• How to take care for your skin when breastfeeding?
• Skincare ingredients while breastfeeding to stay away from
• What Skincare products are beneficial while breastfeeding?
• Pro Tip
• The Bottom Line/Summary
• FAQs about ingredients to avoid while nursing

How often have we heard people say ‘Look at the pregnancy glow’, well, it’s not a myth! If used good skincare during your pregnancy journey - you’re bound to glow. There truly is a sparkle about you, yet the thing about your skin's inclination may not be so wonderful. You can likewise encounter red aggravated skin, skin break out, stretch imprints, heat rashes, and dim patches of melasma shaping - enchanting hello. Anyway, how could you care for pregnancy and breastfeeding skin? 

Numerous ladies experience some type of congestion; zits, dry, flaky, and unpleasant skin, with breakouts and additionally milia (minimal white lumps under the skin). The surge in hormones and other factors during pregnancy leads to these skin issues. Notwithstanding, it is additionally because of your skin becoming dried out. With such countless changes happening to your body in such a short measure of time, you're in many cases left feeling anxious. 

But, don’t worry, don’t let the absence of information make you stress more. We’ve curated ways you can care for your skin and what you need to stay away from, right here. 

Understanding Breastfeeding Skincare 

While you do take care of your skin while pregnant, it’s equally important to understand how skincare can affect you and your baby while nursing. 

There may be countless times that the doctor may have told you that everything you apply or eat may be passed on to your baby while you’re breastfeeding. And, you’d definitely not want to harm your baby with chemical infused skincare, right? That’s where the confusion begins! You see your skin changing and you don’t know how to care for your skin. 

There might be certain ingredients that your doctor may have allowed you to use in smaller doses, but we’d recommend you to research properly about retinoids in skincare as well as parabens in skincare before moving ahead. 

Skincare Ingredients To Avoid During Breastfeeding And Pregnancy

While taking care of your skin is extremely essential to keep your ‘new-mom’ glow intact, it’s vital  to understand what ingredients you must steer clear from. But, hey, before you make a final decision, it’s always best to check with your doctor. Keep reading to know ingredients bad for skin during breastfeeding:

1. Formaldehyde
   

   We know it’s surprising to hear that it is used in skincare products, but let’s burst the bubble for once and for all. It’s ideal for breastfeeding moms to stay away from this nasty ingredient as it is linked to causing respiratory problems as well as cancer and carefully choose the alternative toxin-free product instead. 

2. Parabens
   

   While parabens are very commonly found in beauty products as preservatives or as an active ingredient in haircare, it is an ingredient breastfeeding moms should beware of. It is prone to cause serious health concerns like cancer. While certain doctors may tell you that the toxin level that’s transferred through parabens is quite low, we’re sure you’d want to take no chance. Find out more about the harmful effects of parabens on skin here.
   
   

3. Retinol

   While retinol based products are the latest fad, your doctor may check with you if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding before recommending this ingredient in your skincare routine. Well, that’s because this toxin is known for causing birth defects. Research is still figuring the effects it can pass on to a breastfeeding baby but why risk it?
   
   

4. Salicylic acid

   Another very common skincare ingredient that causes Reye’s syndrome, a disease that harms the liver in babies if consumed by breastfeeding mothers. We warn all breastfeeding moms to stay away from it - or atleast consult with your doctor once about its potential side effects.
   
   

5. Spa treatments

   A range of chemical-based spa treatments are available in today’s times. While it’s good to go out and pamper yourself on a spa day, you must ensure that the ingredients are not harmful and contain no chemicals that can further be passed to your baby while breastfeeding. 
   
   

Ingredients Good For Skin During Breastfeeding

Are you wondering if so many ingredients are unsafe, what can I even go for? The world hasn’t collapsed! There are so many choices that you could go ahead with to get  that pregnancy glow even while breastfeeding. Here are a few of them that are perfectly safe to use while breastfeeding:

1. Vitamin C
   

   A commonly used ingredient, it brightens the skin and adds radiance. This miraculous ingredient is perfectly safe to choose even when you are breastfeeding. Well, there’s another benefit that you’ll absolutely be delighted to hear! Vitamin C is said to increase milk supply to nursing mothers. Well, go ahead, add it to your skincare regime now.

2. Vitamin B
   

   This vitamin is also called niacinamide and is very crucial for your body. It strengthens your skin, smoothens it, as well as reduces signs of ageing. And, what makes it safe for breastfeeding mothers? The fact that it is natural. Learn more about the benefits of vitamins for hair and skin care after pregnanacy here. 
   
   

3. Glycerin

   An emollient by nature, it is completely safe for breastfeeding moms to rely on glycerin for their daily skincare routine. It is a miracle addition that moisturises, firms, and smooths your skin in just a few uses. To top it all, it even soothes your skin. Something that every new mom needs.
   
   

4. Squalane

   Another trend that the skincare world is raving about is the usage of squalene in skincare. Well, this ingredient is worth a try! It is non-comedogenic, which means you can say goodbye to your post-pregnancy oily skin and reduce pigmentation. Well, what more can you ask for?

Pro Tip

You can opt for a natural coconut based oil for skin which is a toxin-free, safe to use product that enriches your skin with the essential hydration and nourishment. Coconut oil is known to improve skin elasticity, fights signs of ageing, moisturises skin deeply, and is loaded with so many more benefits!

The Bottom Line/Summary

In the end, what’s important is that all your pregnancy skin woes are short-lived. By the day's end, the greater part of us is ready - if not cheerful - to enjoy the motherhood journey & stay healthy.

Make sure to constantly talk with your doctor while picking skin care products and medicines.

Frequently Asked Questions About Skincare To Avoid While Nursing 

1. Can I use Vitamin C serum while breastfeeding?
   

   Yes, Vitamin C is a great choice while breastfeeding. All you need to be sure of is the fact that there are no other harmful ingredients in the Vitamin C serum that you’re choosing. 
   
   

2. Can I use salicylic acid while nursing?
   

   We suggest staying away from salicylic acid while breastfeeding since it is a stronger ingredient that may cause your skin to react as well as contain some harmful actives that may not be safe for the baby.
   
   

3. What skincare items could I use at any point while breastfeeding?

• Vitamin E
• Glycerin
• Squalene