Pregnancy can be difficult at the best of times but it can be downright demanding during the hot summer months. Not only is your body changing, but a whole new crop of summer beauty problems such sunburn and sweat means your beauty routine needs an overhaul too. Luckily, that’s the one thing you don’t have to sweat about this summer - we’ve figured out the best all natural, pregnancy safe beauty fixes for all your summer beauty woes:

Summer Beauty Problem: Sunburn

We all know that sunburns can be downright painful at times. To soothe your skin:

• Prevent sunburns from happening in the first place by using an all natural sunscreen and following sun safety practices.
• Apply the Nine Naturals Repairing Body Balm, made with moisturizing butters and soothing calendula extract, over damaged skin to help heal and protect sun damaged skin.
• Use pure aloe vera directly on the skin as it is a well known natural soother for sunburn.

Summer Beauty Problem: Chlorine Dry Hair

The healthiest of hair can get incredibly dry after long weekends spent swimming in chlorine filled pools or splashing around in the salty ocean water. To bring shine and lustrous texture back to your hair:

• Use an all-natural deep conditioner in your hair, such as Nine Natural’s Mandarin + Ginger Restorative Conditioner, to tame your tresses.
• Work a small amount of coconut oil into your hair, leave on for 20 min & wash out. For added hydration and moisture, leave the coconut oil in your hair overnight and wash it it out in the morning.

Summer Beauty Problem: Sweat

Sweat is a part of everyday life but it can get excruciatingly uncomfortable during a summer pregnancy. To combat sweat:

• Wear loose clothing in airy fabrics to keep you cool throughout the day.
• Combat body odor by using a pregnancy safe deodorant such as Nine Naturals’ Natural Unscented Pregnancy Deodorant.

Summer Beauty Problem: Dry, Itchy Skin

Dry, itchy skin seems like a rite of passage with pregnancy - especially during the summer. But it doesn’t need to be. To hydrate your skin:

• Lather an all natural body moisturizer that is free of harsh ingredients and chemicals. 80% of lotions sold in the U.S. contain alcohol – hardly what sensitive, itchy skin needs. Try Nine Naturals Unscented Moisturizing Body Cream and our Vanilla + Geranium Regenerative Belly Butter for itchy bellies!
• Use Olive oil on damp skin as it is extremely high in Vitamins A & E.
• Use soaps that won’t dry your skin out, such as Nine Natural’s Citrus + Geranium Soothing Body Wash which contains Cupuaçu butter to help regulate your skin’s health and leaves your skin feeling like silk long after your shower.
• Moisturize from the inside out by eating more nourishing foods such as avocados, which are high in Vitamin E, and drinking plenty of water.

Summer Beauty Problem: Swollen Feet & Legs

Swollen feet during the summer is a beauty problem for all women, but it’s especially bad for pregnant women. It may not be possible to prevent swelling from developing, but you can prevent it from becoming severe:

• Wear comfortable shoes and avoiding tight straps or anything that might pinch if your feet swell.
• Keep your feet elevated as often as possible. Keep blood flow moving by stretching and taking walking breaks throughout the day.
• Cool your feet down in cold 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:

• Exercise as sweat detoxifies the skin.
• Wash your face twice daily with a gentle, all-natural facial cleanser. Pat dry your skin as rubbing can irritate the skin and worsen your acne problems.
• Use natural skincare products and makeup that is free of harsh chemicals such as dimethicone and fragrance, which can clog your pores or cause irritation.
• Change your pillowcase often to prevent bacteria buildup on the fabric of your pillowcase.
• Consult our Acne During Pregnancy guide for more tips!

Summer Beauty Problem: Hyperpigmentation

Although pregnancy can give your face that great glow, it can also lead to hyperpigmentation - a darkening of skin around particular areas on your face. Sun exposure can worsen this issue. To minimize hyper-pigmentation:

• Stay out of the sun as much as possible and apply an all-natural sunscreen of at least SPF 15 like our Natural Sunscreen SPF 32.
• Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours and after water activities or excessive sweating.
• Wear a hat, shades and long sleeves for extra protection, especially if you’re fair-skinned or have a sensitive complexion.