches of greasy-looking scales that flake off the baby’s head, but does not usually cause irritation to baby.
What is transepidermal water loss?
Transepidermal water loss is when water passes up through the skin and is lost by evaporation through the epidermis. It is an indication of damaged epidermal barrier function of the skin and can lead to dehydration of the skin and problems like dry scaly skin, dermatitis and eczema.
What is a moisturiser?
A moisturiser increases the water content of the skin by forming a fine layer over its surface to prevent water loss (occlusive) or by attracting water molecules and holding them at the skin’s surface(humectant). A moisturiser can also act as an emollient, which is used to soften the skin and can be a cream, lotion or oil.
What are the ingredients of Mother and Baby Massage Oil?
Mother and Baby Massage Oil is made from the fresh flower heads of wild alpine St John's Wort, macerated in macadamia oil and cold pressed.
Key Ingredients:
Macadamia oil (Macadamia integrifolia):
The Macadamia tree is native to Australia and belongs to the Proteaceae family. It is cultivated for its nuts that are a rich source of nutrients particularly essential fatty acids. Palitoleic acid, usually found in high concentrations in fish oils, comprises up to 20% of macadamia oil and is used to help maintain elasticity of the skin. Another fatty acid found in macadamia oil, linoleic acid, helps prevent transepidermal water loss1. Phytosterols, which are plant sterols found in macadamia oil, are good for skin barrier function and increase skin elasticity by stimulating collagen production2. Macadamia oil is rich in antioxidants, has emollient properties, is easily absorbed into the skin and is a gentle oil, suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.
St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum):
St John’s Wort is a perennial flowering plant with distinctive yellow flowers, native to parts of Europe and Asia and North Africa but commonly found in meadows and wood worldwide. It has been used for centuries to treat nervous conditions. It is also a traditional topical remedy for treating superficial wounds, scars, burns and dermatitis and is used in contemporary herbal medicine as a topical treatment various skin disorders and as an ingredient in skin care products, including massage oils. The main active ingredients in St John’s Wort include hypericin, hyperforin and flavonoids, which are thought to contribute to the anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant and skin restorative properties that make extract of St John’s Wort a useful topical treatment for skin problems3. Hyperforin in oil extract of St John’s Wort stimulates epidermal skin cell (keratinocyte) differentiation, which is thought to help to reduce transepidermal water loss3. A study using various oil extracts of St John’s Wort demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity on irritated skin4. A cream containing extract of St John’s Wort was shown to be an effective topical treatment in a study of patients with mild to moderate dermatitis5. An ointment containing extracts of St John’s Wort was found to promote caesarean wound healing with reduced scar formation6.
What are the Contraindications/Interactions of Mother and Baby Massage Oil?
Use with caution:
- If you are exposed to the sun as St John’s Wort can interact with sunlight and cause skin irritation
Check the ingredients for known allergies and to ensure you do not have any allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients. Stop using if you or your baby develops any irritation or allergy while using Mother and Baby Massage Oil. Always read the label and use as directed or seek advice from your healthcare professional.
What are the Directions for using Mother and Baby Massage Oil?
In pregnancy:
Apply your Mother and Baby Massage Oil to the abdomen, hips and breasts 2-3 times daily to keep the skin supple and hydrated. You can use Mother and Baby Massage Oil from early pregnancy until birth on these areas of your body and in addition you can use on the perineum, which is the area of skin between the anus and vagina. Talk to your midwife if you need further instructions.
For baby:
When using Mother and Baby Massage Oil for a baby massage, gently massage into your baby’s skin using a clockwise motion to soothe and calm. For use with cradle cap, massage into the baby’s scalp, leave for 2 hours then gently remove with a soft comb to remove the scales.
Special instructions:
Store your Mother and Baby Massage Oil in a cool place and keep out of direct sunlight. Mother and Baby Massage Oil may discolour over time, but will not affect the efficacy or quality of this natural product.
Product Size:
100ml
References
The following references provide scientific support for the use of this product:
- Oh MJ, Cho YH, Cha SY, Lee EO, Kim JW, Kim SK, Park CS. Novel phytoceramides containing fatty acids of diverse chain lengths are better than a single C18-ceramide N-stearoyl phytosphingosine to improve the physiological properties of human stratum corneum. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2017 Sep 13;10:363-371.
- Grether-Beck S, Mühlberg K, Brenden H, Krutmann J. [Topical application of vitamins, phytosterols and ceramides. Protection against increased expression of interstital collagenase and reduced collagen-I expression after single exposure to UVA irradiation]. [Article in German] Hautarzt 2008 Jul;59(7):557-62.
- Wölfle U, Seelinger G, Schempp CM. Topical application of St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum). Planta Med. 2014 Feb;80(2-3):109-20.
- Arsić I, Zugić A, Tadić V, Tasić-Kostov M, Mišić D, Primorac M, Runjaić-Antić D. Estimation of dermatological application of creams with St. Johnʼs Wort oil extracts. Molecules 2011; 17: 275-294
- Schempp CM, Windeck T, Hezel S, Simon JC. Topical treatment of atopic dermatitis with St. Johnʼs wort cream – a randomized, placebo controlled, double blind half-side comparison. Phytomedicine 2003;10 (Suppl. 04) 31-37
- Samadi S, Khadivzadeh T, Emami A, Moosavi NS, Tafaghodi M, Behnam HR. The effect of Hypericum the wound healing and scar of cesarean. J Alternat Complement Med 2010; 16: 113-117