Q: Why should I worry about the safety of a cream on my skin during pregnancy?

A: Your skin is a barrier to many substances, but some topical ingredients are absorbed into the bloodstream in small amounts. We're reminded of this every time a new medication comes out in patch form. Once an ingredient enters the mother's bloodstream it can easily cross into baby's circulation. That's because the poorly-named "placental barrier" is actually more of a widely spaced filter. It blocks very large particles, such as bacteria, but allows most smaller chemicals to pass through.

Belli Pregnancy is the only skin care line in the world that is teratology screened. We search through millions of published medical research articles, guarding against chemicals known to cause birth defects, and erring on the side of caution by avoiding questionable ingredients as well. Our higher safety standards made us the number one recommended pregnancy skin care brand in a survey of OB/Gyns.

Q: dear dr. rubin, i used the elasticity belly oil on my belly all throughout my pregnancy with great results. i did not use the oil on my breasts (i used another product unfortunately) and have quite a few red marks on them. i am now breastfeeding. can i use the stretchmark minimising cream on my breasts whilst breatfeeding? kind regards, sayra

A: Congratulations on your new baby and your smooth stomach! All of the ingredients in Belli Motherhood's Stretchmark Minimizing Cream are LACT-Med database screened. This guards against chemicals linked to harmful effects through the breastmilk in all the published medical studies to date.

Use the product twice daily for 30 days, and avoid the nipple areas, if possible, to minimize any taste problems to baby. Best regards, Jason Rubin, MD

Q: I am embarrassed to ask this, but I have noticed some parts of my body are getting darker now that I am pregnant (on my abdomen and around my nipples). is this normal? will it go away? can i do anything to prevent it?

A: Do not worry. What you are seeing is called hyperpigmentation. Early in pregnancy, a dark line called the linea nigra will extend from the pubic area up to the belly button. The area around your nipple (the areola) becomes larger and darker. Freckles and recent scars can also become darker. These are all normal, hormone-related changes of pregnancy that cannot be prevented, but will gradually fade after delivery. Do not confuse these changes with chloasma, which is a dark splotchy area of the face caused by pregnancy hormones and sunlight exposure. Sun and UV exposure is preventable by daily use of a broad spectrum facial sunblock such as Belli Pregnancy Anti-Chloasma Facial Sunscreen SPF-25.

Q: Does Belli use organic ingredients? And are your products eu compliant?

A: Belli uses many natural, organically grown ingredients, but the organic label alone does not mean that an ingredient is safe during pregnancy. Even some organic skin care ingredients have links to birth defects in published medical studies, including aloe vera, rosemary, salicylic acid, caffeine, and glycolic acid.

Teratology screening helps ensure you are using the safest known ingredients during pregnancy, from any source. It eliminates ingredients with links to birth defects in published medical studies, and replaces them with safer choices instead. Belli has lead the industry with this higher prenatal safety standard since 2002. When the research shows that a natural ingredient is the safest choice, we do prefer to purchase from organic farmers to avoid possible contamination with pesticides.

Additionally, every Belli product is allergy tested and free of paraben preservatives and artificial dyes. They are EU compliant. We also do not test on animals.

Q: I have chemical peels done at my spa every month to control my acne. should i continue them while I am pregnant?

A: It depends which kind you are using. Chemical peels come in several varieties and contain one or more keratolytics or chemicals that soften the epidermis, unclog pores, and remove layers of dead skin cells. Many of the commonly available keratolytics, such as salicylic acid and glycolic acid, have questionable links to birth defects in published medical studies. Lactic acid, however, is a highly effective keratolytic that passes through teratology screening cleanly. It also happens to be less irritating to the skin than other peels. Lactic acid is the featured ingredient in Belli Pregnancy Acne Cleansing Facial Wash, which effectively cleans acne-prone skin..

Q: with the questionability of the long term safety and effects of nanoparticles, i would like to know if the titanium dioxide and the zinc oxide in the anti-chloasma sunscreen has micronized tio2 and zio2? ps. i love this product.............i will probably continue to use it even after nursing!

A: I'm glad to hear that you enjoy this product. It's one of our favorites! Nanoparticles are an interesting new technology in skin care, but their long term safety has not been studied very well yet. Because we always try to err on the side of caution, Belli has decided to avoid the "invisible" nonparticle sunscreen ingredients. Instead, our Anti-Chloasma Facial Sunscreen SPF 25 uses traditional Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide in an advanced lightweight oil-free formula, which is tinted lightly to blend in with all skin tones.

Q: i have a lot of little broken capillaries on my chest, arms, top of arms. i have had them lasered off before. i am currently 24 weeks pregnant with twins and was wanting to know if it was considered safe to have them lasered off?

A: Laser therapy during pregnancy is generally considered safe because the pulsed-dye lasers only penetrate several millimeters into the skin. I'm aware of no studies showing any increased risk of harm to the fetus as a result. However, since these treatments are still by prescription only, it is best to consult with your own OB/Gyn before proceeding, who may have a different opinion.

Q: Dr. Rubin, what is your opinion of the ingredient sodium laureth sulfate during pregnancy?

A: The FDA, TGA, American Cancer Society, and the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association all agree that sodium laureth sulfate is safe to use in cosmetic formulations. The ingredient also passes teratology screening cleanly, which means that it has never been linked to birth defects or other problems with pregnancy in published medical research studies.

Several years ago there was a study done showing that many cosmetic products on the market which used petroleum derived ingredients (sodium laureth sulfate, PEG compounds, etc.) were found to contain trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane, a byproduct of the ethoxylation process. The Environmental Working Group is a nonprofit organization which is emphasizing the study, and even they agree that the simple process of vacuum stripping would eliminate any risk of contaminants. The trouble is that the regulations on cosmetic manufacturers are so lax that many companies haven't even looked at the problem.

Belli has very strict purity guidelines for all our suppliers of raw materials. Ethoxylated ingredients are vacuum stripped and then tested afterwards to ensure they are free of contaminants.

Q: I've been looking into the safety of herbs during my pregnancy, and I found some aromatherapy sites that warn against Gotu Kola. Should I be concerned?

A: Gotu Kola is a botanical ingredient from the plant Centella Asiatica and has been widely used for centuries. Ongoing reviews of the published medical literature show no evidence of harm related to this ingredient during pregnancy.

Some books do caution against it-- a warning we've traced back to a single mention in a collection of unproven Ayurvedic folklore (Indian Materia Medica, 1950, A.K. Nakdarni). After pointing out the error, most authors have decided to remove this reference from future editions.

At Belli, we respect faith-based traditions, but believe important health decisions should be based on scientific research. Our teratology screening process monitors published research studies of all the world, guarding against ingredients with scientific links to birth defects. Our comprehensive, data-driven approach to safety helps women make medically responsible safety choices.

Q: i am writing concerning a very common fear among pregnant women. i am in my first pregnancy, and i am 26 weeks. i have been using coco butter/ vitamin e oil since the very beginning of my pregnancy, and i have kept my weight gain down. thankfully, i have no stretch marks. however, as i move into the last trimester, and i becoming more afraid that i will develop them. i have just purchased the belli products and will begin using them tonight. do you think i am at risk for getting marks at his time in my pregnancy or am i ok because i am 26 weeks and do not have any yet?

A: At 26 weeks you are already into the stage where stretchmarks could form, but the greatest risk is during those final few months when your skin stretches even more quickly. You should limit your weight gain to what your doctor recommends, and use Elasticity Belly Oil to prepare your skin for stretching. There is scientific research on Gotu Kola and Tocopherol based on women who started using these ingredients during their second month of pregnancy, but we've had excellent reports from our customers who started using it much later too.

Q: i've read that vitamin a (retinoids) should not be used during pregnancy. however, several belli products contain retinyl palmitate, which is a vitamin a derivative. should those products be used only after pregnancy?

A: Both mom and baby need a certain amount of Vitamin A to be healthy, which is why it's included in the standard prenatal vitamin. Too much Vitamin A, though, is strongly linked to the development of birth defects. When they calculated the safe dose in your prenatal vitamin, they took into account the extra Vitamin A absorbed through the average diet, but not the possibility of topical absorption.

Erring on the side of caution, Belli does not use any Vitamin A derivatives (such as retinyl palmitate) in our Pregnancy collection products. After you've delivered, we think retinyl palmitate is an excellent anti-oxidant and skin cell regulator, and it is featured in some of our Motherhood collection products.

Q: Can I also use the facial acne scrub on my chest? I find that my face doesn't have such a problem with acne, although its not perfect, but my chest seems to be much worse.

A: Acne can affect the face, neck, upper chest, and upper back. The ingredients in Belli's Acne Cleansing Facial Wash should clean the skin very well on all these areas.

Q: hello dr. rubin, i am currently pregnant with twins and i am naturally a very small person, i have always been a size 2.... so i am being stretched to the max in this pregnancy and am very concerned about getting stretch marks all over, i do have some already and was wondering if your stretch mark minimizing cream is safe to use on my belly while i am still pregnant? thank you for you time.

A: Tara-- The products in the Belli Pregnancy collection are the only ones that are teratology screened to avoid ingredients with even remote links to birth defects. During pregnancy, I'd recommend using Elasticity Belly Oil to help maintain the appearance of smooth, healthy-looking skin. After you have delivered, then you can safely switch to our Stretchmark Minimizing Cream-- part of the Belli Motherhood collection which guards against ingredients linked to harmful effects through the breastmilk.

Q: hi wanted to know if your acne wash with lactic acid would have a reaction with someone who is lactose intollerant? (i'm allergic to dairy)?

A: Great question. Lactose is a milk sugar and is very different than lactic acid, which your body makes naturally each time you exercise. Belli's lactic acid comes from non-dairy sources such as cornstarch and potatoes. You should be able to use this ingredient without any problems.

Q: i've recently purchased all of the pregnancy products but i notice there is not a moisturizer for the face. Which product should I use to keep sensitive facial skin nourished and moistured? thank you!

A: Belli's Anti-Chloasma Facial Sunscreen SPF-25 is a combination sunscreen and facial hydrater that keeps you feeling comfortable and protected throughout the day. Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide guard against UVA rays, UVB rays, and environmental pollutants. The natural humectant Glycerine retains moisture in the intercellular matrix, and makes the skin more resistant to drying. Many women continue using this product long past their pregnancies. Please let me know how you're enjoying it!

Q: does the belli acne wash work on severe cystic acne? i am almost 20 weeks pregnanat and have developed cystic acne...i had to stop using my acne wash that contained salaclyic acid.. i am hoping that this will help.

A: It's true that most over-the-counter acne products have remote links to birth defects in published studies-- including salicylic acid, glycolic acid, benozyl peroxide, and the vitamin A derivatives. Lactic acid, however, is already naturally present in your bloodstream, so it makes sense that it passes teratology screening cleanly. The lactic acid in Belli's Acne Cleansing Facial Wash should help cleanse the skin no matter what form of acne you have. It works by cleaning out the dead skin cells and oil (sebum) that clog the facial pores and result in bacterial overgrowth. With unclogged pores the bacteria are less likely to flourish. Severe cystic acne is difficult to control and usually requires consultation with a dermatologist who can examine you, formulate a comprehensive treatment plan, and assess your results during follow-up visits.

Q: Is Belli's anti-chloasma facial sunscreen spf-25 for using after you already have developed the dark spots on your face? or is this more a preventative cream?

A: Daily sunscreen use can protect against sun exposure and UV rays. Sun exposure is known to contribute to chloasma. Sunscreens do not treat or remove the dark spots. Chloasma spots fades away naturally in most women after delivery. If it persists more than a few months, there are some treatments available which your dermatologist could consider prescribing. Hydroquinone, tretinoids, and chemical peels are all effective, but you may want to wait until after you've done breastfeeding to try them..

Q: hello. i am experiencing horrible (and painful) acne breakouts on my upper arms and back. is there any way to get it under control during my pregnancy? i am 14 weeks at this point.

A: We used the word Facial in our Acne Cleansing Facial Wash because the majority of acne is limited to the face, but the product should cleanse just as well on other parts of the body that are prone to breakout. Most pregnancy-related acne is mild to moderate in intensity. If you are having horrible and painful breakouts, you should consult with a dermatologist who can individualize your treatment plan and may be willing to prescribe medications (such as antibiotics) to help keep your acne under control.

Q: i was wondering if your products are gluten free.

A: Yes, all of Belli's ingredients are completely gluten free. This includes the Pregnancy, Motherhood, and Baby collections.

Q: i am actually not pregnant so i wanted to check if i still can use the belli acne facial wash and the spf 25 moisturizer. for some reason, i am experiencing breakouts. i read very great reviews from different site about belli products but was wondering if non pregnant woman can use belli as i think the product was formulated more for pregnant women.

A: The products in the Belli Pregnancy collection were developed with pregnancy safety in mind, but they are great for any woman to use whether pregnant or not. In fact, most of our customers continue using these products long after they have delivered. Enjoy!

Q: i am using your acne cleansing face wash, lotion and belly oil and love your products. i am self conscious however about some acne scarring that i have endured and do not like to go without any makeup on my face. i was wondering if you know of any natural makeup lines that are safe to use during pregnancy.

A: It's nice to hear that you are enjoying the Belli products! Unfortunately, I can't recommend any particular make-up line because no other company teratology screens their ingredients. Even "natural" and "organic" brands are no guarantee of safety-- some natural ingredients are also linked to birth defects in published medical studies. We try to encourage other companies to adopt our higher safety standards but so far we're alone in that regard. The only thing I can suggest doing is contacting different manufacturers to see how honestly they discuss the issue of ingredient safety during pregnancy. If they simply say "Oh, it's not absorbed through the skin" then move on to the next company instead.

Q: i have been using a rosemary mint shampoo & conditioner for years now. i just found out that rosemary oil can be harmful. these hair care products have rosemary extract in them. is that also something i should avoid?

A: When we teratology screened rosemary oil we found that it does have a link to birth defects in a published medical research. It was an animal study with a different dose and route of absorption so it's hard to say what that means to the topical risk for humans. Still, that was enough for us to red flag the ingredient and avoid it in our pregnancy line. When making your decision, you should also keep in mind that leave-in conditioners pose a higher risk of exposure than shampoos and rinse-out conditioners, since they remain in contact with the scalp for a longer period of time.

Q: hi, i love your sunscreen!! does it come in a higher spf?

A: Our sunscreen is only available in SPF 25. Though you'll see products on the market with higher SPF, the truth is that once you go above 30 or so they really aren't any more effective. What's important is making sure that you reapply the sunscreen often-- and make sure to use it regularly, even if it's cloudy outside.

Q: hi,i am intrested in " say no no to stretchmarks set ", but i don't really know how to use it, can it be used all over of my body or just in some parts, and then which one do i need to use first, the oil or the cream? can them combine?

A: During pregnancy, you should apply the Elasticity Belly Oil once daily to the abdomen, breasts, thighs, and buttocks to help maintain the appearance of smooth, healthy-looking skin. After you have delivered, you should apply Stretchmark Minimizing Cream twice daily to help fade the visible appearance of any existing stretchmarks. If you didn't get any stretchmarks during your pregnancy then this product is not needed.

Q: hi, i love all of the belli products i have used but i am addicted to the acne cleansing facial wash -- will i be able to safely continue to use it once i have delivered in a few weeks and begin breastfeeding??

A: All of the products in the Belli Pregnancy collection are also Lact-Med screened to guard against ingredients which could be harmful if passed through the breastmilk. You can definitely continue using them while you are breastfeeding and afterwards, for as long as you like.