Can I Use Salicylic Acid While Breastfeeding?
Frequent breakouts and acne are common during pregnancy and the early stages of breastfeeding. If you experienced skin blemishes before pregnancy, you probably have a collection of skincare products that can address them.
Yes, salicylic acid is generally considered safe to use while breastfeeding because it is not absorbed into breast milk. But before you reach for your trusted salicylic acid cleanser or serum, you need to take some precautions to ensure that your skincare routine not only addresses your skin concerns, but is also safe for you and your newborn while breastfeeding.
In today’s post, we want to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the best uses of salicylic acid and its use while breastfeeding. I must stress that before you try to introduce something new into your routine or use a product you already use, you should seek medical advice from your doctor to establish a 100% safe routine.
Can I Use Skincare While Breastfeeding?
The short answer is: yes. Like any expecting mom, you took the time to understand what you could eat, drink, and what products you could use. That was a solid 9 months of hard work. Once your baby is born and the sleep deprivation begins, it can be very difficult to realize that there is a new set of “rules” about what you should eat, what beauty products you should use, and what vitamins you should take.
The idea is that anything that enters the mother’s bloodstream will result in the same substance being present in her milk. While this is a great way to promote your baby’s health through a diet rich in healthy greens, amino acids, and good fats, it can be harmful to your baby if you are not careful when using certain products or ingredients.
We have compiled a short list of key skincare ingredients that are best to avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding:
Retinoids
Salicylic acid
Other forms of beta hydroxy acids (BHA)
You can also find salicylic acid, retinol, and other ingredients listed below. Therefore, it is best to check out the key list on the packaging of your skincare products.
Retinoids
Retinol
Retinyl linoleate
Palmitate
Davreline
Lazarotene
Tasolac
Avacchi
When using beauty products, you will find that many ingredients are safe to use while breastfeeding. This is mainly because the product is applied topically and therefore does not enter the bloodstream. However, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist or trained professional about the percentage of skin-friendly ingredients mixed into the formula.
Are AHAs and BHAs safe while breastfeeding?
Yes, you will find AHAs in almost all skincare products that are safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This is because many of them, such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, and vitamin C, work on the outer layer of the skin and cannot penetrate deeply into the lower layers of the skin due to their larger molecules. However, this is different with BHAs such as salicylic acid.
Salicylic acid is oil-soluble and can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin to open up clogged pores and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. It is one of the most effective ingredients for the skin, but has some side effects and can cause skin irritation and redness if not used correctly. Salicylic acid is also part of the aspirin family and should be completely avoided in high doses during pregnancy, but is considered safe in moderate amounts while breastfeeding.
If you want to use salicylic acid specifically to treat acne, I have put together some suggestions on the safest ingredients and short-term lifestyle changes while breastfeeding. For more information, see the section below.
How to Treat Acne While Breastfeeding?
Topical skincare formulas containing salicylic acid, azelaic acid, or benzoyl peroxide are the most effective and quickest ways to treat acne while breastfeeding, as long as you avoid contact with your baby while nursing or breastfeeding. It’s important to consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any skincare products to ensure the safety of you and your baby.
Perhaps you’ve had clear skin for most of your life (lucky you), but are now finding that your skin has changed, leaving you wondering how best to treat pimples or acne caused by the hormonal imbalances that are a big part of life during and after pregnancy. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some tips on how to combat annoying and unwanted blemishes without having to worry about skin-damaging ingredients.
Change Your Diet
This is easier said than done when you’ve just had a baby. Time is generally not on your side, but enriching your diet with nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables will not only keep you energetic, healthy, and happy, but it will also increase milk production, giving you peace of mind knowing that your baby is getting all those good things, too.
You may also find that since retinol skincare isn’t safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, you can substitute it with other products, such as:
Spinach
Sweet potatoes
Carrots
Asparagus
Tomatoes
Watermelon
Mangoes
Apricots
Reducing your dairy and sugar intake may also reduce the appearance and frequency of acne, but don’t beat yourself up over that piece of chocolate cake you ate while your baby slept! We can all treat ourselves and get the rewards we deserve.
Get enough sleep
I know this may sound ridiculous considering how stressful it is to have a newborn. Here are some quick tips on how to get as much rest and care for your skin as possible while caring for a baby.
Avoid blue light 15 minutes before bed – set a time limit on your phone and avoid watching TV in bed. This will help you fall asleep faster.
Invest in a good nighttime mask that’s packed with antioxidants and other ingredients that work for your skin while you get some much-needed rest.
Write a list of tasks that need to be done the next day. This will help you clear your mind and stay organized, which will help you sleep better.
Eating fiber-rich foods like chickpeas and cereals can help you sleep more deeply.
These are just a few suggestions that can help you get enough sleep in the early days of your baby’s life. Don’t forget that you can always ask a family member or friend to watch your baby while you rest.
Best Skin Care Treatments
Acne light therapy is a very effective way to treat inflammation and breakouts without harming you or your baby. Blue and red light kill Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria that causes acne and other forms of breakouts. Many salons and spas offer this treatment, so finding a trained beauty therapist shouldn’t be a problem. You’ll also find that combining these treatments with a good skincare routine that contains 2% or less of AHAs, hyaluronic acid, and salicylic acid will help you maintain the overall health and appearance of your skin. If you experience moderate to severe acne, it’s best to visit a dermatologist to get a prescription topical antibiotic.
We hope to have answered some of your questions today about salicylic acid and the best skincare ingredients for breastfeeding. Don’t forget to reach out to us on Instagram if you have any questions.
