3 Common Acne Product Ingredients You Shouldn’t Use While Breastfeeding

Hi guys and happy Monday! It was a busy weekend for us as we were in Athens cheering on our Dawgs all weekend with the kids. It was so fun to be able to take our kids to the city we love so much and let them experience a college football game. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend as well!

Today I am excited to share with you all a guest post from my friends at Blume regarding some information and a caution regarding acne products for those breastfeeding mamas. I learned a lot from this article and I hope you will as well. If nothing else knowledge is power right? Enjoy!

____________________________________________________________________________________________

You want the best for your baby, which is why you are so careful with what you put in and on your body while breastfeeding. While you are getting the hang of nursing, you may also be dealing with acne the likes of which you have never seen. As your body adjusts with the change in hormones, your skin may be paying the price. You can use the best essential oil for PMS while nursing because it may have hormone balancing properties, but until your baby weans, you can expect your breakouts to continue.

Before you reach for the acne treatment you have used in the past, you may want to stop and make sure it is safe to use while breastfeeding. Here are three common ingredients found in acne products that you should avoid when nursing.

Preservatives
Did you realize that preservatives are added to non-food items to extend their shelf life?In makeup and skincare products, ingredients such as formaldehyde and parabens may help preserve their quality and effectiveness. Unfortunately, both these ingredients can pass to your baby through your breast milk. Formaldehyde has been known to cause allergic reactions in nursing infants, and parabens have been linked to changes in a baby’s endocrine system. You should read the ingredient list of any skincare product you use and opt for the best acne oil treatment that does not contain these or other preservatives.

Retinoids
Comprised of chemical compounds containing vitamin A, retinoids are the closest thing to a magic pill to fight signs of aging and the battle against acne. You may be surprised by how many skincare products contain some form or strength of retinoid because it is so effective. Unfortunately, retinoids may cause birth defects if used while pregnant, and they can also be found in breastmilk. While no study has yet been conducted to see what, if any, risks retinoids may have for nursing babies, you may not want to take that chance.

Oral Antibiotics
Another common acne treatment includes oral antibiotics. Prescriptions in the clindamycin family are not unusual for moderate to severe acne, but if you opt to use one, you may want to stick to a topical ointment or cream rather than an oral form. This antibiotic has been linked to gastrointestinal problems in breastfeeding infants, and the last thing you need to deal with is a nursing baby with an upset stomach.

Don’t Despair
While it may seem like the strongest treatment options are unavailable to you, you do have plenty of other ways you can treat your postpartum acne. For example, most other forms of topical medicine, whether over the counter or prescription, are fine to use in moderation. Keep in mind that when you use topical acne treatments, your skin can get dry and flaky. Using a rose water face misting spray can freshen and hydrate your skin without irritating your baby. It’s an easy way to add a bit of moisture to your skin, which in turn helps it fight acne better. Would you like one last piece of advice? Be patient. Breastfeeding doesn’t last forever, and neither will your postpartum acne. Once your body adjusts, your hormones may calm down and our skin can clear up. In the meantime, you know you are taking good care of your baby by being cautious with acne treatment.