Natural beauty in pregnancy: from bump to babe
In addition to the excitement, pregnancy can bring all sorts of beauty dilemmas
that may not have cropped up before – not just for yourself but also for your
newborn. Changing skin complexions, stretch marks, nappy rash, you name it!
Jen Marsden provides some top natural tips to combat them.
It's never more important to keep a clean, natural beauty regime than when carrying
a baby. This is because many of the usual chemical nasties have far less desirable
effects, from allergies and skin irritation, affecting breast milk and at worst,
causing birth defects.
Disclaimer: Skin type and effects vary depending on the individual, and you should
contact your GP or a dermatologist for expert medical advice.
Pregnancy
Go organic
Your health is also your baby's future. You know to avoid caffeine, raw fish and
unpasteurised cheeses, but pregnancy is also the perfect time to switch over from
the conventional to organic and natural beauty products. The French government has
moved to a labelling system that states whether a product is fit for pregnant women
or not after an Imperial College London report detailed hormone disruption caused
by chemicals in hairspray.
Petroleum based products (petrolatum, propylene glycol, paraffin, isopropyl alcohol
and mineral oil) are known to cause irritation to skin during pregnancy.
Parabens, usually identified in the ingredients list with a precursor such
as methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, butyl-, are absorbed through the skin and have been
found in breast tissue through studies at the University of Reading; while phthalates
are thought to interfere with the sexual development of a foetus or baby.
Plus, there's limited research about the effects of a cocktail of ingredients that
can be absorbed into the bloodstream, which is another reason for keeping your beauty
regime natural and to a minimum.
Look at the ingredients label if you are unsure and look at BigGreenSmile.com's
Green Glossary for more information and also
Symbol Savvy: organic certification explained to find symbols that will
guarantee safer products.
Fresh food
Try to avoid processed foods as these can be laden with chemicals that preserve,
flavour or colour them. Instead, go for the home-cooked option.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding is a thirsty time –so quench that thirst by drinking
as much water as your body can contain. This will always be beneficial to your skin
too.
Skin routines
With hormonal changes that last the duration of your pregnancy come changes to your
skin complexion.
Skin cells have a higher turnover during pregnancy so keep moisturising your skin
to prevent dull skin, particularly after showering or bathing. Pure
cocoa or
shea butter is a particularly rich moisturiser.
Your skin may become flaky or dry – which is perfect normal. To deal with
this use a gentle natural mechanical (rather than chemical) exfoliator to gently
rub off dead skin. Before bed, use an unscented, night cream or facial oil. Pouring
some milk and oatmeal into your bath will help soothe your skin naturally too.
If you have received a little too much of that pregnancy glow and encountered oily
skin, then ensure you use a good quality organic
facial cleanser in the morning or a natural face mask.
If your skin gets an unfortunate dose of spots, avoid acne products that contain
cortisone or hydrocortisone. Similarly, avoid anti-ageing products that contain
retinoids as these may harm your unborn baby. Seek professional guidance prior to
using essential oils too.
Massage and moisturise your bump, particularly in the third trimester, as this will
help reduce stretch marks. For centuries, Indians have used body products with extracts
of wheat germ, cold pressed sesame, jojoba, grapefruit and walnut oils as a means
to naturally prevent cellulite formation.
You may experience tired and aching feet, so utilise a foot lotion and give yourself
a warm foot bath. And, when taking a relaxing bath, keep it warm rather than hot
so as to not dry out your skin.
Don't overexert yourself
It sounds obvious but do allow yourself to relax. As you rush around nesting, temptation
can override common sense.
Opt for natural fabrics (cotton, cashmere, silk) and rather than stealing your partner's
– choose loose maternity wear that gives your bump support without rubbing
it too much. There are an increasing number of ethical options.
Avoid the lure of painting your nursery and exposing yourself to the paint's toxic
fumes – and if you must, opt for eco considerate, low VOC paints.
0-3 months
As a baby grows, so will its resilience. However, keep a mindful watch on the goods
that you use, and continue to follow the above pregnancy skincare guidance until
you stop nursing. Consider organic bedding options and more natural washing detergents
for use on your baby's clothes.
Breastfeeding
What you feed yourself is what you feed your baby, so a continued healthy diet and
exercise does help.
Prior to and while you are breastfeeding you should be particularly wary of parfum
and the cocktail of artificial fragrances, including artificial musk which has been
found in breast milk.
Nursing pads are available which are free from plastics, synthetics and
super absorbents made from petrochemicals.
Baby's own moisturiser
When a baby is first born its skin contains its own marvellous nature's moisturiser
called vernix, which also helps its passage through the birth canal. In the first
few weeks, your baby's skin requires little else but water and vernix helps your
baby's skin retain moisture. If you do choose to use anything, go for a high quality,
organic olive oil.
Toilet time
When it comes to nappy changing, opt for organic, biodegradable and chlorine free
baby wipes and organic cotton wool to avoid unnecessary contact with chemicals.
It will take time to find the right nappies for your baby and you can trial your
local NCT Real Nappy Library before buying, or opt for biodegradable nappies that
are kinder to the environment and your baby's skin. You can buy natural nappy ointments
for cases of nappy rash.
3 months to little tots
By the time your baby reaches six months, you can begin to regularly use mild and
baby sensitive natural lotions on your baby's skin, or give your little
tot some additional fun in the tub with the treat of a bubble bath!
Protect your baby's skin from the sunshine and dress your little ones in fabrics
of light shades and a sunhat - and ensure you splodge plenty of
sun block on them!
As your child's playfulness comes out, take advantage of the many natural wooden
toys on the market rather than plastic to reduce your child being exposed to chemicals.
With many options on offer, there's more reason than not to rear a natural baby!
