With a new baby on the way, moms-to-be have a lot to prepare for in the upcoming months. Your diet changes, you have to buy new clothes, and let’s not even get started on hormones. When you turn to the issue of skincare, here’s the big question: How do we know what’s safe during pregnancy–and how much does it really matter?
According to Nine Naturals founder and new mom Grace Lee, nearly 60% of what you put on your skin can actually be absorbed into your bloodstream. During pregnancy, babies are much more susceptible to environmental toxins that are linked to developmental disorders and diseases. This means that for expectant moms, being conscious about your hair and skincare is just as important as the foods you eat.
That’s exactly why Lee created Nine Naturals, an organic skincare line for pregnant women that works just as well as existing products but allows moms-to-be feel confident that your baby is safe. When Lee was pregnant herself, she was hard-pressed to find products that were actually as natural or pure as they claimed to be–or products that actually did the moisturizing job. So she came up with a collection of all-natural products that don’t contain any sulfates, parabens, phthalates, or other harmful toxins. “Women shouldn’t have to compromise on their daily routine just because they’re pregnant or just because they want a natural product,” says Lee.
Currently, Nine Naturals boasts everything you’d expect from a beauty company: shampoo, conditioner, deep conditioner, and body wash. But the one product that makes it obvious that the company always has moms-to-be and new moms in mind is its belly butter, with Cupuaçu butter that helps fight stretch marks (and also works as a general body cream.)
Of course, one of the biggest challenges for pregnant women when it comes to skincare is a newly sensitive nose. Luckily, Nine Naturals’ light mandarin ginger and citrus mint scents are very carefully fragranced so that they bring a refreshing kick without being overwhelming. True, you can always opt for perfume-free products, but the citrus mint serves as a great pick-me-up if you’re feeling nauseous or simply fatigued.
Lee recommends using Nine Naturals prior to pregnancy all the way through breastfeeding, when what your body is absorbing and ingesting still affects your baby’s nutritional intake. That said, the products are great beyond the first few years of motherhood, too–ingredients like Shea butter, vitamin E, and quality oils (like avocado, flaxseed, and jojoba) will moisturize and replenish anyone’s skin and hair.
For more details on the benefits of ingredients used in the Nine Naturals products, visit the full ingredient glossary on their site. Or, log on to stay updated on company news–the line will be expanding soon with more luxurious and safe products for mom.
