Belli Information
Stretchmarks
During the second and third trimesters your uterus will grow rapidly, stretching the skin over the abdomen and tearing the connective tissues in the dermis. The torn tissue heals with irregular scars known as stretchmarks (striae gravidarum). Growth of fat deposits in the breasts, hips, thighs, and buttocks can cause stretchmarks in these areas as well.
Stretchmarks affect up to 90% of all women. They occur more often in first pregnancies, the fair-skinned, and the overweight. Contrary to marketing claims, no "miracle cream" will prevent 100% of stretchmarks or make them disappear completely, but some ingredients can be helpful.
STRETCHMARK PREVENTION with Belli
Many dermatologists recommend moisturizing and massaging the abdomen each day. Try not to gain more weight than recommended for your pregnancy, to minimize the amount of stretching your skin has to do. Generations of mothers have used cocoa butter to try and prevent stretchmarks, but no research exists that shows a benefit. The only published research article* focused on stretchmark prevention showed that a combination of Gotu Kola extract, Vitamin E, and Collagen Hydrolysates decreased the risk of getting stretchmarks by about 39%. All of these ingredients can be found in
Belli Elasticity Belly Oil.
STRETCHMARK REPAIR with Belli
Stretchmarks will fade slightly over time, but they won't ever go away completely. The botanical ingredient darutoside was shown in a private research study (Sederma Labs) to decrease the appearance of a stretchmark's length and irregular surface area by about 52%. This ingredient is featured in
Belli Stretchmark Minimizing Cream.
For troublesome cases you should talk to your dermatologist, who may consider prescribing retinoids (Vitamin A derivatives) after you've delivered or using laser treatments.
*Mallol, Belda, Costa, Noval, and Sola. "Prophylaxis of Striae gravidarum with a topical formulation. A double blind trial." International Journal of Cosmetic Science 13, 51-57 (1991)
Chloasma
The pregnancy hormones estrogen and progesterone are thought to make the pigment-producing skin cells (the melanocytes) react more strongly to sunlight. This causes dark brown splotchy areas on the chin, cheeks, nose and forehead known as chloasma, melasma or "the mask of pregnancy".
Chloasma affects up to 70% of all pregnant women. It can show up with any skin type, but olive and darker complexions are especially at risk. The good news is that chloasma is preventable in all women by sun avoidance and daily use of a facial sunscreen SPF 25 or higher. Remember to wear sunscreen even on cloudy days and indoors, because UV rays can penetrate both. Reapply sunscreen frequently. If you're planning to be outside in the sun for a long time, you may want to also wear a wide-brimmed hat.
Chloasma will fade in most women after delivery but can persist in up to 30% of cases. Your dermatologist can recommend several topical treatments after you've delivered and are no longer nursing such as hydroquinone, tretinoids, and chemical peels, but prevention with daily sunscreen use is still your best bet.
When choosing a sunscreen, the ingredients titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are preferred. They have higher SPF, need to be applied less often, and have no links to birth defects in medical research studies. (some sunscreen ingredients have questionable links to harmful effects during pregnancy) Both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are featured in Belli Anti-Chloasma Facial Sunscreen SPF-25-- a lightweight, oil-free, tinted sunscreen that blends naturally into skin, and can be worn underneath makeup.
Swelling
Women retain 30% more water in the bloodstream during pregnancy to help with fetal development. Gravity forces some of this water out of the blood vessels and into the tissues of the legs and feet, where it causes painful swelling known as peripheral edema.
This condition tends to be worse after a long day of standing or walking. It is also worse in the third trimester, when the growing uterus pushes on the largest vein in the body (the vena cava), which further raises the pressure of the water being pushed out into the tissues.
Mild swelling is best relieved by taking short breaks during the day where you elevate your legs above the level of your heart. Light massage of the swollen areas helps relieve swelling, and feels great too. Belli Foot Relief Cream is an aroma-therapeutic peppermint and menthol massage treatment that leaves skin feeling cool, tingly, and refreshed.
Swelling that is persistent, severe, or involves the face and hands may be an early sign of pre-eclampsia-a potentially dangerous condition. See your physician immediately if this happens.
Upset stomach
Pregnancy hormones can over-stimulate the emesis centers of the brainstem resulting in frequent upset stomach. Known as "morning sickness", this uncomfortable problem tends to be worse when you first wake up, but can happen any time of the day. It usually starts early in the first trimester and improves by the beginning of the second.
Try eating crackers or smaller, more frequent meals. Be very careful with scents and aromatherapy-what may have been pleasing to you before pregnancy might be intolerable now.
Many women find the taste and scent of lemon and peppermint to be especially soothing to the stomach during pregnancy. These flavors are featured in Belli Soothers Lemon Drops and Belli Soothers Peppermints. The uplifting aromatherapy of lemon and peppermint can also be found in Belli All Day Moisture Body Lotion, Skin Smoothing Body Exfoliator, and Belli Foot Relief Cream.
Health tip: Persistant vomiting or dizzyness may be a sign of hyperemesis gravidarum - a potentially dangerous condition if not treated promptly. See your physician promptly if this occurs.
Dry, itchy skin
Many women will experience dry, itchy skin at some point during their pregnancies. Itching caused by dry skin (xerosis) tends to be worse in the winter months. The itching is more common over tightly stretched areas of skin, such as the abdomen, in the later trimesters.
Another cause of itching is cholestasis, where slower liver function makes the skin become loaded with bile salts. Some women even develop jaundice and gallstones.
Other causes of itching include drug reaction, atopic dermatitis, contact allergies, and many other rare rashes of pregnancy. Consult with a dermatologist for itching that is persistent, severe, or associated with red bumps or blisters on the skin.
Typical dryness and itching can be minimized by occasional exfoliation and daily use of a gentle, hydrating cleanser such as Belli Comfort Cleansing Body Wash. After getting out of the shower, be sure to apply a rich moisturizer such as Belli All Day Moisture Body Lotion, which helps lock in your skin's natural moisture.
Cold water baths can help relieve itching, but be careful because bathing too often will strip away the skin's natural oils, making it feel even drier.
Teeth
Pregnancy often causes an increase in gingivitis, a condition where bacteria and food particles lodged between the teeth leads to inflammation of the gums. This results in pain, swelling, and sometimes bleeding. The increased gingivitis of pregnancy begins in the first trimester and can take several months after delivery to resolve.
The treatment of gingivitis during pregnancy is the same as throughout your life-regular brushing, flossing, and the use of an antibacterial mouthwash.
Rarely, a growth called a pyogenic granuloma will appear on your gums or lips. It bleeds easily but is not dangerous, and can be quickly treated by a dermatologist.
Hair
It has long been rumored that pregnancy causes your hair to fall out. That's not exactly true. Normally, hair cells are evenly staggered across one of three phases - anagen (growth), catagen (resting), and telogen (shedding). During pregnancy, the majority of hair cells switch into the growth phase, making the hair on your head appear thicker and fuller.
Within 3 months of delivery, the hair cells all switch into the shedding phase resulting in a period of rapid hair loss called telogen effluvium. The hair loss is usually mild and lasts several months at most, but it still may take up to several years for the complete length to grow out, if it's very long.
Taking iron supplements from six months before the pregnancy to six months after may help to minimize the hair loss. Ferrosequels contains medication that helps prevent the constipating effect of iron.
You might also notice the appearance of small, fine lanugo hairs on the face, arms, legs, back, and pubic areas during your pregnancy, but these will gradually return to normal after you deliver.
Nails
Pregnancy causes fingernails and toenails to grow more quickly, become brittle, and sometimes develop wavy lines or indentations. These problems are usually worse after minor trauma, so try to avoid damaging the nails and be sure to keep them short and trim.
If the nails have problems despite these precautions, you should avoid the use of nail polish or other chemicals until after you deliver, when the nails usually return to normal.
Acne
Sebaceous glands inside the skin pores produce sebum-- an oily substance that helps the epidermis function as an effective barrier. When the skin pores become blocked, either with too much sebum or with skin cells that would normally slough off, they allow bacteria to grow underneath. Inflammation related to the infections results in red, tender pimples known as common acne (or acne vulgaris). This condition tends to affect the areas of the body with the most sebaceous glands-- the face, upper chest, and upper back.
During pregnancy, fluctuating hormone levels cause increased acne in one out of three women. Daily facial cleansing and exfoliation with a glycolic acid (AHA) product will help keep bacteria and clogged pores to a minimum. The aesthetician at your favorite spa will be able to teach you proper acne management techniques.
You should avoid acne products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid which may be linked to birth defects when taken in high doses, according to published medical research. Worsened acne during pregnancy will usually calm down after the first trimester. If it continues to increase, consult with a dermatologist.
Calf cramps
During the second and third trimesters you may notice occasional cramping of the calf muscles. This often painful condition can be relieved by gently pulling the front of your foot towards you until the cramp releases. Light massage of the calf muscles is also helpful.
Belli Foot Relief Cream is an aroma-therapeutic peppermint and menthol massage cream that is perfect for the calves, and also leaves skin feeling cool, tingly, and refreshed.
Health tip: It is normal to occasionally have brief calf cramps during pregnancy. Pain in the calf or legs that is persistent or associated with redness or swelling may be a sign of a blood clot in the legs (deep venous thrombosis) which is a potentially dangerous condition that occurs more often during pregnancy. See your physician immediately if this happens.
Darker skin
Some parts of the skin become hyperpigmented during pregnancy.
Early in pregnancy, a dark line called the linea nigra can be seen extending from the pubic area up to the belly button. The delicate skin around the 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.
Don't confuse these with chloasma-- dark splotchy areas of the face caused by overstimulated pigment cells, pregnancy hormones, and sunlight. This condition is completely preventable by daily use of a broad-spectrum facial sunblock such as Belli Anti-Chloasma Facial Sunscreen SPF-25.
Nursing discomfort
Frequent breastfeeding makes the nipple area go from wet to dry, over and over. This results in a continual loss of moisture through evaporation that leaves delicate skin dry, cracked, sore, and sometimes bleeding.
A protective barrier, such as lanolin, applied between feeds will lock in moisture, speed healing, and prevent outside irritants from causing further discomfort. Low grade lanolin, from sheep's wool, can cause skin allergies in a few women. Belli Pure Comfort Nursing Cream uses the highest medical grade ultra-purified lanolin available. It is odorless, and is safe for nursing babies.
For the most severe cases, try using over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone ointment up to 4 times daily on one breast while nursing from the other breast. The next day, alternate the breast being treated and the breast being used for nursing. Continue alternating for 4-5 days.
Varicose veins
The pregnancy hormones estrogen and progesterone are thought to decrease the strength of the superficial vein walls, making them more likely to swell and dilate. Varicose veins appear on the legs as thick, squiggly lines, green or blue in color, and often slightly raised above the level of the skin. They can happen at any time during your life but are especially common during pregnancy, and can range from completely painless to mildly uncomfortable. Another related lesion is the "spider vein"-- which is thinner, shorter, sometimes reddish in color, and often found in a starburst pattern.
A good prevention strategy includes regular exercise to increase circulation, leg massage (which also increases circulation), elevation of the legs, and avoiding prolonged sitting or standing. Constipation and straining can also increase pressure in the veins, so be sure to eat enough fiber in your diet, and consider taking six capsules of Metamucil each day with a glass of water.
Once the varicose vein has formed, you can try wearing supportive stockings to keep it from getting worse. After you've delivered, a dermatologist or a vascular surgeon will be able to offer several treatment methods. Spider veins and small varicose veins can be treated with sclerotherapy, where a chemical is injected directly into the vein that causes it to shrivel and disappear. Larger veins can be surgically removed. Laser and ultrasound treatments are another good option.
Health Tip: Never massage directly over the varicose vein, because there may be a clot which you could dislodge.
Stress
Pregnancy can be a difficult emotional time with unexpected changes in physical appearance, health, jobs, finances, and relationships. Fear of the unknown can also be stressful. Recent research suggests that stress during pregnancy is linked to increased risk of preterm labor, decreased birth weight, and even behavioral problems such as ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) later in the child's life.
Belli suggests every woman and their spouse enroll in a local childbirth education class so they know what to expect as the pregnancy progresses, and hear stories from other couples in similar situations.
A little pampering can go a long way towards relieving stress. Try a relaxing shower, a warm bath, or a trip to the Belli Spa for a professional or home prenatal massage.
You should be aware that many women develop a mild and temporary form of depression after they deliver. This is known as "postpartum blues" or "baby blues" and is due to a a combination of hormonal changes and unfulfilled expectations. It's easy to be disappointed when the birthing experience isn't as perfect as imagined, your partner isn't very helpful, or your family expects more of you than you anticipated. These are normal feelings that usually improve after a few days.
Some women will experience a more intense or long-lasting condition known as postpartum depression. Your physician will be able to recommend a safe and effective treatment. You should seek medical attention immediately if your depression is especially severe or accompanied by thoughts of hurting yourself or your child.
Skincare Safety
Human skin blocks many skin care ingredients from entering the body, but some are still absorbed into the mother's bloodstream. Once there, they can potentially cross the placenta and reach the growing fetus.
While many topical ingredients are thought to be safe during pregnancy, a large number have been shown to be harmful at high doses. For example: Vitamin A, salicyclic acid, benzoyl peroxide, certain sunscreens, and even aloe vera are all linked to birth defects in published medical studies.
Few people realize that the FDA does not require cosmetic companies to review the medical literature before formulating a product. So none of them do.
At Belli Cosmetics, we have set a new standard for prenatal safety in the cosmetic industry.
Every ingredient is carefully researched in the MEDLINE, TOXLINE, DART, and TERIS databases specifically looking for research studies or case reports of teratogenicity (the likelihood of a chemical causing a birth defect). The comprehensive searches of over 2 million published articles are performed by CARE Northwest (Counseling and Advice on Reproductive Exposures) - an independent non-profit service located at the University of Washington in Seattle.
Our medical director, Jason P. Rubin, M.D., performs an ongoing review of the search results and screens out any ingredients with significant links to harmful effects during pregnancy. All products are allergy-tested, and Belli does not test on animals.
At Belli, our goal is to always offer the safest and most effective solutions to the common skin care concerns of pregnancy. We are proud to be the number-one recommended skin care line by OB-Gyns and dermatologists.
