For 9 months you carefully monitored everything you put into your body. You slashed your caffeine consumption, avoided sushi and alcohol. While pregnant and breastfeeding mums are very conscientious about what they’re eating and drinking, they are often less aware of the harmful effects that other items they use might have on their baby.
We’ve compiled a quick list of skincare products you may want to avoid while breastfeeding:
Makeup
While not all makeup products are harmful to babies, there are some that should certainly be avoided.
Now, products that are marked as“non-acnegenic”,“non-comedogenic”or that are mineral-only makeup products are generally safe to use when breastfeeding as these don’t clog pores and are oil-free.
But particular products to avoid are those which contain salicylic acids or retinoids, often listed as:
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Retinoic acid
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Retin-A
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Retinol
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Retinyl linoleate or palmitate
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Diferin
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Razarotene or tazorac and avage
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 ingredients that can be found in chemical-based sunscreens can be dangerous not only when breastfeeding, but when pregnant. When possible, avoid sunscreens that contain:
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Retinoids (listed above)
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Oxybenzone
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Octinoxate
Acne Products
Even if you may have been pimple-free since your teens you may suffer from acne breakouts as your body changes with the growth of your baby.
Before you reach for an over the counter every day acne product, it’s always best to contact a dermatologist to ensure that the products you’re using are safe for your baby.
Skin care ingredients to avoid while breastfeeding:
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Retinoids
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BHA or Beta Hydroxy acid
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Salicylic acid (or choose products that contain no more than 2%)
And while we're on the subject of appearances...
- yes, ok, here's the 'why you need Peachymama nursing clothes' part... read on or feel free to wander off and take a look around, there'll be something there for you :)
Post pregnancy and breastfeeding leaves many mums struggling to manage their new appearance.
One surefire and healthy way to boost your spirits and your appearance is to make good clothing choices that have you looking fresh and fashionable while making your life as a breastfeeding mum a whole lot easier.
Choose Garments For Your New Body
Forget fighting to fit into a pair of size 6 jeans. Treat yourself to a pair of designed post-pregnancy pants with a soft elastic high-waist band, or tops that go nicely with your new curves while concealing any trouble areas.
Focus on Colour
Choose pieces with colours that enhance your natural glow, such as emerald and baby blues for lighter skin, metallics and neons for bronze skin, and striking colours such as cobalt and red for darker skin.
Go“Breastfeeding Friendly” pieces designed specifically for breastfeeding allow mums to stay on trend while remaining comfortably discreet when feeding bubs.
Photo by Eric Ward on Unsplash
Further Reading:
https://www.theskincareclinic.com.au/pregnant-and-breastfeeding-skin/
https://www.nrdc.org/stories/chemicals-avoid-when-youre-pregnant-or-breastfeeding