Skincare

5 Natural Ingredients to Use During Pregnancy

While pregnant or breastfeeding, it becomes especially important to be mindful of what goes in and on your body. Studies have shown that common chemicals in everyday personal care products, such as shampoo, makeup and moisturizers, are associated with developmental, reproductive and behavioral disorders, hormone disruption and cancer. Nine Naturals believes in creating products that are not only high-performing, but also completely safe and natural. Some of our favorite natural ingredients include:

VITAMIN E: Isolated from vegetable oils, Vitamin E is an important vitamin required for the proper function of many organs and an antioxidant, meaning it helps to slow down processes that damage cells. This is important for pregnant women because it can help prevent complications in late pregnancy due to high blood pressure, PMS, painful periods, hot flashes associated with breast cancer, and breast cysts. The moisturizing properties of Vitamin E for skin is well known but it also does wonders for your hair! When ingested or applied topically on hair, Vitamin E is effective for hair growth by improving blood circulation in the scalp, prevent premature greying by slowing down the overall aging process, giving hair a lustrous shine by promoting natural strength and shine, and preventing split ends by countering damage done by heat. Find Vitamin E used in all Nine Naturals products.

ARGAN OIL: Not all women get pregnancy glow. Some often experience dry skin, especially around the belly, breasts, and hips as the skin swells and grows. High in vitamin E, antioxidants, and linolenic acid, argan oil is a super-effective moisturizer that has been shown to prevent and treat stretch marks by maintaining elasticity and preventing moisture-loss. On top of improving your body’s immunity to diseases such as breast and colorectal cancer, argan oil is good for treating under eye circles, burns, wrinkles, brittle nails, arthritis, and rheumatism pain. Argan oil in Nine Naturals Mandarin + Ginger Restorative Conditioner gives lackluster postpartum hair a boost by adding shine and hydrating roots.

BROCCOLI SEED OIL: Broccoli seed oil is high in vitamin C, Vitamin B, and erucic acid, which is a light oil composed of many different omega-9 and omega-6 oils. This means that it helps eliminate free radicals that can contribute to cancer, prevent hair loss while promoting thicker healthier hair, and soothe redness and inflammation. Best part? Broccoli seed oil is a natural substitute for silicone--often found in cosmetic products, particularly in leave-on skincare and haircare products, such as Nine Naturals Vanilla + Geranium Regenerative Belly Butter. This natural emollient hydrates hair and skin without leaving a greasy film and adds a protective layer that traps in moisture, and keeping skin and hair hydrated all day long!

CAPUAÇU BUTTER: Found in the rain forests of South America, Cupuacu butter has a natural hazelnut aroma, is rich in phytosterols, polyphenols, and fatty acids, and is a good natural substitute for lanolin. This means that it can be used to effectively treat dry, damaged skin, combat free radicals in tissues, and protect and moisturize skin. Treating skin with cupuacu butter also allows skin to attract 240% more water, fight inflammation, and improve elasticity--making it the perfect ingredient for stretch-mark fighting belly butters! Plus, it also absorbs UV rays, adding natural sun protection. This is why Nine Naturals uses cupuacu butter in its Unscented Moisturizing Body Cream.

COCONUT OIL: Coconut oil, used in all Nine Naturals products, is a fatty acid that is easily metabolized by the body, making it an excellent replacement for butter and oils, and helps regulate blood sugar levels while providing stable energy. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, much-needed lauric, caprylic, and capric acid in coconut oil passes from mother to child. These acids are known to have antiviral, antibacterial, and antiparasiticidal properties that support immune system in mommy and baby. On skin, this holy grail ingredient prevents stretch marks and alleviates itchiness on belly and breasts.It’s also a natural, moisturizing, and gentle cleanser. Use to remove makeup from skin, tame frizzy hair, and soothe cracked lips.

Adding these simple and natural ingredients to your beauty routine will go a long way in helping detoxify your pregnancy. Read labels carefully and opt for brands that provide full ingredient transparency. The Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database is also great place to get more information about companies with high safety ratings.

5 Beauty Ingredients To Avoid During Pregnancy

A growing number of studies show that common chemicals in everyday personal care products, such as shampoo, makeup and moisturizers, are associated with developmental, reproductive and behavioral disorders, hormone disruption and cancer. That is why, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, women should especially avoiding synthetic chemicals. Here is our list of top 5 most harmful agents:

Parabens are the most widely used preservative in cosmetics. Intended to stop the growth of bacteria in your products, they disrupt your endocrine system—chemicals that act like hormones and disrupt the reproductive system. They can build up in the body over time and have been associated with reproductive disorders in babies. That is why all Nine Naturals products are free of Parabens, Sulfates, and Phthalates.

Sulfates are cleansing agents used to create soaps that foam and lather. Nitrosamines and 1.4-dioxane are the two primary culprits present within sulfates and have been labeled carcinogenic. Sulfates have also been shown to disrupt hormonal balance, incite reproductive and developmental problems and seriously pollute the environment. At Nine Naturals, we use a variety of citrus juice and oils--like those in our shampoos and conditioners--because they are natural cleansers that not only maintain your body’s natural balance, but helps improve move and reduce inflammation.

Phthalates are found in a wide variety of personal care products, such as shampoos, conditioners and perfumes, and are often a component of fragrance in products. Exposure to phthalates is associated with hormone disruption, birth defects and endometriosis. Our Citrus + Geranium Soothing Body Wash will fill your shower with a fresh, floral aroma that not only calms you, but may even help alleviate pregnancy nausea!

BPA is a chemical commonly found in plastics mostly used for containers. Recent studies have shown BPA to cause developmental disorders, such as cancer, ADHD and asthma, in fetuses when pregnant women interact with the substance. Make sure you look for bottles that are BPA-free, as these chemicals can seep into the products the bottles were intended to hold.

Petrochemicals are made from natural gas liquid and crude oil often used in the manufacturing of plastics. What many people don’t realize is that petrochemicals are widely added to food, personal care products and household products. Because petrochemicals are known hormone disrupters and have been linked to causing many health problems, such as cancer, Nine Naturals’ moisturizing bodycare products only use non-toxic essential oils naturally-derived from plants.

The prevalence of these toxic chemicals may be overwhelming, but don’t worry! Staying educated on what to avoid and what natural ingredients are better substitutes will make the journey to a healthier lifestyle much easier. Whether it’s upgrading your beauty routine--try 7-free nail polish and all-natural mascara--or simply switching to glass from plastic, feel at ease knowing that you are creating a healthier, safer environment for mommy and baby.

Whether it's finishing a project, stocking up on diapers, or redecorating a home, women today have a lot going on. Sometimes we have the luxury of escaping to a tropical paradise, and other times, all we can squeeze in is an impromptu, at-home, spa session. Luckily for us, certain natural and pleasant aromas have been proven to help improve cognition, mood, and overall health as well as relieve stress and nausea. With the exception of certain oils (such as jasmine, rose, safe and more), essential oils are safe for use during pregnancy when used sparingly and in a diluted concentration.

Here are our top natural stress relieving scents that are safe for expecting mothers:

1. Geranium

Geranium’s gentle floral scent has been known to have soothing and relaxing effects on the body and to uplifting effects on mood. That's why we love our Citrus + Geranium Body Wash and Vanilla + Geranium Belly Butter. If you're feeling irritable or like you're in a never-ending cycle of work, then geraniums may just become your new best friend.

2. Chamomile

In addition to reducing stress, this sweet and fruity smelling flower has also helped some with insomnia and muscle tension. In fact, over the past 2000 years, Chamomile has been used to as a natural treatment for pregnancy nausea. Try applying chamomile straight to your skin or drinking it in tea!

3. Citrus

Citrus fruit essential oils are good for aromatherapy and anti-bacterial purposes. Especially during pregnancy, citrus fruit help fight nausea and fatigue by increasing energy and improving your mood. With so many benefits, we couldn't help but incorporate citrus in most of Nine Natural's’ haircare and bodycare product fragrances. Our Citrus + Mint Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner, Mandarin + Ginger Restorative Conditioner, and Citrus + Geranium Body Wash provide an uplifting shower experience when you’re feeling tired. Create an uplifting experience right in your shower!

4. Sandalwood

Extracted from the heartwood of the evergreen tree, sandalwood oil has a sweet and woodsy scent. Besides reducing anxiety, sandalwood has been known to help with insomnia and improve overall sleep quality. For sleepless nights during pregnancy, this scent can really come in handy!

5. Peppermint

Peppermint has a cool and distinctively fresh feel and scent. The minty fragrance is known to relieve nausea and fight fatigue. Topically, peppermint oil hydrates the skin by encouraging natural oil production. For an invigorating pick-me-up, we use peppermint oil in our Nourishing Shampoo and Nourishing Conditioner.

With so many safe and effective ways to help us not only feel good but smell good, there's no excuse for not introducing one--or all!--of these golden aromas into your beauty and wellness repertoires. At Nine Naturals, we created unique, proprietary blends of 100% natural essential oil fragrances that not only smell amazing but are also beneficial to women during pregnancy. No need to head to the spa when your home shower is already steaming with mandarin and geraniums!

When your body is changing during pregnancy, the hot summer months can bring a whole new crop of summer beauty problems, such as sunburn, dry hair, sweat and more. Luckily, there are many all-natural and pregnancy-safe beauty fixes for your summer beauty woes. Here's our list:

Summer Beauty Problem: Sunburn

Prevent sunburns from happening in the first place by using an all natural sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and follow sun safety practices. Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours and after water activities or excessive sweating. For damaged skin, apply aloe vera or natural body balm. Nine Naturals Body Balm is made with Mongongo Oil, which has traditionally been used to protect against the harsh desert climates.

Summer Beauty Problem: Chlorine Dry Hair

To bring back shine, use an all-natural deep conditioner, such as Nine Naturals Mandarin + Ginger Restorative Conditioner or coconut oil to tame tresses. Rinse out with cool water to avoid further heat damage. Try leaving either in overnight for extra lustrous hair!

Summer Beauty Problem: Sweat

To keep cool and prevent sweat, wear loose clothing in airy fabrics. Don't be afraid to sweat though, as it allows your body to naturally release toxins, but combat body odor by using a pregnancy safe deodorant, like Nine Natural's.

Summer Beauty Problem: Dry, Itchy Skin

Skin can get very dry in the summer heat, especially during pregnancy. Today, 80% of lotions sold in the U.S. contain alcohol–not what sensitive, itchy skin needs. Try our Moisturizing Body Cream and Regenerative Belly Butter for itchy bellies and our Natural Belly Oil made with coconut oil, jojoba seed oil, and tamanu seed oil to stay hydrated long after a shower. And don't forget to drink plenty of water!

Summer Beauty Problem: Breakouts

Excess hormones from pregnancy and extra sweat from hot summer months can lead to the perfect acne-causing combination. To manage acne naturally, wash face twice daily with a gentle, all-natural facial cleanser. Use natural skincare products and makeup that is free of harsh chemicals such as dimethicone and fragrance, which can clog pores or cause irritation. Change your pillowcase often to prevent bacteria buildup on the fabric of your pillowcase.

Let these beauty fixes enhance your summer with healthy lustrous hair and radiant glowing skin. Now you can be free of the usual summer stresses and the ever-lurking chemicals that can keep you from achieving your summer beauty and wellness goals.

When it comes to product choices, sudsing up is serious business. Your skin is a wonderful and protective barrier for your body, keeping germs and other harmful substances out. Unfortunately, toxic chemicals hidden in soaps and shampoos can be easily absorbed by the skin and, from there, make their way into your bloodstream. Knowing which ingredients to avoid in the shower will help keep you healthy and clean, inside and out. Here are our top offenders:

Avoid: Sulfates

Why: Most commonly appearing as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate, these synthetic detergents show up in everything from foaming soaps and shampoos to toothpaste and make-up. Sulfates are skin membrane irritants; they dry out impair the natural protective qualities of skin and hair. They also commonly combine with other ingredients to produce carcinogenic and nervous-system-disrupting by-products. Luckily for us, though, these little nasties are totally unnecessary when it comes to getting clean.

Avoid: Parabens

Why: Used in everything from all shower products, cosmetics, shaving creams to deodorants, parabens are man-made preservatives used in products to prevent the growth of molds, bacteria and yeasts. They mimic estrogens in the body and have been linked with breast and skin cancers.

Avoid: Phthalates

Why: These chemicals are found in hundreds of products, including plastics, cosmetics and personal care products. They’ve been linked with cancer and reproductive problems, and may be especially dangerous to babies and young children, whose are more sensitive to chemicals.

Avoid: Fragrance

Why: On an ingredient list, “fragrance” most often means some combination of synthetic, carcinogenic, hormone-disrupting chemicals you definitely do not want in your system. Because they aren’t individually listed on labels, they fly under the radar, but are nonetheless present in almost all shampoos, deodorants, skin creams, and other personal care products.

What’s a Mom to Do? We know you love your shower time. Lucky for you, all Nine Naturals’ products -- from luxurious shampoos to body butters to deodorants and more -- are 100% free of the above-listed toxins and pregnancy-safe!

Before motherhood, we imagine your morning routine was a singular-sensational experience. And by that we mean all you had to do was worry about you. But now with the introduction of your little bundle of joy, your focus has rightfully shifted…. to a million different places. But that doesn’t mean you have to leave the house looking like you haven’t showered for days. Check out our tips for keeping your beauty routine short and sweet so you can get out the door remembering everything and making it look effortless.

The Night Before

1. Shower, Blow Dry, Moisturize: Using your favorite Nine Naturals Soothing Body Wash & Nourishing Shampoo & Conditioner, shower, wash and blow-dry your hair the night before. It will take a huge chunk of time out of your morning ritual and if your not big on blow drying, you can let your hair air dry and worry about the final touches in the a.m.
2. Choose Outfits for All: Lay out your clothes and your little one’s clothes. Standing in your closet looking into the hangers like a lost puppy won’t do anyone any good when it’s go-time.
3. Pack Lunches: We cannot stress this enough, the more you can do in advance the better. Have your food and your baby’s bottles packed and ready in the fridge. You’ll save yourself about twenty minutes, not to mention the chaos of trying to figure out what to eat.
4. Bagged ‘N Ready: Put together work, diaper and gym bags and place them by the door. And don’t forget an extra outfit, or two, for your bundle of joy. Now all there’s left to do is hit the road.
5. Polish Nails: Manicures don’t last three days with all the hand-washing moms do. But a quick buffing and massage of some vitamin E oil keep hang nails at bay and nails looking clean. If you still have the energy, feel free to go for the gusto and add a layer of clear, or if you’re feeling really fearless, try this season’s hot color – Trust Fund Beauty’s Rich Bitch.

The Morning Of

1. Clarisonic Cleanse: The foundation for all-things-beauty starts with the skin. There are plenty of other paces to save on time, but don’t skimp on cleansing. The Clarisonic is automatically programmed to sonically cleanse your skin for a minute.
2. Wash away! Mist Away: Select an all natural toner that you can mist. It’s super fast, refreshing and wakes you up in a spa-like way. And if you’re not a toner gal, grab a bottle of Evian spray mist. It’s an added layer of hydration any mom’s skin can use.
3. Apply SPF or a tinted moisturizer: Always use sunscreen on your face (and all over!) to protect your skin. For a 2 for 1, use an all natural tinted sunscreen (you can even make your own easily!) to even skin tones quickly and effectively. No need for brushes, sponges or fancy makeup equipment. Your fingers will get the job done perfectly.
4. Conceal those Sleepless Nights: Dot concealer under eyes and blend with fingers gently. By using your hands you keep your face looking light and natural while leaving time to spare. Tip: Dot you’re your eye lids as well and blend out with your fingers for a brighter and more natural alternative to eye shadow.
5. Blush or Bronze: Give the apples of your cheeks a quick dusting of bronzer or blush. This will help keep everything on your face looking bright-eyed and cheery.
6. Mascara: A quick layer of Honeybee Gardens Truly Natural mascara does wonders to open the eyes and define lashes.
7. Lipstick: With a natural and lightly made-up face, you could stand to choose a brighter lipstick or gloss to pull the whole look together. And with this season’s bright pinks, oranges and reds there’s plenty to choose from. Remember to keeps those lips luscious and hydrated with Nine Naturals Simply Natural Lip Balm.

This weekend, treat yourself to some all-natural pampering with ingredients straight from your pantry! From soothing facial masks to quick blemish treatments, these seven kitchen-essentials will soon become your favorite beauty secrets.

1. Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Opt for this natural moisturizer to refresh and rejuvenate your skin. Apply to skin after a shower to increase it’s hydrating properties. You’ll love the miraculous moisture as much as the subtle fragrance!

2. Avocados
We all know avocados are amazing superfoods, but they also provide some beauty benefits you should take advantage of. Avocados can be used to make an antioxidant and amino acid-high facial mask that targets signs of aging and nourishes dry skin. The natural oils will soak into your skin, helping to brighten and hydrate. Apply a mashed avocado with a little bit of water to your face and leave for 10 minutes before rinsing.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar
To boost your hair's body and shine, rinse with pure apple cider vinegar after shampooing, and finish with a natural conditioner, like Nine Naturals Citrus and Mint Nourishing Pregnancy Conditioner. You can also dilute one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water and apply to your face as your would your current toner. Apply after cleansing and before moisturizing to experience its brightening effects.

4. Brown Sugar
Brown sugar is a natural exfoliant that is gentle on all skin types. It also has antibacterial properties which can help detoxify the skin. Mix equal parts brown sugar and coconut oil and massage into skin.

5. Turmeric
You probably know turmeric as the main spice in curry, but it also has properties that help destroy acne-causing bacteria and minimize excess oil in the skin. This reason is probably due to one of turmeric’s active compounds, curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial qualities. Mix turmeric and water to make a paste you can use as a blemish spot-treatment.

6. Baking Soda
Baking soda neutralizes toxins on the skin, making it a great acne spot-treatment to dry out blemishes. Just mix a little bit of baking soda with water to make a paste, and apply directly to skin, leaving for at least 10 minutes before rinsing.

7. Organic Yogurt
Organic fat free yogurt can act as a great cleanser to get flawless skin. High levels of lactic acid provide smoothness and hydration. You can use yogurt as a blemish spot-treatment to eliminate toxins reduce redness. Yogurt can also act as a natural base for DIY facial masks, where you can get creative and add your own ingredients! We recommend yogurt, oats, and honey.

Moms-to-be are often said to have a rosy glow. Unfortunately, Old Man Winter can counteract that healthy hue and really do a number on your skin. Luckily, you can reverse the effects of cold days by following a few simple tips that will keep skin moisturized even when you’re on the go.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. We hear this all the time, but it’s so true. After all, water is key to good health and good skin. Fortunately, it’s readily available, cheap (or free from the tap) and you can bring it anywhere. Stash some extra water bottles in your office, in your car and anywhere else you frequent. Fill them up regularly, and aim to consume six to eight glasses per day. Opt for water over other beverages when you’re out, and one of our favorite tricks to drink more water is to add a slice of lemon whenever you can for a little zest.

Humidify. You may only break out your humidifier when you have a case of the sniffles, but these little beauties also support supple skin by infusing the air with moisture. Use one at home while you sleep to combat the dry air from your heater, but also consider bringing one to your office. They’re portable, so you can travel with them and easy to use. Air-O-Swiss offers a series of advanced air treatment systems that optimizes your air, thus soothing your skin.

Heal. Certain skin areas are more susceptible to the elements than others, including cuticles, elbows and heels. Nine Naturals Repairing Body Balm heals and protects all of your dry skin but is particularly effective in areas that need some extra TLC. The size makes it easy to grab and go, so keep this nutrient-rich balm in your purse, desk or the console of your car and apply it three times per day for maximum moisture.

At Nine Naturals, we’re on a mission to make beauty simple, smart and safe for moms and moms-to-be. Integral to that is understanding our ingredients’ science and benefits. Today’s Nine Naturals Ingredient Story featuring Jojoba Seed Oil is part of an ongoing series featuring the natural, plant-based ingredients behind our high performance beauty products.

Jojoba (Simmondsia Chinensis) Seed oil is a relatively recent discovery in the cosmetics world. Native to the southwestern United States, Mexico and parts of Africa, Jojoba seed oil became popular as an ethical and sustainable alternative to whale oils in the 1970s. In fact this rich, natural oil proved superior to animal derived alternatives – particularly because of its significant cosmetic benefits for skin and hair.

The Science & Extraction of Jojoba Seed Oil

Jojoba seed oil is extracted by pressing the dried seeds harvested from the fruit of the jojoba tree. This process yields over 50% of the weight of the seed as a waxy mixture mainly made of single chain fatty acids. Because the resulting Jojoba seed oil doesn’t contain any triglycerides it has a very long shelf life making it an ideal ingredient for cosmetics. The single chain fatty acids in Jojoba seed oil also mimic natural skin oils, which is what makes Jojoba oil an effective moisturizer and why it helps to balance your skin’s oil production naturally. In addition, Jojoba seed oil contains large amounts of vitamin E so it not only moisturizes, but also promotes skin health.

Jojoba Seed Oil’s Benefits for Skin and Hair Care

Jojoba seed oil is a powerful moisturizing agent for both skin and hair, but that’s not all. Jojoba seed oil is also promising acne treatment and has anti-inflammatory and skin healing properties. On top of this Jojoba oil provides some natural UV protection and can help reduce photoaging.

Why Nine Naturals Loves Jojoba Seed Oil

The combination of Jojoba seed oil’s versatile moisturizing power and its additional protective and antioxidant properties make it an ideal natural cosmetic ingredient. At Nine Naturals we’ve used it in a host of our high performance beauty products. Our Citrus + Mint Nourishing Shampoo & Conditioner, Mandarin + Ginger Restorative Conditioner, and Natural Belly Oil all take advantage of its potent moisturizing properties, while our Repairing Body Balm and Natural Sunscreen – in addition to moisturizing – incorporate the Jojoba oil’s healing and protective properties. To learn more about all our natural ingredients check out our Ingredient Glossary.

There’s never a better time to marvel at what a woman’s body can do than during pregnancy. The core of the body makes the most impressive adjustments but as all moms know, the skin experiences great changes too. As the body grows faster than the skin, the elastic fibers under the skin are stretched to the point of breaking and result in stretch marks. Stretch marks are usually purple or reddish in color, and eventually fade to white or grey.

Treating stretch marks is difficult, so prevention is the best way to keep them at bay! A safe and effective moisturizer is the best weapon to fight stretch marks as hydrated skin has more elasticity, and is therefore less likely to stretch to the point of breaking. When choosing a moisturizer, especially during pregnancy, it’s important to pay attention to the list of ingredients, both active and inactive. The skin is the body’s largest organ, and it absorbs chemicals and compounds readily. This is what allows moisturizers to work, but it also means that toxic products will find their way into the body as easily as all-natural products. In order to provide the cleanest, healthiest environment for a growing baby, moms-to-be should take great care to select products that are all-natural and toxin free.

The Vanilla + Geranium Regenerative Belly Butter is full of the best ingredients nature has to offer, without any damaging chemicals or toxins. Featuring cupaucu butter to help regulate skin health, Vitamin E, which acts as a powerful antioxidant and skin conditioner, and Allantoin, which softens skin and helps with moisture retention, this belly butter nourishes skin, keeping it soft and supple.

Using perfectly formulated (and pregnancy safe!) belly butter is the first step, but using it correctly is just as important:

• When To Start Using Belly Butter: The earlier the better! Ideally, it is best to start taking extra care of your skin when you are trying to get pregnant or early in the first trimester. It may not be visible to the eye, but your skin is expanding as the baby develops in the early months so it is crucial to hydrate the skin. Continue using your Regenerative Belly Butter throughout your pregnancy and the first few months after giving birth as your body is still adjusting.
• Where To Use Your Belly Butter: Most women know to moisturize their tummies, but often forget about the rest of their body. It’s especially important to moisturize all the areas that are prone to stretching during pregnancy including:
  • Belly
  • Hips
  • Thighs
  • Breasts
  • Upper Arms
• How To Use Your Belly Butter: Much like a woman moisturizes her face each morning and evening, you should use your Regenerative Belly Butter should be used twice a day to maximize hydration.