What skin care products are safe while breastfeeding?

Understanding Safe Skincare During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding brings a host of changes to a mother’s body, and with those changes comes the need for careful consideration of skincare products. While many new mothers are diligent about their diet and lifestyle choices during this period, the safety of topical products often receives less attention. It’s crucial to navigate this landscape with knowledge, ensuring that both mother and baby remain healthy.
Key Considerations for Skincare Ingredients
When selecting skincare products while breastfeeding, the primary concern is the potential transfer of ingredients through the skin or breast milk. Fortunately, many dermatologists and health professionals have identified a range of ingredients that are generally considered safe.
Gentle Acids: Milder acids such as azelaic acid and glycolic acid are recommended for their gentle nature. These ingredients can help with common skin issues like acne without posing significant risks to breastfeeding infants.
Benzoyl Peroxide: This ingredient is often used to treat acne and is deemed safe during breastfeeding. It works by killing bacteria and reducing inflammation, making it a viable option for mothers dealing with postpartum skin changes.
Salicylic Acid: While higher concentrations of salicylic acid are typically advised against, lower doses (2% or less) have been reported as safe by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. This makes it a potential option for treating acne, provided it is used judiciously.
Ingredients to Avoid
Despite the availability of safe options, there are several ingredients that breastfeeding mothers should avoid.
Retinoids: Products containing retinoids, which are often used for anti-aging and acne treatment, should be avoided during breastfeeding. These compounds can potentially affect the baby and are best reserved for after the breastfeeding period.
Certain Essential Oils: Some essential oils can be harmful or irritating, and their safety during breastfeeding is not well-established. It’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before using products containing essential oils.
Hydroquinone: This skin-lightening agent is also best avoided, as its effects on breastfeeding infants are not fully understood.
Practical Tips for Skincare While Breastfeeding
1. Read Labels Carefully: Always check the ingredient list of skincare products. Look for those that are labeled as safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

2. Consult Professionals: When in doubt, consult with a dermatologist or healthcare provider who can provide personalized advice based on your skin type and needs.
3. Patch Test New Products: Before fully incorporating a new product into your routine, perform a patch test to ensure there are no adverse reactions.
4. Focus on Hydration: Keeping the skin hydrated is essential, especially during breastfeeding when hormonal changes can lead to dryness. Look for gentle moisturizers that are free from harmful additives.
5. Maintain a Simple Routine: A simplified skincare routine can help minimize exposure to potentially harmful ingredients. Focus on cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection.
Conclusion
Navigating skincare while breastfeeding requires a careful approach, balancing the desire for effective products with the need for safety. By choosing gentle ingredients and avoiding harmful substances, mothers can maintain their skincare routines without compromising their health or that of their baby. Always prioritize safety and consult with professionals when uncertain, ensuring a healthy and nurturing environment for both mother and child.

What not to use while breastfeeding?

Some prescription drugs, like medicine to help you sleep, some painkillers and drugs used to treat cancer or migraine headaches, aren’t safe to take while breastfeeding. Others, like certain kinds of birth control, may affect the amount of breast milk you make.

What can breastfeeding moms use for skin treatment?

Topical therapies: benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, and topical retinoids (tretinoin, isotretinoin, adapalene) are probably low risk when breastfeeding however direct contact with the infant’s skin should be avoided.

What products should you not use while breastfeeding?

Be careful with products containing parabens as they could be absorbed through the skin and potentially passed onto your little one through breast milk. Parabens are sneaky and can pretend to be estrogen in the body, which can throw off the hormone balance for both you and the baby.

Is hyaluronic acid safe while breastfeeding?

This is because it has the unique ability to attract and retain 1,000 times its weight in water. Hyaluronic acid is not only a safe hydrator for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, but it also has several other perks.

Can a breastfeeding mom use retinol?

Retinol is not safe for use by breastfeeding moms because it can be absorbed into your bloodstream through your skin – and if Retinol does pass into your bloodstream, from there it can also pass into your breast milk. This means that your baby could potentially ingest Retinol through your breast milk.

Can I use hyaluronic acid while breastfeeding?

Both hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are completely safe for use as skin care ingredients during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Hyaluronic acid is an active ingredient that has earned its lauded reputation for good reason.

Why avoid strawberries while breastfeeding?

A quart or more of orange juice or a diet heavy in seasonal fruits such as strawberries, melons or cherries have been associated with diarrhea and colicky symptoms in some infants. Foods containing many preservatives, additives or dyes have been associated with signs of discomfort in some babies.

What skincare products are safe while breastfeeding?

Products Recommended for Use While Breastfeeding

• Products with 10% glycolic acid or less (Toning Pads + Toning Pads II)
• Vitamin C serum (Liquid Gold)
• Brightening Serum.
• Overachiever.
• Moisturizer (Hydrating Lotion)
• SPF.

Can I use CeraVe while breastfeeding?

Moisturizing your skin is essential during pregnancy and breastfeeding to prevent dryness and itchiness. Look for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizers that won’t clog your pores. Some options to consider include Vanicream Moisturizing Cream, CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, and Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream.

Can I use vitamin C serum while breastfeeding?

Can you use a Vitamin C serum while breastfeeding? You sure can! Incorporate some Vitamin C into your skincare regime, such as Aspect Dr Active C serum. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that stabilises free-radicals (unstable molecules that inflame the skin), improving dryness, collagen damage, fine lines and wrinkles.