What Every Mother Needs To Know...

Annette Rubin, President of Belli Pregnancy Safe Skincare for Mother and Baby, answers our questions on best products for expecting mommies and their babies and what really makes a product baby-safe...

If you have kids, are pregnant or ever plan to be pregnant, READ THIS in its entirety!

How did you start Belli? 

While pregnant with my first son Jackson, I recognized a gap in the beauty industry—there were no medically sound products that specifically addressed the unique skin care concerns of pregnancy. Passionate about meeting this need, I asked my family practitioner husband, Jason Rubin, M.D., to review the published medical literature looking for which ingredients were safest for the growing baby. Together, we combined our knowledge into luxurious products that pamper and comfort the expectant mom. 


What separates Belli from the other motherhood skincare ranges on the market?  
Belli Pregnancy has set the new standard for prenatal safety in the industry, as the only skin care line in the world to perform ongoing teratology screening of each ingredient.
  
What do expecting mothers need to know about their skincare?  
It is a common assumption that natural or organic ingredients are the safer choice during pregnancy, but a review of the medical literature shows that this is not true.
Many natural, organically grown substances have been proven in research studies to actually be harmful during pregnancy.  Alcohol and nicotine are probably the two most well-known offenders, but there are natural skin care ingredients that should be avoided as well.  A short list includes:
    •    Vitamin A and Retinol
    •    Aloe Vera
    •    Caffeine
    •    Salicylic acid
The FDA states their opinion on natural ingredients in the article "Clearing up Cosmetics Confusion" (1998, revised 2000)
 "There is no basis in fact or scientific legitimacy to the notion that products containing natural ingredients are good for the skin."  
source

We know that some skincare ingredients are absorbed into the bloodstream in small amounts, where they can pass into baby’s circulation.  But the FDA doesn’t require cosmetic companies to review the published teratology data (the likelihood of a chemical causing a birth defect) before selling a product.  They don’t even require allergy testing.
 
Their baby care? 
Most people have heard the negative buzz around  Phthalates.  Phthalates are synthetic chemicals used to soften PVC plastic and make it more flexible.  They are often used in toys and baby products.  They’re also sometimes used in personal care products such as nail polish, perfumes, soaps, and cosmetics.
 At Belli we believe the bigger story is really around xenoestrogens. Recent studies have shown that phthalates are also xenoestrogens—chemicals which can mimic the effect of estrogen on the body.  This is especially important with children, who depend on normal levels of circulating hormones for healthy development. Research has shown that exposure to xenoestrogenens in male infants can cause abnormalities of their reproductive system and in females it’s linked to contributing to early onset puberty.
Skin care companies are required to list their ingredients on the packaging, but they don’t have to disclose the exact ingredients used in any synthetic fragrances.  The experts at Belli have long known about the risks of xenoestrogens and have used that information to help formulate products.
Belli’s list of “red flagged” estrogenic ingredients includes phthalates, paraben preservatives (methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben), lavender oil, tea tree oil, and the chemical UV sunscreens (benzophenone, oxybenzone, octyl-methoxycinnamate, PABA).
Belli also avoids using plastics in their packaging which are known to contain xenoestrogens such as BPA (bisphenol A) and PVC.  You can tell which type of plastic is used by looking at the recycle code on the bottom of the bottle, which has a number with a triangle around it:  number 7 (sometimes contains BPA) and number 3 (PVC).
We expose ourselves to hundreds of chemicals each day whose safety is not fully understood.  Though we’re each willing to live with certain risks in life, it’s only natural that we should choose a higher safety standard for our children.  Mothers can feel confident knowing that the Belli Baby collection is completely free of phthalates and other xenoestrogens. 

Must-have product(s) for mommy's?
I have 3 favorite products I recommend for all moms:
Elasticity Belly Oil-- it’s a beautiful blend of pure plant extracts that nourish and moisturize the skin while aiding in the prevention of stretchmarks.  Clinical research shows that with once daily application of Elasticity Belly Oil will reduce your chance of getting stretchmarks by 39% and if you do get marks it will lessen the severity of them. 

I also recommend Anti-chloasma Facial Sunscreen spf 25—it’s a full spectrum mineral based sun block that is lightly tinted and perfect for all skin types and tones.   Chloasma is also known as the mask-of-pregnancy and affects nearly 75% of all pregnant women and women on birth control pills. The best way to keep your skin free of dark pigmented spots on your face is protect it daily with a spf.

Belli also makes a beautiful face wash—Acne Cleansing Facial Wash that features lactic acid which is an effective exfoliatant that won’t irritate your skin and also has lemon cucumber for a fresh clean complexion.  Perfect for anyone battling hormonal breakouts.
 

Must-have product(s) for babies? 

I believe in 3 basics for tending to babies skin Belli’s Calm Me Hair & Body Wash to gently cleanse skin, Belli’s Nourish Me Enriched Lotion to moisturize skin and Belli’s Protect Me Diaper Rash Cream for any skin irritation in the diaper area.





Celebrity Clients?
Our friends at Petite Tresor, a super chic baby boutique in West Hollywood sell Belli and they have reported that Halle Berry has purchased the Belli baby products for Nahla, Kate Moss purchased Stretchmark Minimizing Cream and Rebecca Romijn used Belli’s Elasticity Belly Oil during her pregnancy.  It’s also been reported that Brad Pitt was spotted purchasing a Belli Pregnancy gift set.

Beauty Pregnancy Tips With Alice + Olivia's Stacey Bendet *EXCLUSIVE*

Alice + Olivia designer, Stacey Bendet Eisner, is a very old and dear friend of mine. I've been asking her since finding out that she is pregnant with her SECOND child to grace my readers with some exclusive pregnancy tips. The busy designer, mother and wife has this to say about making your pregnancy as pleasurable as possible (for a recap on her first pregnancy guide, click here). And yes, take a second to DIE over this yoga pose - pregnant and all!

SHAMPOOS FOR HAIR AND BODY
I try to stay organic---I love california baby calming scented products---and shikai body lotion for after bath

SCENTS
Wholefoods has an array of natural oils and bath salts---your nose knows what it needs when pregnant so play around and see what strikes you in different trimesters, I love putting a bit of lavender oil next to my bed when I go to sleep!

SKIN
Ultimate skin healer for redness, dryness and all other pregnancy randoms---homeoplasmine---its like the ultimate miracle cream!


THE BELLY
Mother's Nature Oil
Wiseways balm
I also love pure coconut and olive oil which you can rub all over your whole body


DIET
The gentle birth method by dr gowri motha---it might seem a little extreme but her rules are like a baby bible! I also recommend consulting with an amazing Doula and nutritionist named Latham Thomas-tendershootswellness.com

Glowing Skin Glowing Baby---
The vitamins suggested by Nutritionist Sally Kravich---
Also, while working with nutritionist Sally Kravich, I have learned certain vitamins and brands which are super important for both pre and post baby (and for the rest of the ladies these are all great for your skin!)
Probiotic Eleven, Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega Fish Oil, Calcium Magnesium Gel Caps, and Rainbow Light Prenatals


ACUPUNCTURE AND MASSAGE-HAPPY BABY HAPPY MOMMY
Adele Reising is a dream! She specializes in prenatal holistic wellness and will work on all of your aches and pains.

REFLEXOLOGY at Angel Feet Spa in the west village or you can find some random masters down in china town!

EXCERCISE
YOGA---keeps your body toned and balanced and helps with everything from digestion to labor!  Ashtanga is my practice of choice---and Eddie Stern has a new night class on Tuesdays for all levels!
(See pics)
Its also super important to walk---just twenty minutes a day to keep everything flowing and moving through your system!

VICES!
CHOCOLATE-every mommy-to-be wants some! I love probiotic chocolate bars from whole foods or semi sweet organic carob chips, also at Whole Foods.
If you are craving carbs---Quinoa is the most amazing grain when you are pregnant, it is packed with protein and nutrients. For a sweetened healthy carb, try make your own organic bars at youbars.com

Pregnancy Tips From Stacey Bendet

Alice + Olivia designer and friend, Stacey Bendet Eisner, dishes on her must-have pregnancy tips exclusively for Beauty Banter:


"So my dear friend Sarah has been asking me to do a beauty banter baby tips piece for just about a year now. (I can’t believe Eloise is turning 1!). I guess I sort of shocked the world (or my little world!) when I had a 9.5 lb baby. I was a vegetarian through my entire pregnancy and I gained somewhere between 22-25 pounds which was all pretty much lost between labor and 2 or 3 weeks of breast feeding!

I did keep to a very healthy vegetarian diet while I was pregnant and I did yoga every day and I drank tons and tons of water!!!

Here are some of my healthy mommy healthy baby tips:


EATING
You are NOT really eating for two!! You should never deprive yourself of what you need and you should make sure that everything you are eating is nutritious!! (Baby doesn’t need a big mac!) some women think pregnancy is the time to indulge, but indulging is not necessarily what is best for your baby. Your baby needs you to eat nutritious healthy meals and snacks. He or she really is what you eat!
Little Meals-this is the best advice I can give! Little meals throughout the day, or even snacks… it keeps your metabolism moving and it will make sure the baby is getting what It needs.
Apples---an apple a day keeps the doctor away! Apples are a great source of fiber when you are pregnant
Quinoa---I was addicted!! I seriously ate it every day. I usually am a big cereal person but I would have some variation of quinoa, mostly even plain at the end when strong flavors didn’t do it for me. Quinoa is high in fiber which helps regulate you when you are pregnant and it is also high in protein which is so important for the baby!
Steamed Vegetable Dumplings-I loved them! I used to have them for lunch, especially when I travelled to asia
Grapefruit---I wanted grapefruit juice all the time in my first trimester, I later learned grapefruits are very high in folic acid which is super important for brain development!

VITAMINS
Prenatal Vitamin---I recommend asking your doctor for one that is coated vitamin which makes swallowing and digesting easier. Don’t go generic brand. And you might have to try a couple to see what sits in your stomach best
SloFe-this is an iron supplement. Many woman are anemic or slightly anemic when pregnant which can cause fatigue which they think is just from being pregnant. Try taking iron for a couple of days and see if this helps!
Omega 3’s---present in mixed nuts, you can also take a fish oil supplement which your doctor might recommend along with your prenatal vitamins. I opted for the childrens gummy bear version which you can get at whole foods.

BODY
WiseWays Belly Balm - My 96lb body had a 9.5 lbs baby and didn’t get one stretch mark! I attribute it completely to WiseWays. It’s the most amazing belly balm. I used to put it everywhere that felt dry and it would instantly moisturize. I still put a little bit around my eyes at night when my skin feels dry!
I also used mother’s nature body oil every morning.
Ashtanga Yoga - I did yoga every morning. It not only helped keep my arms and legs toned but it also helped with the first trimester morning sickness. Your body needs a little jump start when you are pregnant. There are so many hormones and estrogen running through your body that a little exercise---yoga or even a long walk will get everything moving and flowing and make you feel a million times better! Yoga also really helps with preventing bloating and swelling which is very common in the final months.
California Baby-I used these shampoos and body oils while pregnant and I use them for eloise now. I tried to use organic hair and body products during and after pregnancy…

YOU
Take time for you! Whether it’s a yoga class, reading a book, or getting a massage! Here are some suggestions
Prenatal Massage—I recommend the medical massage group on east 75th street and also Leigh Withers- leighwithers@yahoo.com.
Acupuncture for Happy Baby---I love Adele Reising----adelereising.com---I went weekly at the end of my pregnancy. She works to relax you and welcome the baby into the world.
Ashtanga Yoga Class---Eddie Stern---ayny.org he is great with prenatal methods.
Pedicure---give your feet a break! They will be swollen and sore at the end. There is nothing better than a foot massage!
Baths---I loved taking warm baths. Some doctors recommend it but it helped me with aches in the final days."

Stacey and daughter Eloise

MUM'S THE WORD

Morgan is a talented filmmaker who writes about life in the City of Angels at her site, The 818 (the area code for the San Fernando Valley where we grew up). She’s always had great style, as a kid she’d wear jelly sandals when we all wore Keds, donned baby blue Converse with her Vera Wang wedding gown and has the rare ability to pull off just about any hair color. After living in the 212, she returned to her old neck of the woods, married her high school sweetheart and is expecting her own Valley Girl in just a few weeks.

At The 818, she muses on everything from pop culture to politics to prenatal facts of life, including waxing woes, designing her crib (it’s amazing), and remaining stretch mark free into her third trimester. That’s right, no stretch marks. Though she's busy writing, blogging and preparing for baby, she took the time to share her must have products with Beauty Banter. Whether you’re expecting, know someone who is, or just want to file this info away for future reference, readers take note. Thanks, Morgan.


What are your top 5, can't-live-without products right now?
1. Mama Mio Boob Tube (because the girls are precious to me)
2. L'Occitane Almond Belly Oil
3. Bliss Minty Moisture milk (yes, I'm basted up like a thanksgiving turkey)
4. Chantecaille Aquablush in "Brilliance" (is) an all-in-one makeup bag. It's eyeshadow, it's blush, it's cleavage enhancer - it's really amazing stuff.
5. I'm going to say my Snoogle, because sleep is just as important to beauty as any product you can buy off the shelves as far as I'm concerned.

What's the one product you don't leave the house without? Perfumeria GAL Lavender Lip Balm. My lips have been crazy dry in pregnancy.

What product do you buy in bulk? L'Occitane Almond Belly Oil. I'm going through that stuff like it's my job.

You moisturize your face with: Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti Aging Moisturizer

Favorite beauty secret you've picked up along the way? Tinting your eyelashes. I'm blonde under all the haircolor, so without mascara, my eyes tend to blend in with my face - Tinting saves me the hassle. One step better? Eyelash extensions. I'm dying to get them.

Beauty icon you admire? Liv Tyler always makes it look effortless.


Not only is Morgan using some fabulous products, most are made with incredibly eco-friendly ingredients. For instance, Mamma Mio maintains a “No Nasties” policy, which means all products are free of parabens, phalates, petro-chemicals, Sodium Laurel Sulfates and synthetic fragrance. L’Occitane offers natural products and environmentally sound packaging, and Chantecaille is deeply committed to eco-philanthropic efforts. Making these products beautiful inside and out. xo a.

Photography by Sara Moe.