Massage & Nutrition
To enhance the benefits of Nom Nom skincare products from without and within we provide complimentary massage and nutrition tips and advice.
Massage and nutrition are a wonderful compliment to each other and, as a therapist, my advice for both has gone hand in hand when treating clients.
Massage will greatly enhance the benefits of any topically applied skincare product by improving circulation and reducing stress, but this is only half the story, to increase the effectiveness of your skincare it’s also important to pay attention to nourishing yourself from within, with healthy nutrition.
Massage
You can find massage tips with each of our products by clicking on WITHOUT
During pregnancy massage can benefit skin tone and elasticity and particularly when given by a partner, help reduce stress, anxiety, aches and pains and improve sleep. It can also help you both connect with your unborn baby.
For the baby receiving and the person giving, massage has numerous benefits. Most important of these is strengthening of bonding through interaction. Others include relief from wind, colic and constipation, relaxation and improved sleep and stimulation of the immune system.
Massage is a safe and supportive activity for both mum and baby but before you begin you should consider the following.
For Pregnancy
During the first trimester gentle head, hand and foot massage may be welcome but you should avoid massage to the legs, back and abdominal area. In the second trimester proceed gently on the lower back and abdomen.
Avoid massage if you are unwell and over skin that has infectious rashes, cuts, sores, recent bruising or is inflamed. Wait at least an hour after eating a meal.
If you have any medical concerns always check with a health professional.
For Baby
Massage can be enjoyed any time of day but make sure you are both ready, your baby calm and alert and you not feeling rushed. Avoid massaging when your baby is hungry or unsettled, has a temperature or seems unwell and over skin that has cuts, sores, recent bruising or is inflamed.
If you have any medical concerns always check with a health professional.
Lay your baby on a soft towel and a waterproof mat in a warm room with comfortable lighting, then all you need is baby massage oil and you’re ready to go.
Try to make eye contact, speak and, if you like, sing to your baby as you massage.
Whenever you massage always make sure your baby is happy for you to do so. Always watch and listen to their reactions and if they’ve had enough give them a break or leave the massage for another day.
To find out more about the benefits and where you can attend a local baby massage course to learn a full routine contact the International Association of Infant Massage.
Reasons for not using essential and fragrance oils
Before three months
Newborn skin is a little too sensitive and as smell is an essential part of the bonding process it’s nicer not to mask the natural scent of you and baby. Some essential oils have antibacterial properties and, as babies need exposure to certain bacteria for normal immune system development, we don’t want to interfere with this process.
Beyond three months
Essential oils can be beneficial if used appropriately for therapeutic reasons but some babies continue to have sensitive skin. Fragrances are usually there to appeal to the adult. For babies strong smells can be too stimulating and overwhelming so especially with a product designed for all over use, such as massage oil, or when using a combination of products, unfragranced is the best choice.
Nutrition
You can find nutrition tips with each of our products by clicking on WITHIN
Following a healthy diet during pregnancy will positively influence your baby’s development and confer future health benefits. A nutritious diet is important in helping to achieve a full term pregnancy and normal birth weight. You will be less likely to suffer complications and pregnancy symptoms, more likely to gain a healthy amount of weight during your pregnancy and find it easier to return to your normal weight once your baby is born.
Once your baby has arrived a wholesome diet will help you produce nutritious breast milk and healthy weaning will give your baby a lifelong love of good food.
For more practical advice on massage and nutrition for pregnancy and baby follow our blog, facebook page and twitter and sign up to our newsletter
Ingredients
We are passionate about the benefits of nourishing the skin with organically grown butters, pure cold pressed base oils and plant extracts rich in Omega 3, 6 and GLA, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Your skin will love their soothing, softening and healing effects as they are absorbed within.
Organic Ingredients
Aloe Vera
The juice of the aloe plant is soothing and calming to the skin with antiseptic and antibacterial properties acting against a number of different bacteria and fungi. Find it in our Baby Bath.
Apricot Kernel
As it is easily absorbed by the skin, this softening oil offers great lubrication for massage and helps increase elasticity. Find it in our Relax Oil and Perineum Balm.
Baobab
Known for its anti-inflammatory and moisturising properties as well as improving skin elasticity and skin regeneration. Contains up to 35% Omega 6 and 3% Omega 3 essential fatty acids. Find it in our Stretch Butter.
Beeswax
Used to give a thick consistency to balms and has great skin softening properties. Find it in our Perineum Balm.
Calendula
The flowers of the Marigold plant are macerated in sunflower oil to extract the healing benefits of the plant. Calendula is perfect for babies helping to calm sore, red, itchy and irritated skin. Find it in our Baby Butter and Baby Bath.
Camillia
Containing vitamins A, D, E, K this highly penetrative oil is very nutritious for the skin. In addition a high content of antioxidant polyphenols protect skin from free radical induced cell destruction and subsequent scar formation making it an excellent oil for stretch mark prevention and healing. Find it in our Stretch Butter.
Cocoa butter
A natural emollient which gives softness, nourishment and protection to the skin. Find it in our Stretch Butter.
Coconut oil
Virgin coconut oil retains its nutrients and scent and is an easily absorbed conditioner for the skin improving elasticity. Find it in our Baby Oil, Baby Butter , Stretch Butter and Perineum Balm.
Evening Primrose Oil
Easily absorbed by the skin and a great source of omega 6 linoleic fatty acids., it also contains a high content of Gamma Linolenic Acid, or GLA, (12-14% ) a substance the body needs to create prostaglandins which reduce inflammation to aid in healing scar tissue and wounds. Find it in our Baby Butter and Stretch Butter.
Glycerine
From organic vegetable origin this natural humectant prevents moisture loss and acts as a softening agent. Find it in our Baby Bath.
Jojoba
This natural liquid wax forms a protective barrier which stops transepidermal water loss making it an excellent ingredient for protecting the skin from water, wind and the cold. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties, softens the skin and improves suppleness. Find it in our Baby Butter and Perineum Balm.
Orange blossom flower water
Hydrosols or flower waters are a byproduct of the steam distillation process used in the creation of an essential oil. In this instance, neroli oil from the flower of the orange tree. So gentle it can be used in 100% concentration making it perfect for delicate and sensitive skin. Find it in our Baby Bath.
Shea butter
Good for protecting and healing the skin, it has excellent emollient properties making the skin soft and supple. Its phytosterol content, which stimulates the formation and growth of new cells, actively helps prevent and treat stretch marks. Find it in our Baby Butter, Stretch Butter and Perineum Balm.
Starflower
Otherwise know as borage, the seeds of this plant are a good source of Omega 6 fatty acids. It also has an exceptionally high content of Gamma Linolenic Acid (16-24%) a substance the body needs to create anti inflammatory prostaglandins. The GLA rich oil penetrates into the skin helping to reduce inflammation, retain moisture and prevent dryness and has been shown to help with infantile dermatitis. Find it in our Baby Oil.
Sunflower
Perfect for massage, this nourishing oil boasts a high level of linoleic (up to 70%) Omega 6 fatty acids. Find it in our Baby Oil, Baby Butter and Relax Oil.
Sweet Almond Oil
A lovely massage oil which makes skin feel smooth, soft and supple and helps soothe itching. Find it in our Stretch Butter, Relax Oil and Perineum Balm.
Vanilla
Vanilla pods macerated in almond oil give a nurturing, sweet and soft aroma. Find it in our Stretch Butter.
Essential oils
Lavender
Distilled from lavender flowers this essential oil is relaxing, sedative, calming to the nerves and a good analgesic for muscular aches and pains.
Chamomile Roman
Distilled from chamomile flowers this essential oil works as an effective analgesic known for its calming, relaxing and soothing properties.
Frankincense
Distilled from a tree resin this essential oil slows down and deepens the breathing and helps to calm.
Sweet Orange
Expressed from the peel of oranges this essential oil works as a gentle sedative.
Find all these in our Relax Oil.
Other Ingredients
Vitamin E
All the ingredients in our oils and butters are organic apart from the vitamin E (which can’t be). We include this antioxidant to protect the precious oils in these product and because vitamins are beneficial without as well as within.
Find the following in our Baby Bath
Citric acid
A natural acid derived from citrus fruits used to balance the pH of a product to be close to that of the skin
Coco glucoside
A gentle, mild and biodegradable foaming agent derived from coconut and fruit sugars.
Xanthan gum
A polysaccharide produced by fermenting glucose and used as a thickening agent.
Dehdroacetic acid and Benzyl alcohol
highly effective preservatives to protect water based products against bacterial and fungal contamination. Permitted for use in organically certified cosmetics.