The Family Groove "Creams of the Crop"

CREAMS OF THE CROP
GET THE RUB ON THE BEST ALL-NATURAL SALVES FOR YOUR PREGNANT SKIN

Nowadays, a healthy pregnancy is not just about what you eat. Moms-to-be are taking special care to
watch what they put on their bodies, just as much as they monitor what they put in them. Opting for
organic protects themselves and their babies from harsh chemicals that can have far-reaching negative
effects. Fortunately, going green doesn’t mean that you have to give up on high-end, luxurious products.

Here are THE FAMILY GROOVE’s picks for the best pregnant skin salvation salves.

Earth Mama Body Butter is the natural choice for moms looking for a nice scent to match their eco-friendly sensibilities. Infused with soothing aloe, coconut oil and vitamin E, this luxe lotion helps maintain your skin’s elasticity and leaves it clear, smooth and soft. Best of all, this body butter is 86 percent organic and uses cruelty-free and toxin-free ingredients.
($25.95, www.earthmamaangelbaby.com)

Hydrate your growing—and itchy—baby bump with Sexy Belly from Carol’s Daughter’s Mommy-to-Be collection. Made with organic ingredients, this skin-conditioning treatment (one of Oprah’s favorite things) is enriched with shea butter and jojoba oil, helping to promote cell regeneration while keeping you moisturized—and chemical-free.
($17, www.carolsdaughter.com)

Breast-feeding moms know a thing or two about dry, sore and chapped nipples. Get soothed with the all-natural Bag Balm, a tried-and-true cream used by farmers for moisturizing the dry and cracked udders of milking cows. Yes, we’re serious. This all-natural teat treater also does double duty as a potent lotion for dry hands and feet—and takes all-natural to a whole moo level.
(Available in drugstores nationwide or call 800.232.3610 to order directly, www.bagbalm.com)

Return to the land of milk and honey with the heavenly Milk & Honey Lotion by Sum-Bo-Shine. The salve, made just for Mommy, is certified organic and paraben-free. The eco-chic line also makes products just for Baby.
($12.99, www.sumboshine.com)

Shield your skin from the sun’s harmful rays with Dr. Hauschka’s Sunscreen Cream SPF 20. Fortified with quince seed and avocado extract, this all-natural cream nourishes as it serves and protects.
($25, www.drhauschka.com)

ORGANIC ON THE CHEAP
TIPS AND TRICKS FOR MOMMIES ON A BUDGET

Looking for an inexpensive and effective moisturizer? Check the cupboards—Sophia Loren does. Yes, the Italian icon’s secret to age-defying skin is none other than olive oil.
Try rubbing olive oil, a natural antioxidant that’s high in polyphenols, on your bump after your daily shower (dab dry, don’t rub!) to seal in moisture and keep your skin supple and smooth. Whether it’s extra virgin, cold pressed or even an olive oil alternative, like sweet almond oil, this natural emollient is an excellent double-duty alternative to the pricier lotions. Pour some into a jar or bottle and add a drop of lavender oil for a soft and relaxing scent (plus, the lavender actually keeps the olive oil fresher longer).

Vitamin E capsules are a great quick trick when relieving severely chapped hands, feet or nipples. Break one capsule and rub the soothing oil over the sore area. Your skin will drink it up, absorbing the soothing vitamin without irritating your skin. If you decide to use this method while breast-feeding, be sure to clean the area before Baby’s snack.

Remember to take an occasional break. Stress is a major factor in dry and spotty skin conditions. As the body changes during pregnancy, hormones fluctuate and the level of cortisol, the hormone produced in response to stress, may rise. To prevent flare-ups and adverse skin conditions, relax by meditating, taking a leisurely walk, working out, reading a book (not a pregnancy one!) or just taking some quiet time to be. Your body, your baby and your skin will thank you for it.

Drink water. During the winter months, excessive indoor heat and the dry air suck the moisture out of your skin. Staying properly hydrated helps reduce your risk of bladder infection, flushes out toxins, increases the flow of nutrients to Baby, and keeps your skin looking and feeling dewy fresh.

—Isel Pizarro

Isel Pizarro, an avid knitter and pop culture whiz kid, writes most of her articles from her cozy New York City apartment.