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Why You Must STOP Using Whitening Products While Breastfeeding
Before you try out any new product, always check the list of ingredients on it to avoid any complications. | Image courtesy: Stock
Breast milk is the only source of nutrition for the first six months of your baby’s life. So while it passes on nutrition to your baby, it can also pass harmful substances like alcohol, drugs, and chemical and lead to your baby. This can cause serious health problems in your baby, including preterm birth.
Now, most whitening products have harmful ingredients for you and your baby. So, before you try out any new product, always check the ingredients list to avoid complications. Here are some common ingredients included in whitening products.
Hydroquinone
Mercury salts
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skin rashes
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kidney damage
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skin discolouration
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reduction in the skin’s resistance to bacterial and fungal infections
8 Precautions To Take While Using Cosmetics During Breastfeeding
If you are a breastfeeding mum, always opt for clean products. Image courtesy: Pixabay
In your entire pregnancy and nursing phase, you need to concentrate on having a nutritious diet to help your baby grow. Remember, you need to be careful before using whitening products while breastfeeding. Here are some precautions to remember:
1. Learn about the common ingredients
2. Don’t experiment
3. Limit the use of cosmetic and beauty products
4. Use ‘safe’ products
5. Don’t apply them to your breasts
6. Wash your hands after using the products
7. Check the label
8. Always do a patch test
ALSO READ:
Reverse Skin Ageing: Aspurely CEO Recommends Products for Every Mum’s Skin Concern
Skincare Routine During Pregnancy: Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy
10 Best Maternity Products from Mama’s Choice for Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Your Baby
Commonly Asked Questions About Using Whitening Products While Breastfeeding
Here are some of the questions breastfeeding mums usually ask regarding skin care products:
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Can you use AHA BHA while breastfeeding?
Yes, but you should check with your doctor first.
The alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and beta hydroxy acid (BHA) ingredients in many skin care products may be safe for use while breastfeeding. However, it’s best to speak with a medical professional before using these ingredients to avoid any complications that could arise from their use on your skin.
While both AHAs and BHA are considered safe for general use, there may be certain contraindications depending on the individual user’s health history and current situation.
For example, if you have eczema or rosacea and want to use an AHA or BHA product, speak with your doctor first to ensure it won’t aggravate your condition.
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Can I use Vitamin C serum while breastfeeding?
Vitamin C serums are great for your skin, but can they be used during breastfeeding?
The short answer is yes, but you’ll need to be careful about how much you use them.
Vitamin C serums help improve your skin’s appearance by increasing collagen production, making it firmer and supple. They also reduce the appearance of dark and age spots by promoting cell turnover.
However, vitamin C serums can also be irritating if you have sensitive skin or already have rosacea or acne. So if you haven’t used a serum before or have concerns about irritation or redness after using one, talk with your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.
If your doctor says it’s safe for you to use a serum while breastfeeding, follow these tips:
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- Use it sparingly. One pump should be enough for your whole face and neck area (that’s about all the products most serums come in). That said…
- Don’t put it on any open wounds (cuts or scrapes), sunburned areas, irritated areas (e.g., eczema), or broken skin.
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Is it safe to use salicylic acid while breastfeeding?
The answer to the question of whether or not it’s safe to use salicylic acid while breastfeeding depends on your unique situation.
Salicylic acid is a common ingredient in many skincare products, including some acne treatments. It works by exfoliating the skin, which helps remove dead skin cells and reduce oil production.
Talking with your doctor before using new skincare products while breastfeeding is important because it may interact with your medications and your baby’s diet.
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Why avoid retinol when breastfeeding?
Retinol is a type of vitamin A that can be purchased over-the-counter and used as an anti-ageing treatment. It’s been shown to reduce wrinkles, improve skin tone, and even treat acne.
But it’s not safe to take while breastfeeding.
Taking retinol converts into retinoic acid, a hormone that regulates cell growth and development. Studies have shown that when you take retinol while breastfeeding, this form of vitamin A can be passed on to your baby through breastmilk. This could lead to problems in your child’s growth and development.
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Is hyaluronic acid safe while breastfeeding?
Hyaluronic acid is a safe and effective way to restore hydration, smooth wrinkles, and plump the skin. It’s also completely safe while breastfeeding, so you can use it without worrying about adverse side effects on your baby.
Image source: iStock
Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.