As you navigate the joys and challenges of motherhood, you may be looking for ways to take care of yourself, including your skincare routine. However, it’s important to be mindful of the products you use on your skin during this time.
Certain skincare ingredients such as retinoids, chemical sunscreens, salicylic acid, and hydroquinone can be harmful to your baby, and it’s important to avoid them to ensure their safety.
In this article, we’ll discuss 10 harmful skincare ingredients to avoid while breastfeeding, so you can keep your baby safe and healthy while also taking care of yourself.
10 Skincare Ingredients to Avoid While Breastfeeding
1. Retinoids
Retinoids, a common ingredient in anti-aging and acne-fighting skincare products, should be avoided while breastfeeding. When ingested through breast milk, it can be harmful to your baby’s health. It’s best to steer clear of skincare products containing retinoids, such as retinol, retinaldehyde, and adapalene to ensure the safety of your little one.
2. Salicylic Acid
While effective for treating acne, salicylic acid should be avoided while breastfeeding. Even small amounts of this ingredient can be harmful to your baby when ingested through breast milk. To guarantee your child’s safety, it’s best to steer clear of skincare products that contains salicylic acid and opt for safer alternatives.
3. Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening ingredient that is often used to treat hyperpigmentation. When ingested through breast milk, it can be harmful to your baby’s health. To ensure the safety of your little one, it’s best to steer clear of skincare products containing hydroquinone.
4. Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is a harmful ingredient found in some skincare products that can be absorbed into your bloodstream and passed onto your baby through breastfeeding.
Even small amounts of formaldehyde can be dangerous to your baby, potentially causing developmental delays and other health concerns. In order to guarantee your baby’s safety, it’s crucial to avoid skincare products containing formaldehyde while you’re breastfeeding.
5. Phthalates
Phthalates are a class of compounds that are commonly found in skincare and cosmetics. Phthalate exposure has also been linked to developmental problems and other health issues. To ensure the safety of your little one while breastfeeding, it’s best to avoid skincare products containing phthalates.
6. Fragrance
Fragrance is a common ingredient in skincare and beauty products. It can, however, be dangerous to your kid if ingested through breast milk. Even small amounts of fragrance can trigger allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and other health issues in your child. While breastfeeding, it is critical to avoid anything containing fragrance, as even trace amounts might be dangerous.
7. Parabens
Parabens are a group of chemicals commonly used as preservatives in skincare and beauty products. If ingested through breast milk, it can cause developmental abnormalities and other health issues. If you’re breastfeeding, make sure that your skincare products don’t contain parabens.
8. Chemical Sunscreens
While chemical sunscreens may be effective at protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, they can be harmful to your baby when ingested through breast milk. Chemical sunscreens contain a group of chemicals that can cause developmental problems and other health issues.
To keep your baby safe while breastfeeding, opt for physical sunscreens instead, which provide effective protection without the use of potentially dangerous chemicals.
9. Toluene
Toluene is a solvent that is often used in nail polish and other beauty products. Exposure to toluene can cause developmental problems and other health issues in your little one. To ensure the safety of your baby while breastfeeding, it’s best to steer clear of skincare and beauty products that contains toluene.
10. Lead
Lead is a toxic heavy metal that is sometimes found in certain skincare and beauty products. While lead is not typically found in skincare and beauty products, it can be present in certain types of lipstick or other lip products. To guarantee the safety of your little one, it’s best to avoid lip products that may contain lead while you’re breastfeeding.
Final Thoughts
New mothers strive to protect and nourish their babies in every way possible, from carefully selecting what they eat to the products they use on their baby’s skin. However, it’s equally important to be mindful of the ingredients in the skincare products you use on yourself while breastfeeding. If unsure about a product’s safety, consult with a doctor or lactation consultant for guidance on which products are safe to use.
