Are you a new mom? Then it’s important to pay particular attention to what skin-care products you are using. When you’re breastfeeding, anything you put on your skin or eat or drink can potentially be passed along to the baby in breast milk.
These ingredients get into breast milk via the mother’s blood circulation, even by absorption through the skin. Newborns may be more affected more by this than infants six months or older. Though the quantity excreted in a mother’s milk is usually not more than 1 to 2 percent of the amount ingested by the mother, it is still advised to make sure your products are safe. You can consult your doctor for this. Or we can help you with safe and dermatologist-verified skin-care in the CureSkin app.
It’s important to know which topical products are safe to use during breastfeeding and which should be avoided. Avoid OTC (over-the-counter) products. These are products that are commonly available for purchase without supervision. But their contents may not be safe. Take for example, sunscreens. The choice of sunscreens is a big deal when it comes to skin care for breastfeeding mothers. Sunscreens are generally safe to use, though some studies have suggested that some chemical-based sunscreens can be dangerous when breastfeeding. If your sunscreen contains chemicals like oxybenzone or retinoids, they are not safe when feeding. Download the CureSkin app for getting the safe and correct skin-care regimen for you. This app provides new-mom and pregnancy safe regimens. Your individual regimen are verified personally by a dermatologist before they are given out. Specifically, please note: - Don’t take any products which say extra-strength, long-acting, or sustained-release formulas. Take only if necessary and after consulting with your doctor.
- Avoid aspirin. Don’t take any aspirin or aspirin-containing products while breastfeeding. Aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding in your baby due to its blood-thinning effects.
- Topical retinoids such as Retin-A (tretinoin), tazarotene, and adapalene should not be used while pregnant or breastfeeding. Non-prescription retinoids such as retinol should be avoided as well.
- Avoid antihistamines (usually contained in anti-allergy products) or use sparingly. These ingredients may decrease the milk supply. Always use non-drowsy formulas.
- Just make sure to wash your hands after applying / using the product or medication. Make sure your baby’s skin doesn’t come into contact with the treated areas.
- Take medicine right after you breastfeed. The highest concentration of the drug is in your bloodstream immediately after taking the medicine. This is called the “peak level.” After that, your body begins breaking down the drug until it is eventually cleared from your system. By taking the medicine right after breastfeeding, smaller amount will pass to the breast milk compared to if you took the medicine before breastfeeding.
To summarise
As a new-mom who is breast-feeding, please:- DO NOT buy over the counter pain-killers like aspirin Aspirin or aspirin-containing products have blood-thinning effects which pass on to the baby during feeding. This may increase the risk of bleeding in the baby.
- DO NOT treat common cold and cough by buying medications yourself Most of the drugs available for cough and minor allergies contain antihistamines. These antihistamines may decrease milk production.
- DO NOT use skin-care products from the supermarket Skin care products available in the supermarket may contain unknown ingredients and non-prescription retinoids. These should be avoided during pregnancy and breast-feeding. CureSkin app can help give you the right regimen that is absolutely new-mom and pregnancy safe.
- DO NOT take your medication at wrong time. About 1 – 2 % of medication / product in your blood can be transferred to the baby during feeding. Always remember to feed the baby before taking the medicine.
- DO NOT choose the wrong sunscreen While sunscreens are very important, some sunscreens may contain chemical ingredients that can affect the baby. So, it is important to consult a doctor before using any. CureSkin app will help give you here.
Download CureSkin app by clicking here
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any skincare product or medication during breastfeeding.
FAQ
Q. Can I use benzoyl peroxide for acne while breastfeeding?
A. Benzoyl peroxide is generally considered safe for topical use during breastfeeding as minimal absorption occurs. However, consult your doctor before use to ensure it’s appropriate for your specific situation.
Q. Are natural oils safe to use on my skin while breastfeeding?
A. Some natural oils (like tea tree oil) may cause skin sensitivity or allergic reactions. Always patch-test first and consult your healthcare provider before using new products.
Q. How soon after breastfeeding can I apply skincare products?
A. Wait at least 15-30 minutes after breastfeeding before applying skincare products to minimize potential transfer to your baby during the next feeding.
Q. Is it safe to use chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid while breastfeeding?
A. Chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid are generally considered safe for topical use during breastfeeding when used as directed. Avoid products with high concentrations or those that cause irritation.
Q. Are retinoids safe to use while breastfeeding?
A. Topical retinoids like Retin-A, tazarotene, and adapalene should be avoided during breastfeeding. Non-prescription retinoids such as retinol should also be avoided as they may pass into breast milk.
Q. Safe sunscreen for nursing moms?
A. Mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are generally considered safe for nursing moms. Avoid chemical sunscreens with oxybenzone or avobenzone during breastfeeding.
Q. What skincare ingredients to avoid while breastfeeding?
A. Avoid topical retinoids, salicylic acid (high concentrations), and chemical sunscreens containing oxybenzone. Always check with your doctor before using new products.
Q. Natural skincare for breastfeeding mothers?
A. Natural skincare products can be safe if they contain simple, non-irritating ingredients. Always patch-test and consult your healthcare provider before using new natural products during breastfeeding.
Q. Can you use vitamin C serum while breastfeeding?
A. Vitamin C serum is generally considered safe for topical use during breastfeeding as minimal absorption occurs. However, consult your doctor before starting any new skincare regimen.
Q. Are chemical sunscreens safe during breastfeeding?
A. Chemical sunscreens containing oxybenzone or avobenzone should be avoided during breastfeeding as they may pass into breast milk. Opt for mineral-based sunscreens instead.
Q. Best skincare routine for new moms breastfeeding?
A. The best skincare routine for new moms breastfeeding includes gentle, fragrance-free products with mineral sunscreens, avoiding retinoids and chemical exfoliants. Consult a dermatologist for personalized recommendations.
Q. How to choose safe skincare during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
A. Choose products with simple ingredient lists, avoid retinoids and chemical sunscreens, and consult your doctor or dermatologist. The CureSkin app provides dermatologist-verified safe skincare regimens for pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Written by Dr. Charu Sharma — a dermatologist with over 20 years of clinical experience and qualifications from India, the UK, and the USA. She leads a team of 50+ dermatologists and has personally treated 12,000+ patients.
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Published: 2023-01-15 | Last Updated: 2023-01-20