Organic Baby Home • Organic Pregnancy • Organic Beauty

Five Steps to An
Organic Beauty Routine

You don't have to sacrifice your sense of style to go natural. Organic beauty can be yours if you become a savvy shopper and label reader. Here's your guide to getting started.

Simplify Your Skin Care Routine.

It's true for babies and it's true for you: 60% of anything you put on your skin is absorbed into your bloodstream within five minutes. Choose organic skin care products without parabens, phthalates and synthetic fragrances and opt for products made with food-based ingredients.

I like the skin care products made by Natures Paradise. In addition to facial products, they have a full line of lotions, body wash, and hair care products made from certified organic ingredients.

If you're pregnant and worried about stretch marks, rub some shea butter on your tummy each day. Belly and Breast Balm by Miessence is an organic product designed to moisturize your belly and improve skin elasticity in this expanding area.
Style Your Hair with Gentle Methods.

If you're currently using chemical relaxers or perms, you may have been advised to abstain from these treatments during pregnancy. I know this can be a tough pill to swallow if this is what you're accustomed to, but perhaps you could comprise by getting the treatments less often or exploring versions of the products with less chemicals in their ingredient lists.

If you do decided to transition away from these products, hair styles such as roller sets or wearing your hair up or braided can help to camouflage the change in your hair's texture.

Fortunately, for the hair coloring enthusiasts, there are some natural hair dyes on the market. You want to look for dyes made with no ammonia and the lowest levels of Paraphenylenediamine (PPD). PPD is the chemical that changes the color of the hair and covers grey. Hair dyes made from Henna are the only 100% organic hair dyes.

If you're looking for shampoos and conditioners made with only organic ingredients, both Miessence and Natures Paradise have good products.
Naturalize Your Nail Rituals.

Formaldehyde, toulene and phthalates are three chemicals you want to avoid in nail polish - while pregnant and beyond.

Many lines of water-based nail polish and non-toxic removers are emerging. I've tried and like Zoya nail polish.

If you go to the salon to get your nails done, take your favorite polishes with you and as many of your favorite organic beauty products with you as you can.

The same goes for spa visits. You can take your own massage oil or exfoliant. Try food-based oils and mix in your favorite essential oil.
Makeover Your Makeup.

The good news is you can beautify yourself without smearing parabens, petrochemicals and synthetic fragrances all over your face. Certified organic makeup companies are on the rise, however read the labels on all organic beauty products to avoid being duped.

Miessence is just one company that makes a full line of organic makeup in various shades.makeup in many shades.
If Possible, Dress Without Chemicals.

Organic maternity clothes are hard to find locally and few and far between online, but companies like Kate Quinn Organics offers a few options for expecting moms seeking clothing free of petrochemicals and formaldehyde finishes. Check out Mama Om for some hip, organic clothing after your pregnancy.

By the way if you take your clothes to the dry cleaners, this can be a source of harsh chemicals that come in contact with the skin. Check your local listings for organic dry cleaners. The price is surprisingly similar to conventional cleaning.

Another alternative is to skip the cleaners altogether and use the dry cleaning setting on your washer. Don't forget to choose a non-toxic laundry detergent.

Or better yet, skip clothes that require dry cleaning and opt for flattering, breathable wash and go materials.

With that said you don't have to transform your beauty routine from head to toe overnight. Take baby steps and you'll find an organic beauty routine, can be stylish, simple and sustainable.

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