7 Beauty Tips While Breastfeeding, #4 Need to Read

Caring for a newborn is exhausting and time-consuming. You need to feel special from time to time, or you’ll get crazy. But a first-time mother often worries whether her beauty products are safe to use if she is nursing.

Here, I’ve prepared a list of the most common questions you might asked when look for beauty tips while breastfeeding . Let’s see what you should do and what you shouldn’t do under any circumstances.

#1 Dying your hair has no effect on your milk

If you have the sudden desire to change your hair color, you’re probably wondering: “Can I dye my hair while breastfeeding?” You’re not the only one. Many moms ask this question on the Internet.

The simple answer is: Yes, you can. Researchers point out that semi-permanent and permanent dyes are safe if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The chemicals found in the hair dye can be absorbed through the skin of your scalp, but the quantity is minimal. The chances that the chemicals will get into the bloodstream and affect your milk in any way are almost non-existent. But as a side effect, your baby might not like the smell of the chemicals in your hair.

If you do your hair dying at home, be sure to choose a well-ventilated room, or you risk inhaling the chemicals and passing them over to the baby.

If you are still worried about your baby’s safety, you can color only strands of your hair, avoiding the scalp. In this way, the chemicals can’t get absorbed through the skin.

You can also choose a vegetable hair dye which is free of dangerous chemicals. However, don’t’ expect it to last months.

#2 Bright, shiny teeth

Your doctor and dentist might have advised to you avoid whitening your teeth while you’re pregnant. But I think you all agree that yellow teeth are a big embarrassment for every woman. So, if your teeth have lost their bright, white color, you might be anxious whether teeth whitening while breastfeeding is safe. 

Most specialists agree that it’s safe to whiten your teeth while you’re breastfeeding. But have in mind that there are not enough studies done on the subject.

Most teeth whiteners contain carbamide peroxide, and when you use it on your teeth, it released hydrogen peroxide. But the percentage of peroxide is low. It’s highly unlike that you’ll swallow enough chemicals to harm your baby unless you extremely overdose. Moreover, your body will process the peroxide so that it won’t reach your milk.

You can also use regular whitening toothpaste, but don’t expect a sudden change of color.

However, it’s for the best to talk to your dentist and pediatrician.

#3 Dangerous skin creams

When you are breastfeeding, you need to consider whether your skin products are safe for your baby. Let’s take a look at what ingredients you should absolutely avoid while breastfeeding:

- Salicylic Acid. It’s a common compound of acne creams and exfoliates. You might know it under the name BHA – beta hydroxyl acid. It’s an effective skin cleanser because it penetrates deep into the pores. It’s especially toxic if left on the skin for prolong time. That’s why it’s important to avoid face masks and body peel. The salicylic acid is also available in oral form, which you mustn’t use under any circumstances while breastfeeding.

- Retinoid. It’s often used in anti-wrinkle creams. Retinoid is a form of Vitamin A that speeds cell division. Why is it bad, then? Well, Vitamin A is necessary for the development of the baby, but an excess quantity can be harmful, especially for unborn babies. Oral retinoid can also cause birth defects. So, it’s recommended to avoid it while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you have an acne problem, try benzoyl peroxide. It’s considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding because only 5% is absorbed after you applied it to the problematic area.

#4 Nail polishes can be toxic

Some nail polishes contain toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, camphor, toluene, formaldehyde resin, and dibutyl phthalate.

Formaldehyde is considered cancerous, while toluene can damage the nervous system and cause birth defects. Sounds scary, I know. But this could happen if you are exposed to a high concentration of these chemicals or if you are directly inhaling them for extended periods of time.

When you paint your nails, only a small amount of these chemicals is absorbed by your body and specialists consider applying nail polish while breastfeeding safe. However, to be on the safe side - choose a nail polish brand that doesn’t contain any of these chemicals.

You also can use nail polish remover with no worries. It contains acetone, which is not toxic. But wash your hands thoroughly after using the nail remover. Also, apply the nail polish in a well-ventilated room to avoid inhaling the chemicals as much as possible.

#5 Protection against insects is vital

Insects like ticks and mosquitoes carry some scary disease. I bet you have heard about malaria, Lyme disease, and Zika virus. These all can have a very negative effect on you and your baby. But is insect repellent safe, especially if you are breastfeeding?

Insect repellents which contain DEET, IR3535, or picaridin are safe, and they can offer you protection for several hours (up to 10 in DEET case). You can use them while you’re pregnant or when you’re breastfeeding. But read the instructions carefully and don’t apply them near your nipples. You don’t want your baby to have a taste of them.

Products that contain citronella or oil of lemon eucalyptus are also a good option, but they don’t last very long in comparison to DEET. For more information visit: http://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/insect-repellents/

#6 Tanning bed might cause cancer

If you have an important event coming, you might want to brag with a new tan. But can you tan while breastfeeding?

Researchers have found no evidence that tanning has any effect on your milk. However, there are some things to consider. For example, if you are using a tanning bed while breastfeeding, make sure to cover your breast. You don’t want to nurse your baby with burnt nipples.

Also, don’t take any tanning supplements or vitamins. And keep that in mind – regular use of tanning beds might lead to cancer. Ultraviolet light ages the skin and increases the chance of developing skin cancer.

You also could spray tan while breastfeeding. Just avoid your breast and let the tan dry completely before nursing your baby.

#7 Can you get a tattoo while breastfeeding?

Can you get a tattoo while breastfeeding? That’s one interesting question. There is no evidence that tattooing will harm your baby in any way. The ink molecule can’t pass into your breast milk because they’re too large.

However, be careful if you decide to get a tattoo. Always go to a licensed professional, or you risk contracting hepatitis or even HIV. And these you can transfer to your baby.

So, if you ask for my opinion – wait a couple of months. Better safe than sorry.

As you can see, you can still take care of your appearance and nurse a baby at the same time. Or if you start feeling pain while breastfeeding, read this post and don't worry. Just make sure to take all the necessary precautions and always consult your pediatrician when in doubt. 

So, did you get a tattoo while breastfeeding? Please, tell us about your experience and like and share the article if you have found the answers to your questions!

See you soon!