Tag Archives: natural skincare

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.

Did you know that skin cancer is the most common form of all cancers in the United States? Over the last 35 years, the rate at which new melanoma cases emerge has tripled, with 76,500 diagnosed in 2013 alone. Unfortunately, less than 1 in 3 adults frequently use sunscreen and an even smaller percentage frequently seek shade, wear a hat or cover-up with long sleeves. Fortunately, becoming better informed on how to better read product labels, apply sunscreen and use other sun-protective measures, can help equip you in preventing serious skin damage.

Here we debunk 11 common sunscreen myths to help educate you on the best methods for protecting yourself and your family from the sun!

1. All Sunscreens Meet FDA Regulations: FALSE. At least 10% of sunscreen products being sold in the market do not meet industry regulations for protection standards.

2. Higher SPF = Better Protection: FALSE. Although many people may think the higher the SPF the more effective the product, this is not the case. Labels that boast high SPF can tempt one to stay in the sun for far too long, which will result in sunburn. Therefore, it is recommended to stick to an SPF ranging from 15-50.

3. Ingredients In My Sunscreen Aren't Harmful: FALSE. Even within sunscreens, which are designed to protect you, there are ingredients that have been associated with serious health conditions. Ingredients that are commonly found in sunscreens that you should look to AVOID include:

• Oxybenzone - Pregnant women and children should especially be cautious of oxybenzone, which is known to be an endocrine disruptor and has been associated with low birth weights. Oxybenzone is present in about 80% of sunscreens on the market so it’s important to keep an eye out for this ingredient. For a safer alternative, look for sunscreens that contain non-nano zinc oxide, a natural mineral that offers safe and effective, broad-spectrum protection.
• Vitamin A (Retinyl Palmitate) - While some Vitamin A is essential for a healthy pregnancy, excessive amounts can be associated with birth defects. Further, when applied to the skin, it can help accelerate skin damage.
• Nanoparticles - Nanoparticles are ultra fine particles. You can find these nano-sized particles of titanium dioxide or zinc oxide in some newer zinc or titanium sunscreen formulations, particularly sprays. Titanium dioxide is classified as a "potential carcinogen" when inhaled in high doses. Therefore at Nine Naturals, we recommend that you use sunscreens which contain ingredients such as zinc oxide instead.

4. All Sunscreens Are Created Equal: FALSE. The safest sunscreens are cream-based sunscreens that use non-nano zinc oxide for broad spectrum protection at an SPF between 15-50 that suits your daily activity needs.

5. You don't need to reapply sunscreen if it is "water-resistant" or "sweat-resistant": FALSE. Even when wearing water-resistant and/or sweat-resistant sunscreen, you should always re-apply after being in the water or when sweating.

6. Your scalp is as vulnerable to the sun as the rest of your body: TRUE. In fact, the scalp is often more vulnerable to skin damage because people often neglect to protect their heads when out in the sun. Skin cancers of the scalp are nearly twice as deadly as skin cancers of the legs and arms. So, make sure to wear a hat and get your scalp checked regularly for skin damage.

7. Sunscreen is the only effective way to protect yourself from the sun: FALSE. Seeking shade and using hats and clothing as covers will also help you to effectively avoid UV exposure. By wearing UV sunglasses, you will also be able to help protect your eyes from sun damage.

8. Better application can help prevent skin damage: TRUE. How you apply your sunscreen can drastically affect whether you are properly protected and sun safe or not. Here are our top tips:

1. Apply sunscreen on dry skin 15 minutes prior to sun exposure.
2. The recommended amount for an application is 1 oz. or a shot glass full of sunscreen.
3. Reapply every two hours, at a minimum.
4. Reapplication is also necessary after swimming even if the sunscreen states it is water resistant.

9. Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen Is Essential For Proper Protection: TRUE. Recent studies suggest that it is imperative you invest in a “broad-spectrum sunscreen”. Broad-spectrum sunscreens provide protection against both UVA and UVB rays, when they are SPF 15 or higher. This is crucial as it has been found that when used with other sun-protection measures, they can significantly decrease the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging, since you are being properly protected.

10. Early Detection Matters: TRUE. In the event that you develop skin cancer, early detection and treatment is almost always curable. Even if you have taken all the appropriate measures to prevent skin damage, it is recommended that you check your skin monthly and schedule regular check-ups with a dermatologist - especially if you have a light complexion and fairer hair.

11. Safer Sunscreen Alternatives Exist: TRUE. Nine Naturals is committed to providing safe, natural alternatives to its customers. Nine Naturals Natural Sunscreen SPF 32 is an all-natural, non-nano zinc oxide broad spectrum protection sunscreen. While protecting your skin from the sun, it also moisturizes with a luxurious formulation containing shea butter and jojoba seed oil. Nine Naturals Natural Sunscreen SPF 32 received the highest safety rating by the Environmental Working Group and is a top rated pick in its 2014 Sunscreen Guide.

Want more information? Read our articles on Natural Sun Protection During Pregnancy & 9 Important Sun (and Sunscreen!) Safety Tips From Nine Naturals.

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 Series featuring Cupuaçu Butter is part of on ongoing series featuring the natural, plant-based ingredients behind our high performance beauty products.

Loved in its native Brazil for the succulent and sweet fruit that yields it, cupuaçu butter earns plaudits as one of Mother Nature's most impressive ingredients for health and beauty. Although similar to cocoa butter, cupuaçu is even more powerful as an amazing and powerful remedy for damaged skin and hair.

The Science & Extraction of Cupuaçu Butter

Creamy cupuaçu butter is derived from the cupuaçu tree of the eastern subsection of the Amazonian rainforest in Brazil. Brazilian locals make delicious juices and desserts from the fruit of the tree -- the most popular fruit in the country, in fact.

The seed pods within the fruit create the rich and healthful cupuaçu pulp which comprises approximately half the weight of each cupuaçu seed. A process of cold-pressing, refining and filtering renders the butter from each seed to yield the soothing butter.

Cupuaçu’s Benefits for Beautiful Skin

A powerful and deep-penetrating moisturizer, cupuaçu butter is packed with an array of rich compounds including Omega 6- and 9-fatty acids and phytosterols, which can help reverse long-term skin damage and balance skin's moisture levels. Those who suffer from eczema, dermatitis, dandruff, and other skin conditions can also tremendously benefit from cupuaçu's anti-inflammatory activity.

Cupuaçu butter has a high water absorption rate - almost double that of shea butter. The butter restores and reinforces strength and elasticity in every skin cell by improving skin’s long-lasting ability to absorb and retain moisture. By creating a fortress of moisture at the cellular level, cupuaçu proves essential for anyone craving truly healthy and vibrant skin. In short, cupuaçu is a potent all-around wonder for the skin, direct from Mother Nature.

Why Nine Naturals Loves Cupuaçu Butter

Nine Naturals hand-picks each ingredient in our products to ensure the best beauty benefits that nature offers. USDA Certified Organic cupuaçu butter is an essential part of our formulations. We use cupuaçu butter in our products focusing on restoring moisture in the skin and hair including our Mandarin + Ginger Restorative Conditioner, Citrus + Geranium Soothing Body Wash, Vanilla + Geranium Regenerative Belly Butter & Stretch Mark Cream, and Unscented Moisturizing Body Cream. Improving moisture is a crucial task in the battle against pregnancy skin woes like irritation and stretch marks.

Cupuaçu butter is but one ingredient in Nine Naturals’ arsenal of powerful, toxin-free ingredients for beautiful skin and hair. Checkout others like jojoba seed oil and geranium oil by checking out our Ingredient Glossary.