Consult with a dermatologist or healthcare provider to determine safe and effective acne treatment options during breastfeeding. Topical treatments such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid may be recommended over oral medications.
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Acne is a common skin condition that can be especially frustrating for nursing mothers who are limited in their treatment options due to concerns about the safety of medications for their infants. However, there are options available to effectively manage acne while breastfeeding.
It’s important to consult with a dermatologist or healthcare provider to determine safe and effective acne treatment options during breastfeeding. Topical treatments such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid may be recommended over oral medications. These treatments are generally considered safe during breastfeeding, but it’s still important to speak with a doctor to ensure that they are appropriate for your specific situation.
In addition to seeking professional advice, there are lifestyle changes that can reduce the severity of acne. Eating a healthy and balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, and managing stress levels can all help improve skin health. Adjusting your skincare routine to include gentle cleansers and avoiding harsh scrubs or abrasive products can also reduce irritation and inflammation.
According to celebrity dermatologist Dr. Howard Murad, “The biggest mistake women make is not being gentle enough when they cleanse and treat their skin.” Using a gentle cleanser like Murad’s Clarifying Cleanser can help reduce acne without drying out the skin.
Interesting Facts:
- Acne affects about 50 million people in the US each year
- Breastfeeding can exacerbate acne due to changes in hormone levels
- Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are both FDA-approved to treat acne
- Some prescription acne medications, such as tretinoin and isotretinoin, are not safe to use while breastfeeding
- The combination of stress and a high glycemic load diet has been linked to an increase in acne severity
Table:
| Treatment Options | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Benzoyl peroxide | Effective, easily accessible | May cause dryness or irritation |
| Salicylic acid | Mildly effective, can reduce inflammation | May not be strong enough for severe acne |
| Tea tree oil | Natural, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties | Can be irritating or cause an allergic reaction |
| Azelaic acid | Effective for mild to moderate acne, gentle on the skin | May cause temporary discoloration |
| Aloe vera | Natural, soothes the skin | May not be strong enough for severe acne |
Video response to “How do I get rid of acne while breastfeeding?”
Dr. Dray discusses skincare during breastfeeding and lactation, emphasizing the need to consult a healthcare provider about skincare products since their application area could impact recommendations. She notes that some skincare products such as alpha hydroxy acid face washes, azelaic acid, and retinols are safe for use during breastfeeding. However, caution must be taken when it comes to drug application to a large body surface area or high concentration of salicylic acid. Dr. Dray also highlights the importance of using sunscreen, particularly zinc and titanium dioxide, and warns against marketing claims about “natural” and “non-toxic” skincare products, noting that there is no evidence to support these claims. Finally, she reassures mothers that minoxidil use is safe during lactation and urges empathy for new parents dealing with the challenges of this time.
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We recommend the use of topical medications as first-line treatment for acne vulgaris in pregnant and lactating women. These include antibiotics (erythromycin, clindamycin, metronidazole and dapsone), benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid and salicylic acid.
Try an OTC product containing salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or glycolic acid. These can help get mild breakouts under control. But if your pimples are deep, painful, and red, or you have a lot of them, prescription treatments might be the way to go. Typically, topical treatments are preferred when you’re breastfeeding.
Home Remedies For Acne During Breastfeeding
- Drink eight to ten glasses of water every day. Image: Shutterstock
- Wash your face with a mild oil-free face wash and lukewarm water twice a day.
If you’re breastfeeding/chestfeeding, your provider may recommend benzoyl peroxide products or salicylic acid medication to clear up acne. But some products, such as retinoids, aren’t safe to use during pregnancy or while nursing. If you have pimples on your chest, avoid using acne-fighting creams or gels in that area.
Here are a few tips to help clear your baby’s skin:
- Bathe your baby. Newborns don’t need to be bathed daily.
Also, individuals are curious
Keeping this in consideration, How do you treat acne while breastfeeding?
Response will be: If you’re breastfeeding/chestfeeding, your provider may recommend benzoyl peroxide products or salicylic acid medication to clear up acne. But some products, such as retinoids, aren’t safe to use during pregnancy or while nursing. If you have pimples on your chest, avoid using acne-fighting creams or gels in that area.
In respect to this, Is breastfeeding causing my acne?
Response: Adult acne during pregnancy and breastfeeding is a common problem. Under these circumstances, the adrenal glands secrete higher levels of androgen hormones that cause the sebaceous glands in the skin to increase in size and production.
When does postpartum acne go away? Response to this: The good news is that postpartum acne is usually temporary. Sometimes, acne clears up almost immediately after giving birth. For others, acne continues for several weeks or months. It really depends on how long it takes for your hormone level to return to (your) normal.
Then, What face wash is good for postpartum acne?
Crew recommends the CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser, $14. And Dr. Dickman suggests checking out the brand Belli, which has several products that are safe during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Secondly, What are the safest acne treatments while breastfeeding?
Answer will be: When looking for the safest options while breastfeeding, try acne treatments like: Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Although high doses of salicylic acid should not be used during pregnancy, both of these topical acne treatments are considered safe to use while breastfeeding.
Likewise, How do I get rid of baby acne?
In reply to that: Cover their hands with socks or mittens, and keep their nails trimmed. How long does baby acne last? When it comes to getting rid of baby acne, patience is key. The acne is temporary and often clears up on its own within months. If the acne is mild and doesn’t appear to bother your baby, treatment isn’t necessary.
Furthermore, Does breastfeeding cause postpartum acne? Also, keep in mind that breastfeeding can also increase your hormone levels. So if you breastfeed, it might take longer for postpartum acne to disappear. If postpartum acne continues past delivery, several options can help reduce breakouts and clear your skin. Increasing your fluid intake and staying hydrated may naturally improve your acne.
Can I use retinol peroxide if I’m breastfeeding?
As a response to this: If your acne doesn’t improve after delivery and you’re breastfeeding, it’s safe to use topical acne treatments. These include treatments that were not safe during pregnancy, such as topical retinoids, which are anti-inflammatory medications that help unclog pores. It’s also safe to use benzoyl peroxide when you’re breastfeeding.
How do you treat acne if you’re breastfeeding?
Response will be: Salicylic acid exfoliates dead skin and unclogs pores. Antibiotics, on the other hand, can kill bacteria on the skin. If you’re breastfeeding, doctors typically recommend using topical medications as a first-line treatment for acne. Depending on the severity of your acne, your doctor may prescribe birth control pills to treat it.
Correspondingly, How do you treat pregnancy acne?
Watch what touches your skin. Keep your hair clean and off your face. Also avoid resting your hands or objects on your face. Tight clothing or hats also can pose a problem, especially if you’re sweating. Sweat and oils can contribute to acne. Medication also can be used to treat pregnancy acne.
How do I treat breast pimples? Answer to this: You can treat breast pimples by changing certain habits and using over-the-counter (OTC) medications, or a combination of the two. Often this is enough to provide relief. Read on to find out home treatments and more. Try some of these at-home treatments and lifestyle changes to help treat pimples on the breasts: Wash area regularly.
Can I use retinol peroxide if I’m breastfeeding?
If your acne doesn’t improve after delivery and you’re breastfeeding, it’s safe to use topical acne treatments. These include treatments that were not safe during pregnancy, such as topical retinoids, which are anti-inflammatory medications that help unclog pores. It’s also safe to use benzoyl peroxide when you’re breastfeeding.