Tag Archives: natural haircare

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.

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.

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.