Breastfeeding Skincare: Do’s and Don’ts

No one ever talks about the perils of breastfeeding...until you're in the thick of it. Suddenly, all of your friends are sharing articles about cracked nipples and engorgement. And then there's the skincare issue.

While you're busy trying to figure out how to survive on two hours of sleep, your skin is going through some changes too. Hormones are running wild and they're making your skin along for the ride. Dryness, breakouts, and sensitivity are all common skin concerns while pregnant and breastfeeding. 

We know your search engine searches look something like this: “Is vitamin C serum breastfeeding safe?”, “Can I use hyaluronic acid while breastfeeding?”, “What skin care ingredients are breastfeeding safe?”

So what's an exhausted mama to do? First, don't panic. Second, take a deep breath and consult our top do's and don'ts for breastfeeding skincare. 

Read on, Mama! 

Why You Should Change Your Skincare While Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding can bring profound hormonal changes that affect your skin, resulting in conditions such as increased sensitivity, dryness, and even hormonal acne flare-ups. As a breastfeeding mother, your skincare routine not only impacts your own skin health but also significantly influences your baby's well-being. Choosing the right products is essential for both safety and efficacy during this nurturing phase.

When the baby arrives, new moms often find themselves exhausted, quickly grabbing any product that’s handy without considering its safety. Did you know that many ingredients in skincare products can be absorbed into your bloodstream and may end up in your breast milk?

Certain chemicals can not only infiltrate your system but also reach your baby through breast milk. Therefore, it's crucial to be selective about skincare products during this time!

Skincare Ingredients to Avoid While Breastfeeding

As a breastfeeding mother, it’s natural to be concerned about what you apply to your skin, just as you are about what you consume. Many skincare products contain ingredients that could pose risks to your baby if absorbed through your skin. Below is a list of ingredients to avoid while breastfeeding, along with safer alternatives:

1. Retinol Ingredients

Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, is popular for its anti-aging properties. However, topical applications can irritate the skin and potentially pose risks through skin-to-skin contact with your baby, leading to irritations, redness, and itchiness. Thus, it’s advisable to avoid retinol while breastfeeding.

2. Oxybenzone

Often found in chemical sunscreens, oxybenzone is used to absorb UV radiation. Although research is limited, there are concerns that it may be harmful to breastfeeding infants, potentially leading to skin irritation and other issues. Consider using mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide instead.

3. Hydroquinone

Known for its skin-lightening effects, hydroquinone can be absorbed into the bloodstream and passed into breast milk, creating potential risks for your baby. Additionally, it can increase sun sensitivity—a concern for infants. It’s best avoided in favor of more benign options like vitamin C serum or niacinamide for skin brightening.

4. Salicylic Acid

Commonly used in acne treatments, salicylic acid can be absorbed into the bloodstream, so it's wise to avoid it during breastfeeding. Opt for gentler alternatives like lactic acid, which can provide exfoliation without the same risks.

5. Certain Essential Oils

While some essential oils can be beneficial, many aren’t safe during breastfeeding. Always check labels and consult a healthcare provider before using any essential oils.

In addition to avoiding harmful chemicals, it’s beneficial to choose natural or organic skincare products, as they are less likely to contain unsafe ingredients. Always read product labels carefully and look for brands dedicated to safety for breastfeeding mothers.

Before making significant changes to your skincare routine, consult with your dermatologist or pediatrician. Tailoring a skincare plan to meet both your needs and your baby's safety is vital.

Remember, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed as a new breastfeeding mother. Taking educated, small steps towards safer skincare not only nurtures your skin but also contributes to your baby's well-being.

9 Skin care ingredients to go for while breastfeeding

Now that we covered all the don’ts, it is time to skip to the good part and talk about all the goodies you can use to treat your skin concerns. 

From acne-prone skin and irritated skin to dark patches, we have an ideal ingredient for all the skin issues you may be experiencing! 

1. Niacinamide while pregnant and breastfeeding

If you've been keeping up with the latest skincare trends, you've probably heard of niacinamide. Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin that offers a variety of benefits to the skin. 

For starters, niacinamide helps to reduce inflammation and redness, making it an ideal ingredient for those with sensitive skin. Additionally, niacinamide can help to brighten the skin and even out the complexion. And because it's packed with antioxidants, niacinamide also helps to protect the skin from free radical damage.

Niacinamide is a very safe and effective ingredient that can be used by people of all ages, including pregnant and breastfeeding women. In fact, niacinamide is often recommended by any board-certified dermatologist as a gentle and effective way to improve the appearance of the skin. 

So if you're looking for a safe and effective way to improve your skin's appearance, niacinamide is a great option!

2. Lactic acid while breastfeeding

Ah, lactic acid. The stuff that makes your muscles sore after a good workout. But what exactly is it, and why is it so good for your skin? Let's start with the basics: it is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that's derived from milk. And like all alpha-hydroxy acids, it works by exfoliating the top layer of skin cells and promotes cell turnover. 

This might not sound particularly appealing, but the benefits are definitely worth it. A gentle exfoliation helps to unclog pores, remove dead skin cells, and even out your skin tone. In other words, it's pretty much the key to perfect skin.

There's no need to worry about lactic acid for pregnant and nursing women. Lactic acid is a naturally occurring substance, so it's unlikely to cause any harm to your baby. In fact, this ingredient is actually beneficial for you since it will give you softer, smoother, and more radiant skin. And who doesn't want that?

3. Salicylic acid and breastfeeding

Oh, salicylic acids. They’re just so good at everything, aren't they? Clearing up acne? Check. Reducing the appearance of wrinkles? You betcha. Helping to fade dark spots? Of course! It's no wonder that this powerhouse ingredient is a mainstay in so many skincare products. 

But what exactly is it that makes salicylic acid so darn effective? Well, it's a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), which means that it's able to penetrate deep into the skin to unclog pores and remove dead cells. Plus, it has anti-inflammatory properties, which make it ideal for treating hormonal acne. 

If you're a nursing mom, you might be wondering if it's safe to use salicylic acid. After all, you want to make sure that you're doing everything you can to protect your baby. Luckily, there's no need to worry. 

This is a safe acne treatment while breastfeeding when used topically. In fact, it may even help to clear up some of those pesky postpartum hormonal breakouts.

4. Glycolic acid 

This is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that is derived from sugar cane. It is the smallest molecule in the AHA family, which includes other popular acids such as lactic acid and citric acid. 

This AHA is often hailed as a "miracle" ingredient because it can provide a number of benefits when used in topical skin care. For example, it can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, and acne scars. 

Glycolic acid also helps to promote collagen production and improve skin moisturization. In addition, glycolic acid is one of the most effective ingredients for treating blackheads and whiteheads.

The ingredient is generally considered safe for breastfeeding mothers. However, as with anything, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, it's important to only use products that contain low concentrations of glycolic acid (around 5% or less). 

Finally, be sure to wash the area thoroughly after application and avoid using it on cracked or broken skin.

5. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is often touted as a godsend nutrient, and for good reason. And it's true, this powerful nutrient can do wonders for your complexion. 

Vitamin C helps to brighten the skin, boost collagen, and protect against damage from free radicals. In other words, it's the perfect antidote to dull, dry, and aging skin. 

And why is vitamin C so good for the skin, you may ask. Well, here's the science behind this super ingredient. As an antioxidant, vitamin C helps to neutralize free radicals, which are particles that can damage cells and lead to premature aging. Vitamin C also stimulates collagen production, which helps to keep the skin looking firm and youthful.

But is it safe for pregnant women and nursing mamas? The answer is a big, fat YES! Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for the skin, and it plays a vital role in immunity, tissue repair, and wound healing thanks to its ability to repair the skin barrier. 

So don’t wait and take that vitamin C serum off the shelf and into your skincare regimen!

6. Hyaluronic acid

You might be familiar with hyaluronic acid as something found in injectable fillers used by celebrities to achieve a youthful appearance. And while it's true that this is one of the most popular uses for hyaluronic acid, it's far from the only one.

Here's a quick science lesson: our bodies produce hyaluronic acid naturally, but production decreases as we age. This decrease is one of the main reasons why our skin starts to lose its elasticity and become more prone to wrinkles. 

Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, so it's an incredibly effective moisture-binding ingredient for dry skin. When applied topically, it helps to keep skin hydrated and looking plump and youthful.  

Plus, it can help you get rid of postpartum stretch marks! You can find it in serums and body lotions. Just apply the product to your stretch marks and let the magic happen!

7. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide

They are two things that most people have never heard of. But if you've ever used sunscreen, they're probably in it. Both are white powders used to reflect light and provide protection against sun damage. 

Titanium dioxide is the more common of the two, and it's often used in food colorings and cosmetics as well as sunscreen. Zinc oxide is less commonly used, but it provides better protection against UV rays.

Neither of these ingredients is absorbed into the bloodstream, so there's no risk of them being transferred to your baby through breast milk. In fact, these ingredients are so safe that they're often used in food and over-the-counter products for a baby’s skin.

So, if you are going out or staying in, remember to apply titanium dioxide and zinc oxide sunscreen or tinted moisturizer with sun protection!

8. Vitamin e

This is a powerful antioxidant that can help to protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals. In addition, it keeps dry skin hydrated and can even help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and other signs of problematic skin like blemishes and spots. 

Related article: Vitamin E For Skin: Your Next Skincare Superhero

This skin care ingredient is both pregnant and breastfeeding safe and you can find it alone or with other vitamins. One popular mix is vitamin E and vitamin C serum. 

9. Azelaic acid

There's no doubt that azelaic acid is having a moment. This powerful ingredient is popping up in all sorts of skin care products, from serums to moisturizers. 

It's an excellent choice for people with sensitive skin. It's also gentle enough to be used on breakout-prone skin, and it can help to reduce the appearance of blemishes. 

But that's not all! Azelaic acid also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which means it can help to protect your skin from environmental damage. Plus, it can even out your skin tone and give you a radiant complexion. 

The good news for breastfeeding and pregnant women is that azelaic acid is completely safe! 

Extra recommendations for four skincare routine

Before you get ready to pamper your skin with these amazing skin care ingredients, let us give you some extra recommendations so you can get the best out of your new routine! 

1. Don’t overdo it

Yes, all of those ingredients are safe for you and your little bum but don’t apply them excessively! Only apply a small amount to your skin once or twice a day. 

2. Avoid contact with your baby’s skin

Don’t apply these ingredients in places that can come in contact with your baby’s skin. Example: nipples and neck. The ingredients can cause them irritation since they are not formulated to be used in babies. 

3. Use them topically

These actives are safe as long as you use them topically in skin care products. For example, salicylic acid is safe in small amounts when applied topically, but it can be harmful when consumed orally. 

4. Always talk with a doctor first

Even though the ingredients won’t enter your bloodstream, it is always better to talk with your doctor before including any of them in your routine.

Skin care ingredients we have little information about

There are skin care ingredients that still need to be tested before determining if they are safe for pregnant women and nursing mothers when used topically, so it is better to avoid them until further studies are developed. These include: 

1. Sunflower oil

Unlike some other oils, sunflower oil is non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog your pores. It's also packed with vitamins and antioxidants that can help to protect your skin from damage. 

In addition, it is relatively lightweight and easy to absorb, making it ideal for use in skincare products.

2. Benzoyl peroxide

If you ask anyone who's dealing with acne, they'll tell you that benzoyl peroxide is a miracle worker. But why is that? Why is benzoyl peroxide so good for skin? Let's take a closer look: 

Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial agent, which means it helps to kill the bacteria that cause acne. It's also a mild exfoliant, which helps to clean clog pores and prevent new breakouts. 

And last but not least, it's an anti-inflammatory, which means it can help to reduce the redness and swelling associated with acne. 

3. Licorice root

Licorice root unique plant contains a compound called glabridin, which has shown to be effective in treating a variety of skin conditions, including acne, eczema, and psoriasis. 

In addition, licorice root is a natural anti-inflammatory, so it can help to reduce redness and swelling. And if that wasn't enough, this little root is also a potent antioxidant, which means it can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. 

When consumed in oral medications, the root extract is not considered to be safe for breastfeeding and pregnant women since it can cause birth defects by crossing the placenta and accumulating in the fetus. This can lead to a condition called fetal hypoglycemia, which can cause serious health problems for the baby.

However, there is not enough information about its topical risks, so there is not a definitive answer about it yet!

 

Pregnancy and breastfeeding products: Where to find them

Now you know everything about pregnancy and breastfeeding skincare actives do’s and don’ts, and are definitely ready to do some shopping! 

We have created a collection full of goodies for all skin types that will make you get that beautiful glow back while enjoying a magical time with your little bum. 

Shop your Asian beauty products here!

Related articles:

• Top 8 Skincare Ingredients To Avoid While Pregnant
• Skin Care For Moms: Our 8 Life-Saving Tips
• Is Niacinamide Safe During Pregnancy? The Final Answer!