Pregnancy is a beautiful yet challenging time in a woman’s life. For every joyful discovery there is a disappointing development, like skin outbreaks or the shedding of hair.

The modern mother-to-be is lucky however, as manufacturers have begun to acknowledge the special needs of the pregnant body. Indeed, today there are literally hundreds of products on the market that address some of the more common discomforts pregnant women face during their nine month long evolution.

Skincare is one area that manufactures often target, a wise move, since taking care of our body’s largest organ is one of the primary concerns of many women who are on the precipice of becoming a mother.

With so many options available, it can be a rather daunting task to locate what will work best for you. Just how does a pregnant lady locate the skincare products that are both safe and effective?

Think Organic

Once upon a time people thought of organic products as something vegetarians and neo-hippies purchased due to paranoid concerns about contaminants. Nowadays, we realize that the neo-hippies were on to something, as the FDA and several health watch organizations have begun to prove that health and beauty items, like lotions and creams, were chock full of toxic substances.

Indeed, a mainstream lotion can contain several carcinogenic chemicals that could potentially damage reproductive health. Using such substances when pregnant could end up being extremely dangerous to both mother and baby.

On the other hand, true organic health and beauty items are free of the things that can cause harm to you and your precious little one.

Below are a few products that a resourceful mother who is interested in organic skin care can investigate to get started on her beauty regimen.

• Stretch mark cream – every mother, whether she is having her first child or her fifth, worries about getting stretch marks. The good news is that manufacturers of organic lotions and creams understand this and have created belly butters and moisturizers filled with pure botanical ingredients that will help your skin glow.

• Body toning oil — pregnant women are also concerned about sagging skin after childbirth, but the use of toning oils can help prevent this from happening if used faithfully. Producers of organic products make all natural body toning oils with tried and true substances like avocado, pomegranate and jojoba oils which boost collagen production and help the skin retain it elasticity.

• Body cleansing – purchasing organic shampoos, body washes and soaps are another great way to keep your skin baby smooth and free of harsh drying chemicals.

To find organic products you can visit a holistic food store in your neighborhood or look online for organic distributors. Always check the ingredients list as well, since some companies can legally use very little chemical free substances in their formulas and still get an organic rating. To be sure, look for the “certified organic” label. This often means it is 100 percent organic and 100 percent all natural.

You and your baby deserve the best start possible when it comes to the mother child relationship. Taking good care of yourself during your pregnancy with rest and proper skin care is one step in the right direction.

By: Amy Nutt