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Keeping Yourself and Your Baby Phthalate-free

Just in case there wasn’t enough to worry about, now there’s something new to add to the list: phthalates. Phthalates are plasticizers, which are substances added to plastic materials to increase flexibility. Most commonly found in products such as PVC pipe and vinyl, phthalates also are used in body lotions, fragrances and perfumes to make the scent last longer, in nail polish to help prevent chipping, and as an additive in hairsprays.

Phthalates are a form of xenoestrogens, which are chemicals that can mimic hormones and interfere with normal development of the reproductive system. Research has shown an increased risk of premature delivery, early puberty in girls, genital defects and decreased testosterone production in boys, and impaired sperm quality in men.

More and more experts are starting to recommend avoiding phthalates during pregnancy. Because of their ubiquitous nature, staying away from them may seem like a daunting task—particularly when expectant moms have so much to think about (what are you going to name that baby!?). But the good news is that many companies are beginning to create phthalate-free skin care products, so finding safe alternatives is not as difficult as one may think.

Belli Skin Care Belli Skin Care is a luxury skin care line for expecting and new mothers, combining medically proven treatments with the holistic benefits of aroma, taste and massage. Physician-formulated and screened for prenatal safety, Belli Skin Care promotes beauty, comfort, safety and wellness and is the top-recommended brand by OB-GYNs for pregnancy, new mothers and babies. All Belli Skin Care products are free of known phthalates.

Belli Skin Care’s best-selling product is their signature Elasticity Belly Oil. This vitamin-rich oil is clinically proven to decrease the risk of stretch marks by nearly 40 percent. Help soothe those tired, swollen feet, ankles and calves with Belli’s Foot Relief Cream, which increases circulation to relieve the swelling and tension and leaves the skin feeling cool, tingly and refreshed.

After the baby is born, try Belli’s Pure Comfort Nursing Cream. It helps to relieve the dryness, soreness and chafing commonly experienced during nursing. Its formula of ultra-purified, medical grade lanolin forms a protective barrier that locks in moisture and is safe for nursing babies. This balm can also be used on chapped, cracked lips or other parts of the body in need of serious moisturizing.

Mustela Mustela’s effective, easy-to-use products give you peace of mind when it comes to your baby’s skin. Their ultra-gentle products are ideal for the most delicate parts of your baby, providing tear-free cleansing and worry-free results. All of their products are rigorously tested for safety and hypoallergenic to prevent irritation. In addition, the company offers a complete line for expecting mothers, Mustela 9 Months, which helps address common concerns like stretch marks.

A great way to try out some of Mustela’s products is with the Maternity Program – Promo Set. The handy kit includes a full-size Stretch Marks Double Action, which helps prevent and reduce new stretch marks. In addition, smaller sizes of Specific Support Bust and Instant Comfort Legs are included. These two formulas work to soothe tight and swollen breasts and prevents slackening of skin, and provide immediate and long-lasting relief to heavy, tired legs. Also included is Mustela’s guide to a healthy pregnancy with tips on skin care.

Take the fuss out of bath time with 2 in 1 Hair and Body Wash. This gentle cleanser for babies and children leaves the skin and hair smooth and clean with a soap-less, tear-free formula. Tackle pesky cradle cap with Foam Shampoo for Newborns. With a cleansing base of coconut extracts, it helps leave the skin softer and smoother while respecting its delicate balance.

Mama Mio Designed for maintaining and increasing skin elasticity, Mama Mio’s products contain hand chosen ingredients for pampering, soothing and strengthening your skin during and after pregnancy. Created by three London-dwelling friends, Mama Mio provides oils, creams, candles and other luxurious concoctions to prevent and reduce stretch marks, tone and tighten, comfort itchiness, firm loose areas, and soothe aches and pains. Using 10 pregnancy-friendly essential oils, essential fatty acids and a slew of other relaxing and nourishing ingredients, each formula targets a specific pregnancy-related skin care concern.

Tummy Rub Stretch Mark Butter is an ultra-rich cream designed to provide relief from itchiness while preventing stretch marks. Known as the tummy tuck in a bottle, Tummy Toner aids in shrinking the tummy and restores a youthful, taut tone, a sleek, smooth texture to skin.

The You’re Amazing Kit is packaged in an adorable gift box and is perfect for pampering your favorite new mommy. It includes Super-Rich Body Cream, a tea-size Gravida Candle, designed for relaxation and peace during and after your pregnancy, and a 37° Snuggle Cap. The Snuggle Cap is an ultra soft cap for baby is designed by 30°, a company that uses smart textiles to regulate temperature, keeping your baby’s body comfortable in any weather.

Article posted 7/16/2008.

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Gravida Candle by Mama Mio $26.00

Tummy Rub Stretch Mark Butter by Mama Mio $35.00

Tummy Toner by Mama Mio $70.00