New Air 10: $80 OFF with code "MOMS80" Shop now
Iconic Air 3: $90 OFF with code "UPOWER" Shop now
Spin to win $100 OFF code

Skin Treatments when Breastfeeding: What to Use and Avoid When Nursing?

By Nancy H, PharmD
November 25, 2023
7 minutes

Breastfeeding is a beautiful and GOD-gifting specialty in women, but it can be hard work.

It is an amazing challenge for new mothers or mothers who want to know about healthcare and skincare while breastfeeding because many f women don’t know what some of the major safe skin treatments are or what to use and avoid when nursing.

As a nursing mother, the most crucial thing that you’ll be facing and focusing on is deciding what to use on your skin when breastfeeding and what’s not. You should be sure that the beauty or any other cosmetics products you choose are best and safe for you and your infant. 

But if you can’t understand which is the best product to use, then it would be complicated and harmful for you and the baby as well.

However, in this article, we will share with you a brief description of what to use and avoid when nursing, as well as highlight every detail and tell you precisely safe skin treatments while breastfeeding.

Can I Do My Safe Skin Treatment While Breastfeeding? Few Facts About It

Nursing mothers have to consider their options very carefully, which is why it’s essential to know the major facts and safe skin treatments while breastfeeding.

Whether you are an exclusive nursing mother or someone who has been nursing a child for months, it is time to find out how to use the best and avoid some common mistakes.

Many scientists study hard to find out how a cosmetic procedure affects a baby’s health. They conclude that the medication and chemicals that are used in cosmetic products or used during skin treatment are absorbed in the mother’s body and then cause an infection in breast milk, which affects the growth of the child.

However, after reviewing the article Safety of skin care products during pregnancy, we surmise that not all cosmetic products are harmful to use while breastfeeding. 

There are many nursing care products on the market today. Using these products can be somewhat confusing for new mothers, especially those who are unfamiliar with the health & safety of infants and young children, but not as scary as considered.

So, if you are also scared to do any skin treatment while breastfeeding, then for your safety, we compiled the questions about popular skin treatments while breastfeeding.

  • Laser hair removal 
  • Botox injections
  • Microneedling
  • Dermal Fillers
  • Chemical Peel
  • Stretch mark cream and acne treatment

Is Laser Hair Removal While Breastfeeding Safe?

If you have excessive hair growth, and after having a baby, you don’t know which product or hair removal treatment is best to use, then we are here to guide you to find the solution.

Laser Hair Removal Reaction For a Pregnant Woman

If you tried waxing your hair and it still came back, the best solution is for you to be in contact with a Doctor who can help balance the hormones and get rid of the hair long-lastingly. It will be really surprising what natural Herbs can do.

Still, if you want this treatment by yourself, then below I mentioned the best laser hair removal products to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding as well.

Ulike air3

Laser Hair Removal While Breastfeeding 

Many rumors are that laser hair removal while breastfeeding is not good for the health of an infant. The best time to treat your unwanted facial hair is when you are done breastfeeding and have had time without any menses.

However, according to some recent research by clinical scientists, Laser hair removal while breastfeeding is a common concern.it is a safe skin treatment while breastfeeding. Laser hair removal uses the energy of light to destroy unwanted hair. 

It is the best way to remove hair, even in sensitive areas such as the face, underarms, bikini line, and upper lip. It is also used on other areas such as the legs, arms, chest, and back—laser hair removal while breastfeeding can be done safely by an experienced practitioner.

However, if you are not satisfied with the laser hair removal treatment while breastfeeding, In that case, you can remove your hair by yourself at home by using the IPL hair removal products

Both are the best products of Ulike to remove hair at home. 

Can I Do Botox While Breastfeeding? Is It Safe?

Botox is a toxin that is used to treat frown lines, crow’s feet, forehead lines, and forehead creases. It is one of the safest treatments offered, but there are some situations where it is not appropriate. 

The safety and efficacy of Botox treatments have not been determined in women who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Even clinical studies issued a warning about botox while breastfeeding. 

There is also no evidence that Botox crosses the placental barrier, but such studies have not been published. At the same time, some physicians are comfortable treating women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. 

The majority of research shows that the botox injection is injected in a safe place/muscles, so there is not much connection between botox treatment and the baby’s breastfeeding.

Moreover, it will be good for you to postpone Botox until after nursing. 

In short, If you use Botox while breastfeeding, be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions and monitor your baby’s health closely.

Can I Do Micro-needling While Breastfeeding?

Micro-needling is a form of treatment which helps to stimulate cell growth and repair. Microneedling is used to treat scars, acne vulgarism, stretch marks or Skin rejuvenation.

Microneedling is relatively safe for use on the skin. It works by creating tiny punctures with microneedles, which cause controlled skin injury without actually harming the top layer of skin. It bypasses the outermost layer, delivering medications directly into the vascularized dermis—often combined with topical retinoids and vitamin C for treating acne scars and rejuvenating skin.

Some minor side effects can occur, such as redness and irritation, but these usually go away after a few hours. There could also be more significant issues like increased pigmentation, worsening acne, allergic reactions, or infections. While no studies have shown that microneedling is unsafe during breastfeeding, it’s still best to consult your physician before starting any new treatments.

Dermal Fillers While Breastfeeding

Dermal Fillers is a Minimally Invasive Procedure. The dermal fillers can enhance shallow contours, plump thin lips, remove wrinkles, and improve the appearance of scars.

There is a report that 21 types of fillers have been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, including collagen, hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, and poly-L-lactic acid. 

However, for a mother who has an infant to breastfeed, Fillers is uncertain because no safety data have yet been concluded for a nursing mom. If you want to face or lip Filler while breastfeeding, then it is best to consult with your doctor.

Can You Get a Chemical Peel While Breastfeeding?

Chemical Peel refers to applying a natural acid ingredient on the surface of the skin to exfoliate, unclog pores, and improve pigment spots through the acid effect. 

The most common chemical peels include mandelic acid, fruit acid, salicylic acid, etc.

Lactic acid 2% has been used to treat acne in pregnancy, but no risk to the fetus has been reported, and its dermal penetration is negligible.

Salicylic acid is classified as a Category C drug for pregnancy. Topical salicylic acid and fruit acid cosmetics are basically safe. However, high-concentration salicylic acid topical drugs and various chemical peels are not recommended for pregnancy and breastfeeding.

If salicylic acid are used to treat pregnant patients, it’s better to limit the coverage of your skin.

Stretch Mark Cream And Acne Treatment While Breastfeeding

Are you wondering how to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy? Safe options are available for use throughout pregnancy, including the second trimester, and while breastfeeding. Choose creams with natural ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, or jojoba oil — just make sure to double-check the product’s ingredients list.

Dealing with acne during pregnancy is similar. Healthcare providers often suggest using benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid treatments if you’re breastfeeding. But be cautious: there are products that aren’t safe during pregnancy or when nursing. These include:

  • Retinoids
  • Isotretinoin
  • Hydroquinone
  • High-dose salicylic acid
  • Benzoyl peroxide

Avoid these ingredients to ensure both your safety and your baby’s well-being.

Natural Remedies For Healthy Skin Balance Hormones While Breastfeeding

The first few weeks of postpartum are an important time for new mothers to care for their skin. Post-pregnancy hormones and bleeding can affect the skin’s appearance, but there are natural remedies you can use to help promote natural, safe skin treatment while breastfeeding and balance hormones.

Almonds:

Almonds are high in vitamin E. They also contain selenium and calcium, which helps support your immune system.

Avocados: 

Avocados are packed with antioxidants that fight free radicals and improve skin health. The monounsaturated fat content in avocados also helps prevent wrinkles.

Baking soda: 

Baking soda is an excellent exfoliator that helps remove dead skin cells from your body.

Apple cider vinegar: 

It is a natural toner and cleanser for the face and body. It contains acetic acid, which helps remove oil from the pores and balances pH levels on your face, helping minimize acne breakouts and blemishes caused by excess oil production during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Bananas: 

Bananas contain potassium, which helps control fluid retention in the body and decrease puffiness under the eyes from fluid retention during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Let’s Wrap Up!

In the end, we can say that finding safe skin treatment while breastfeeding and reliable information on how to handle the cosmetic side effects of breastfeeding is a bit tougher. 

But surely, this article will help you find the most up-to-date information on the best products to use, which ones to avoid, how to deal with them properly, and more natural ways to maintain good hygiene when breastfeeding. 

Nancy H, PharmD
I am Nancy a licensed pharmacist with extensive knowledge in the healthcare industry. I enjoy writing on a variety of topics including; disease management, dietary supplements, nutrition, fitness, functional medicine, and lifestyle changes for optimal health. Below is my Linkedin profile
Subscribe Win Free Air3 & 70 OFF
Featured Products
Ulike Air 3
90% hair reduction in 4 weeks
$239 $329
SHOP NOW
Ulike Air +
78% hair reduction in 4 weeks
$219 $309
SHOP NOW
Related articles
Latest article