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In conversation with Plastic Soup Foundation: the alarming dangers of microplastics
In 2011, Plastic Soup Foundation was founded by Maria Westerbos. Since then, the foundation has worked to raise awareness about plastic, put the plastic problem on politicians' agendas, and made a significant contribution to reducing plastic soup. But we're far from done, says Jeroen Dagevos, Head of Programs at Plastic Soup Foundation. "The problem has been underestimated for a long time and turns out to be much worse than anyone thought". We spoke with him, because what about microplastics, and why are they so dangerous? And what are the expectations for the future, can we solve the plastic problem? When Maria Westerbos had to research problems that couldn't (yet) be solved for a TV program in 2011, she heard about plastic soup for the first time. Completely unfamiliar with the subject, she got into conversation with Charles Moore, the discoverer of plastic soup. He indicated that Europe is the place to establish a foundation aimed at reducing this problem. In Europe, a difference can be made worldwide. And so Plastic Soup Foundation was born. In 2012, the foundation launched its first campaign: Beat The Microbead. A campaign specifically aimed at microplastics. Because that ocean and that plastic, yes that's terrible, but for most people it's also far away. That's why attention needed to be drawn to problems that have a direct impact on everyone and suddenly bring that pollution much closer to home. Plastic in cosmetics, that's how the general public got to know Plastic Soup Foundation. At the start of the campaign, the focus was on toothpaste—it's in your mouth, so you can't get closer than that. And the change was recent, because microplastics definitely weren't always in it. "At home I had two tubes of toothpaste from the same brand, where one tube contained salt and the other polyethylene. So it was a very recent addition," says Jeroen. And that woke other people up too, because they suddenly realized that it's very strange that plastic is being added to something you put in your mouth. An app also came out of this, which makes it easier for consumers to recognize microplastics in cosmetics. "The app is really used as a reference and is incredibly successful. Unilever was one of the first big names that also removed the scrubbing particles from their products because of it. And whenever we receive a complaint, it's often because the app shows that there are microplastics in a product. The manufacturer is obviously not always happy about that, but yes, it's in there, so do something about it." Microplastics and RegulationThe addition of microplastics is very recent. Bizarre, but legally speaking it was allowed. Why microplastics were suddenly added to cosmetics? A grain of plastic is much cheaper than a grain of salt or sand that needs to be cleaned. And besides, you can also give that piece of plastic all kinds of nice colors and shapes. Innovation and cost savings were thus the biggest reasons behind the change. A lot of money was invested in the development of microplastics, but just over 10 years later, in 2023, a ban came into effect. Although companies still have time to phase it out, and there are still plenty of microplastics that weren't included in the ban. It's certainly a nice step in the right direction! "In Europe, we now have a good system for chemicals: REACH. A product is only brought to market after a number of questions are asked. Think about: is it biodegradable, is it toxic, are there alternatives? This used to be different. Back then, products were brought to market and only afterwards was it checked if there was damage. That's why it sometimes took 30 years before a certain substance was banned." So we've come a long way, but unfortunately polymers were excluded from the list of 'hazardous substances' because they are stable. Plastic also wasn't a problem at all twenty years ago, or at least, wasn't seen as one. Because of that, regulations weren't strict. Meanwhile, there is a ban on microplastics, but there are exceptions to this as well, Jeroen explains. "The ban on microplastics only applies to solid particles, a strange exception to the rules if you ask me. All liquid polymers are therefore not banned, because they are not classified as microplastics. Yet there are also a lot of bad ingredients among these, for example Polyvinyl Alcohol. This substance is liquid in the tube, but it leaves a plastic layer on the skin. So it's not seen as microplastic, but it's definitely plastic and has a major effect on the skin." Not Without DangerMore is becoming known about the effects of microplastics. For example, microplastics have now been found in the placentas of pregnant women, they are linked to heart attacks and strokes, and microplastics have also been found in cancer cells. "At the Global Plastic Treaty (INC4) negotiations in Ottawa in April, we presented a study together with German physician Lukas Kenner on the relationship between nanoplastics and the growth and spread of cancer that he discovered. He's really worried about this and is seeing things he didn't expect. His biggest concerns stem from the fact that the amount of micro- and nanoplastics in our environment and our bodies will only increase, because we're using more and more plastic." The effects of these tiny pieces of plastic are quite significant. "The point is: plastic doesn't just break down, it just gets smaller. This applies to all plastic. Through wear and tear, like with clothing, microplastics are released. You eat and drink them or just breathe them in and that's how they end up in our bodies." Currently, almost 500 million tons of plastic are produced annually. It's expected that this will at least double in the next 20 years, but maybe even triple. And that's concerning. Not everything is bad, Jeroen says, it's mainly about applications used for single-use packaging materials, like plastic bottles and clothing that breaks after wearing it three times. "We need to do something about the throwaway culture. That way you not only tackle microplastics, but also save a lot of raw materials." Changing PolicyA small organization against a big industry, that's Plastic Soup Foundation. Although it took some effort at the beginning to get the problem on the political agenda, the foundation started at exactly the right time to talk about plastic soup. The problem was already being raised during their maiden speeches by several politicians. "The plastic problem grew in a short time from a non-issue to very important. Through open communication with consumers, it increasingly became a concern for them too. And by making it so personal (microplastics in cosmetics), it resonated even better. We shed light on gaps in legislation and were able to easily refute companies' arguments with our own research. And so we were increasingly well received and change slowly came about." But it remains difficult. "Policymakers don't want to just destroy the entire cosmetics industry, there are a lot of jobs at stake. Lobbyists play well on this uncertainty. But through zero plastic brands, and there are already 160 of them, we can show that shampoo can also be made without microplastics. Of course, you can't just change a system and time is needed to build a new system, but fortunately there are more and more new companies that are doing it right from the start." Now that it's becoming increasingly clear that microplastics are in our organs and in our blood, and that it has negative effects there too, it's becoming increasingly important to solve the problem. And fortunately, more and more companies are realizing this and are working on systemic change. A Problem Without a SolutionFortunately, good steps are being taken. Stricter policies are coming and more and more companies are committed to changing the industry. But for the consumer it remains difficult at the moment. Microplastics are hidden behind difficult words on the ingredient list and there's still no complete transparency. And in the supermarket you can barely avoid it: plastic is everywhere. "You do see that there's movement now, however slow it may be. Vegetables and fruit are increasingly less often packaged in plastic. I really think the supermarket will look very different in 10 years." But messages still come out that even surprise Jeroen. "That there are an average of 240 thousand nanoplastics in a liter bottle of water, well then you realize that the problem is so much worse than expected." Change lies with companies, but as a consumer you can do little, except make the conscious choice for brands that are microplastic-free. A WWF survey showed that 80% of consumers want an alternative. And that helps! If people want change, companies will have to follow suit. Do you need help avoiding microplastics? Then download the Beat The Microbead app from Plastic Soup Foundation. With this you can scan all your cosmetics and immediately know what's in them. That's transparent!
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Sunscreen and newborns: everything you need to know
Babies and sunscreen, what's the deal with that? The short answer is: it's best to keep your newborn out of the sun completely. If this is not an option you can use a little bit of sunscreen from the age of 3 months to protect their skin. But which one do you choose? And what other ways are there to protect your (newborn) baby from harmful UV radiation? We'll tell you everything you need to know about babies and the sun. Shade, sleeves and sunscreen You'll want to keep your baby out of the sun as much as possible, for at least the first year. Shade it is! But that's easier said than done, and even in the shade there's UVA and UVB radiation. That's why it's important to also protect your baby with clothes, preferably with UV protection, sunglasses and a sun hat or cap. Just so you know you're safe. If it's really not possible to keep your (newborn) baby out of the sun, and the right clothes are not available, sunscreen is your last resort. The advice is to wait until your baby is at least three (but rather six) months old and to only use small amounts of mineral sunscreen. Shade, sleeves and, if you have to, sunscreen! Which sunscreen can I use for my baby? There are all kinds of sun protection out there, so how to choose the right sunscreen for your baby? There's mineral and non-mineral sunscreen. And what's the difference between sunscreen for babies, kids and adults? We're here to help! What's the difference between mineral and non-mineral? There's two different kinds of UV-filters: mineral and non-mineral. Non-mineral filters (used in traditional sunscreen) get absorbed by the skin, where a chemical reaction takes place. What follows is protection from UV radiation. The downside to some non-mineral filters, is that this chemical reaction can cause a rash or irritation for people with sensitive skin. A mineral UV-filter works like a mirror on the skin. The sunscreen is made out of minerals, usually zinc oxide or titanium oxide. It creates a layer on the skin which reflects harmful UV radiation. Immediate protection and less likely to cause a rash. That's why mineral filters are very suitable for the sensitive baby skin. Naïf's sun protection for babies has a zinc oxide based UV-filter. Mineral it is! But we did add a non-mineral booster to guarantee maximum protection. We use BEMT (Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine). This UV-filter is safe and suitable for sensitive skin. And we only add a little, just to boost and strengthen the zinc oxide. Worry free protection it is. How to use mineral sunscreen? Zinc oxide can cause a white cast on the skin. Its the same ingredient that's in a zinc cream against diaper rash! The strength of zinc oxide: it protects the skin by creating a barrier. But although we don't care about a white butt, it's not what we prefer for sunscreen that's used all over the body. That's why natural oils like coconut and sunflower are added and the zinc oxide particles in sunscreen are made much smaller. Smooth application guaranteed! What's the difference between sunscreen for babies, kids and adults Is there a difference between sunscreen for babies and kids, and for adults? We can't speak for other brands of course, Naïf's sunscreen for kids is different than our baby sunscreen. Not only do we have a 0% perfume version for babies, our sunscreen for kids also has a non-mineral filter. A bit easier to apply and more comfortable on the skin for kids who get fussy. Baby sunscreen for yourself? No problem! Can you use Naïf sunscreen for a newborn? Our sun protection can be used for baby's from 3 months and up, but it's better to keep them out of the sun completely and protect them with shade or clothes. Really not possible? You can safely use a little bit of sunscreen to protect your baby's skin from the age of 3 months. What does SPF mean? The Sun Protection Factor tells you how well you're protected while enjoying the sun. An SPF 30 means there chance of sunburn is 30 times smaller than when you're using no sunscreen at all. For SPF 50 is 50 times less likely you'll get a sunburn. But this is of course not very fool proof, since not everyone reacts the same to the sun and it really depends on your skin type. Which SPF do you choose for a baby? Because your baby's skin is not used to anything yet, and no pigment is formed, it's important to protect is as much as possible. No sunscreen offers 100% protection, so always go for the highest SPF: 50! But don't forget to keep your baby out of the sun as much as possible and use sunscreen. Re-apply every 2 hours for maximum protection and you're good to go! How much sunscreen do you need? The Dutch Skin Foundation has the advise to use 7 teaspoons for the whole body: 1 teaspoon for the face, including the ears and neck 2 teaspoons for chest and back 2 teaspoons for shoulders, arms and hands 2 teaspoons for legs and feet Every 2 hours! And try to avoid the sun between 12:00 and 15:00, because that's when the sun has the most strength. You got this! (Source: AAD)
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Hooray! Our 2024 sunscreen formula passed all its SPF tests!
Sunscreen and SPF (Sun Protection Factor), yeah those two are pretty connected. Why? Because SPF shows you how well you are protected against harmful UV rays. As you can imagine it’s important that the number promised is also correct. Every year we let our sunscreen be tested in an independent laboratory and we are happy to announce that all our sunscreen products have passed their tests! Mineral sunscreen By now you know that we make mineral sunscreen. A conscious choice with some challenges (think about white cast or thickness). For years we’ve been working hard on improving our formula, so it becomes easier to use every year. Although mineral sunscreen with a zinc oxide based UV filter is pretty common in other countries, the Dutch market still offers mostly sunscreen with non-mineral (better known as chemical) UV filters. Curious about the differences between mineral and non-mineral UV-filters? We tell you more about it in this blog. UV filter A zinc oxide based UV filter adds a protective layer on top of the skin, which reflects UV radiation. This offers immediate protection, without a waiting period. To be sure we usually add a little bit more zinc oxide than necessary for great protection. In our adjusted formula we also added an extra booster, to guarantee protection. Our sunscreen already contained a booster made out of pongamia seeds and our newest booster is made of a new generation non-mineral UV filter: bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol-Methoxyphenyl Triazine. Does not penetrate the skin and based on our current research, there are no documented effects on marine life due to this ingredient. Lab test And then what? The amount of zinc oxide in a mineral sunscreen is a good indication of its protective properties, but we obviously let our products get tested intensively before we bring them onto the market. We do this at Helioscience, an independent laboratory which specialises in mineral sunscreen. Test results We love honesty and transparency. You kind of have to when you want to change the personal care industry, right? Because let’s be honest, improvement is necessary. Last year we promised we would share all the test results of our sunscreen with you, just so you know what you’re putting onto your skin. And because the full report might be a little complicated to read, we’ve collected the most important information for you, the SPF. Below you can find the scores of all our products! Mineral Sunscreen Cream 0% parfum SPF50 for Baby & Kids SPF 57.6 Mineral Sunscreen Cream SPF50 for Baby & Kids SPF 54.5 Mineral Sunscreen Cream SPF50 for Families SPF 55.5 Mineral Sunscreen Cream SPF30 for Families SPF 32.3 Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF50 0% parfum for Baby & Kids SPF 53.8 Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF50 for Baby & Kids SPF 52.3 Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF50 for Families SPF 53.1 Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF30 for Families SPF 31.9 Want to know more? You can see the full report below, no problem. Note: test results may slightly fluctuate based on the method of testing.
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Sun Protection in Spring? We Clear Up the Biggest Myths!
What do you think of when it comes to spring? Maybe the first rays of sunshine. Tulips. The first ice cream? Or "finally no thick winter clothes anymore"? Caught! Because one of the most important topics was missing here: sun protection in spring! If you've only used sunscreen in the height of summer so far, then definitely keep reading here, because sunscreen should be part of your daily routine in spring too. Especially our little ones should also be well creamed in spring when outdoors, because their skin is very sensitive. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at some widespread myths about sun protection in spring and clarify whether they are true or false. 1. Myth: In spring it's often still cool, so I don't need sun protection because the sun isn't that strong yet.False. Sunscreen products protect against UV radiation and this is independent of the outside temperature. You can tell how intense the UV radiation is by looking at the UV Index (feel free to check the weather app on your phone). From a value of 3, you should cream your skin and your children's skin with sunscreen products, no matter how cold or warm it is outside. Especially around midday, this value is already reached in spring (usually from mid/late March).2. Myth: Even if it's cloudy, you need sun protection.True!Clouds do not filter out all UV rays. A large part can still reach the skin, which is why sun protection is important on cloudy days too.3. Myth: To adequately protect a child's face from the sun, you need about 1 teaspoon of sunscreen.True!Sunscreen products can only provide their protection if you apply enough of them. For a child's face, the guideline here is roughly "one teaspoon full" or also "two finger lengths" for face and neck/nape.4. Myth: Sunscreen products are skincare products that can also remain on the skin overnight.False.Sunscreen products protect your skin and your child's skin from UV rays during the day, but are not a skincare product. Therefore, they must be washed off in the evening with a mild shower gel, because otherwise they could dry out the skin and unnecessarily stress it.So, how many did you get right? Now you're definitely a real sun protection pro and spring can come. Want to learn more about the topic? Then read here further! Happy spring!
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How can we guarantee the SPF in our sunscreen?
When you think about sunscreen, SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is probably on of the first things that come to mind. Protecting your skin against harmful UV radiation is very important, so we want to explain to you how we can guarantee an effective SPF in our sun care products. Let's get into it! Mineral sunscreenFirst things first; we made the conscious choice to create a mineral sunscreen. Although mineral sunscreen is pretty common in other countries, the Dutch market still offers mostly traditional sunscreen with non-mineral filters (better known as chemical). Mineral sunscreen with a zinc oxide based filter like ours lays a physical barrier on top of the skin that reflects harmful UV radiation. Non-mineral filters penetrate the skin and then cause a chemical reaction where the UV beams are absorbed instead. You can find more information about UV filters here. Because these filters penetrate the skin there is a bigger chance on skin irritation and it takes longer for the sunscreen to do its job. There are also some ingredients in non-mineral filters that can cause harm to coral reefs, and we don't want that, do we? Zinc and SPFZinc oxide based sunscreen has another perk. The amount of added zinc is a direct reflection on its protective properties. To reach an SPF of 30, a product needs to contain 21% zinc oxide for example. Just to be sure we even try to add a little more zinc oxide to our products. Our 2024 formula additionally also contains not one, but two extra boosters. Good protection guaranteed! LabtestenAnd then what? Although this percentage is a good start, we of course also test our formula extensively before we start production. We do this at an independent laboratory, Helioscience, specialized in mineral sunscreen. In vitro and in vivo There are to different ways in which sunscreen can be tested: in vitro and in vivo. All our formulas are first tested in vitro. This means we look at the product in a more technical way. For traditional sunscreen they look at the heat that is released, because non-mineral UV filters absorb the sun rays and convert them to heat. But that not how mineral sunscreen works. A zinc oxide based UV filter adds a protective layer on top of the skin that reflects UV radiation in stead of absorbing it. No heat released. That's why it's important to test mineral sunscreen differently than non-mineral sunscreen. Helioscience knows exactly how to do this!Only when the in vitro tests are positive we start with in vivo testing. These tests are done on actual skin, of real people that is! A small portion of the skin of 10-20 people is exposed to controlled sun beams. The reaction of the skin is measured to see how effective the SPF is. They check how long it takes for the skin to get red. When it takes 30 times longer than usual it means the product has SPF 30. In vivo tests are always done on people with different kinds of skin types and skin conditions. ProductionIf you want to sell products, they need to meet the strict regulations of the Nederlandse Cosmetica Vereniging (Dutch Cosmetic Association). Only when we know for sure our product meet their guidelines we start producing our sunscreen. Apart from strict laws, we also have terms and conditions that are important for us as a brand: would we use these products for our own kids? If the answer is yes, we start production. Are there any doubts? We decide against producing the product. This way we ensure that we only launch products that we are really proud of.TransparancyAt Naïf we want to change the personal care industry, because let's be honest, we can and have to do better. We believe change starts with honesty and transparancy. That's why we decided to share the results of ALL our sunscreen tests. And remember, these are done at a independent laboratory. We think it's important that you know what you're putting onto your skin!
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We have changed the formula of our sunscreen!
At Naïf we are all about protecting families from the harmful effects the sun can have on our skin. We believe that, by sharing knowledge and making good sunscreen, we can really help with creating a generation that knows how to take good care of their skin. To offer even better protection we took a good look at our sunscreen formula and we decided to make a little change. Let us tell you all about it! In 2015 Naïf was the first brand in The Netherlands with a mineral sunscreen, because we believe that this is the best option to protect your baby. Because we were the first, we learned a lot and will continue to do so. Our goal is creating a mineral sunscreen without making compromises, that is safe (for human and planet), but also just as user friendly as traditional sunscreen products. That is why we evaluate and improve our formula every year again, no exception this year. Mineral sunscreen In our sunscreen we use a non-nano zinc oxide based UV-filter (if you want to learn more about UV filters you can do that here). Zinc oxide is a mineral that creates a protective layer on top of the skin that reflects harmful UV radiation. You can compare it to a mirror! Because zinc oxide does not penetrate the skin, but stays on top, chances of an allergic reaction are minimal and it offers immediate protection. Annually 14 million kilograms of sunscreen ends up in the ocean. Oxybenzone and octinoxate based UV filters are proven to be harmful to coral reefs. That’s why we stay away from these, and all ingredients that are a potential risk, and we chose to create a mineral sunscreen with a zinc oxide based UV filter. Zinc oxide has many advantages, but there is one disadvantage: it can make the skin a little dry. This is exactly why it’s the main ingredient in our zinc cream which helps with diaper rash! To make sure the amount of zinc oxide in our sunscreen does not get too high we always add a booster made out of pongamia seeds. This booster enhances the power of the zinc oxide, so we can keep the amount of zinc in our sunscreen to a minimum. Our changed formula As we said before, mineral sunscreen is not always the most user friendly. It can be a bit harder to apply and can leave a white cast on the skin. It’s a compromise you have to make in exchange for a product that offers immediate protection and is mild for (sensitive) skin. But we hope to reduce this compromise a little every year. That’s why, in the last years, we worked on easier application and less white cast. This year we added a second booster. This booster is made from a new generation (non-mineral) UV filter: bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine. This UV filter is lab-made, but does not penetrate the skin and offers protection from the outside. Based on our current research, there are no documented effects on marine life due to this ingredient. The UV filter bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine is already being used in The Netherlands, but the combination with our mineral zinc oxide based UV filter is unique! By combining the zinc oxide with the booster we can guarantee a high quality SPF and a safe sun experience for you and your family! But wait, does this mean that our new formula is better than last years? Not necessarily. It just depends on how you look at it. Both formulas do exactly as promised: immediate and good protection against the sun. The yearly improvements make our sunscreen easier to apply and more nourishing. Also this year. Let us know what you think! We know for sure that all our sunscreen protects as promised, because they all passed their tests. Woohoo! We let the testing be done by an independent lab, specialised in mineral sunscreen. Just so you know it’s real good stuff.
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New: The First 1,000 Days Baby Box
Here it is then, the Babybox you didn't know you needed! Naïf, Etos and Ouders van Nu have joined forces to create a Babybox for everyone who is expecting a baby or has just had one. Filled with products that you can really use during the first thousand days. Read on quickly to find out what makes our Babybox so special. Perhaps by now or in the past you've already collected some other babyboxes. One thing is for sure, gifts are always nice when a little one is on the way. But often these packages are also full of advertisements, flyers or products that aren't suitable for your family situation. And that's a shame! That's why we've created a gift package together with Etos and Ouders van Nu, full of quality (full-size!) products that you can really use, such as a sleep guide and care products for sensitive skin, without advertising and unnecessary plastic clutter. We work together with partners who value quality and sustainability just as much as we do. Good for you and less harmful to the planet. And.. the Babybox is suitable for all (prospective) parents, regardless of gender and situation. Woohoo, that really makes us happy. To guarantee the quality of our Babybox, unfortunately it's not completely free. The package is worth approximately €120 (contents vary), but can be picked up at Etos for €4.95* (from 1 March!). But first request it via the registration form on our website. With each Babybox sold, we can also help parents who could use a little extra help. What's in it? We'll tell you more about that next week! We're launching it officially at the nine-month fair. From 1 March the Babybox can be picked up at Etos! You can already request it now via the button below.
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A sunny collaboration: Naïf and the Huidfonds join forces
That we find sun protection important, that should be clear. And now we're taking another step further in our mission to protect everyone from the sun. We are proud to tell you that we have officially become partners with the Skin Foundation. Together we will work over the next three years to raise more awareness about the importance of sun protection by spreading the message: protect, cover and apply. With this partnership we want to help parents and caregivers protect themselves and their kids well against the harmful effects of the sun. And that goes beyond just applying sunscreen! We hope to give parents more awareness, knowledge and tools on how to safely enjoy the sun, so they can confidently look forward to summer. "At Naïf our mission has always been to help parents take good care of their children, without worries. The Skin Foundation shares this vision, and together we want to raise awareness about the fact that good sun protection is more than just applying sunscreen. It's about a combination of protecting, covering and applying. By incorporating these aspects into parenting, we're working towards healthier skin in the long term." - Jochem Hes, one of the founders of Naïf.Protect, cover and applyEarly learned, long remembered. And that's why we will provide families over the next three years, together with the Skin Foundation, with information and mineral sun products with high protection and without setting time. This way children learn from a young age how important responsible sun exposure is.And that goes beyond just sunscreen. Because shade and covering the skin also help against the harmful effects of the sun, and there isn't always enough attention for that. "It's fantastic that Naïf, an organization with a commercial interest in selling sunscreen, feels the social responsibility to commit itself to the total prevention message." - Marijne Landman of the National Skin Foundation.The National Skin FoundationThe Skin Foundation has been there for almost 25 years for people with a skin condition. Their mission: prevent skin conditions and improve the lives of people with a skin condition. Skin cancer prevention is one of the focus points of the National Skin Foundation. A good cause with an important mission. With the Sun Covenant - an initiative of the National Skin Foundation as part of #StopSkinCancer - the Skin Foundation aims to ensure that the advice "protect, cover and apply" is actively used by various organizations such as schools and sports clubs with their target audience. This is always about a combination of 'seek the shade', 'put something on' and 'apply sunscreen'.And now we, as the first sunscreen brand, join the Sun Covenant! A special mission where we will work hard to create more knowledge and awareness about safe sun exposure. This way we hope to contribute to a generation with healthy and protected skin.
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First steps - our guide for the first weeks of your pregnancy
Congratulations, you're pregnant! The first weeks of this journey can feel like a whirlwind full of emotions, questions and perhaps a few surprises. Don't worry, we at Naïf have put together a little guide to help you navigate this exciting start well. 1. Celebrate the moment and decide for yourself when you want to announce it Perhaps your pregnancy comes as a surprise. Or perhaps you've been looking forward to it for a long time! No matter the circumstances, it's okay if the news hasn't quite sunk in yet. Take time to let the news land. And if you're ready to celebrate, whether with your partner, your family or by yourself, then do it! When you should announce your pregnancy is completely up to you. Some people want to shout the news from the rooftops right away. Others prefer to keep the pregnancy to themselves for a while. And both are completely fine! You may hear that you should wait the first twelve weeks, but you get to decide what feels right for you. Discuss with your partner what feels like a good way forward for you and your relationship. 2. First appointment Schedule an appointment with your gynecologist or midwife. They will be with you throughout your pregnancy, answer your questions and give you valuable advice. 3. Healthy habits Remember to eat healthy and drink plenty of water. It's easier said than done, especially in the first trimester when nausea might keep you from eating a balanced diet. Try to drink enough and eat some fruits and veggies, but also try to not be too hard on yourself. Exercise during pregnancy is completely safe as long as you're not overdoing what you're used to. Listen to your body and adjust if necessary. And ask for advice if you feel like that could help! Pregnancy can be pretty harsh on your skin. Your body is not only growing, but your skin can also get dry and itchy. Make sure to hydrate from the start with a pregnancy oil. It's also a great way to connect with your baby during busy days. 4. Sleep and relaxation Especially the first trimester is know for its exhaustion. I mean, your body is making organs from scratch. Because of hormonal changes, there's also the possibility you might experience some insomnia. Give yourself grace rest whenever you can. 5. Inform yourself There are so many great books, websites and communities that can help you prepare for the coming months. From guides about baby clothes to childbirth preparation classes – the possibilities are endless! It might be a bit overwhelming, but take the information that feels right and forget about the rest. Your midwife can also help you find suitable information and classes. 6. Seek support Talk to other expectant mothers, friends or family members about your feelings and questions. Sometimes it can be reassuring to know that others have had similar experiences. And you can be sure: no matter what worries or questions you have, you're not the first or only one to have them. 7. Enjoy the time The first weeks of pregnancy are the beginning of quite a journey. Take time to enjoy the moment and prepare yourself for all the beautiful changes that lie ahead. Sometimes, however, the first weeks of pregnancy are also marked by nausea or other discomforts and you feel like you can't enjoy anything at all. Most of these symptoms disappear after the first twelve weeks. Look forward to the second trimester and try to do something nice for yourself as often as possible!
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