Retinol is a type of retinoid. This product is often used on the skin to increase the production of collagen. It helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fade age spots, and can help improve the color of the skin.
However, this product is known to be absorbed by the skin, which leads many breastfeeding moms to wonder if it’s safe for them to take while breastfeeding.
It’s recommended that breastfeeding mothers avoid products with retinol. It is believed that these products may penetrate the skin, and can make it into both your blood and breastmilk. When passed on to your baby, Retinol products can be harmful.
In this article
Do Experts Agree that Retinol Can Be Harmful To Breastfeeding Babies?
There are no studies to either confirm or deny the effects of Retinol on breastfeeding babies. The reason it is concluded that Retinol may have a negative impact on breastfeeding babies is that it is absorbed by the skin, and it has harmful effects on the fetus.
Remember, Your Baby’s Skin Absorbs Skincare Chemicals
When you apply topical creams to your skin, those often wind up on your baby’s skin. That means the same chemicals that are on your skin are going to be on your baby’s skin.
It can be dangerous. Instead, consider alternative methods to remove wrinkles.
How To Remove Fine Lines Naturally Instead Of Using Retinol While Nursing
Even if you aren’t using Retinol, that doesn’t mean that you’re out of luck and forced to deal with fine lines and wrinkles. There are several things you can do that are considered safe, unlike retinol and breastfeeding.
Stay Hydrated Instead Of Using Retinol While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding moms need to make sure that they drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated because they can become dehydrated quicker than individuals that don’t breastfeed.
Mild dehydration can give you sunken skin, which can make fine lines and wrinkles appear deeper than they really are. There are plenty of ways that you can make sure that you’re getting your daily intake of water, even if you’re not a fan of drinking plain water.
You can:
- Eat fruits that are packed with water, like grapes and watermelon
- Consider making water taste better with a squirt of lemon
- Try coconut water
- Eat plenty of vegetables (those are also packed with water)
- Enjoy some soup
- Fruit-infused water is delicious
- Herbal teas
- Sample cucumber juice
Staying hydrated might not cure fine lines, but it can help them not be as noticeable while you’re breastfeeding, and reduce their appearance.
Rub Aloe Vera Gel On Your Face
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Aloe vera gel is packed with wonderful vitamins and nutrients to help reduce fine lines and the appearance of wrinkles. This is because aloe vera helps naturally increase the amount of collagen, which is the same thing that Retinol does to your skin.
Not only does this reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but it can also help improve the elasticity of your skin.
Pick Up A Dermaroller
A derma roller is a tiny roller with needles on it that are used for micro-needling. Microneedling is not extremely painful, but it helps to increase the production of collagen to combat fine lines.
As a bonus, micro-needling has also proven to be effective at removing stretch marks! You can speak to a dermatologist about this, but micro-needling sessions are expensive. Instead, pick up a dermaroller like this one for at-home treatment.
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Massage Almond Oil Into The Skin
Almond oil is full of things that are great for your skin. Simply massage almond oil deep into the skin using gentle motions once in the morning and once at night.
This can help keep your skin moisturized as well as naturally prevent wrinkles so you don’t have to use retinol while nursing.
Facial Exercises Increase Elasticity
Retinol is known for helping your skin produce more collagen, which increases elasticity. That’s how it helps prevent future wrinkles from occurring.
However, there are natural ways to increase the elasticity of the skin too. Check out these facial exercises to keep your skin elastic so you don’t get wrinkles from everyday movements like smiling.
Massage Your Face When You Wash It
A facial massage can help improve elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. You don’t have to head to the spa, either. When you wash your face, massage your cleanser in small circles to simultaneously remove dirt and debris while massaging your face.
Home Remedies For Age Spots Instead Of Using Retinol While Nursing
Another common reason that people reach for products with retinol in them is that these products help reduce the appearance of age spots. Products with retinol are often used to make these spots lighter or disappear. They aren’t the only option that you have, though.
Use Sunscreen
If you wear makeup daily, opt for makeup that includes SPF as an ingredient. If not, make sure that you include sunscreen in your daily skincare routine. Protecting yourself from the sun will not make age spots disappear, but it will prevent them from getting darker.
Exfoliate Regularly
Over-exfoliating your face can cause irritation. However, exfoliating once per week can help gently remove the dead skin cells on the top layer of the skin. As time goes you, you’ll slowly notice those age spots start to get lighter and disappear.
Almond Oil Can Naturally Lighten Age Spots
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Almond oil is amazing for your skin. It can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. This oil also works as a skin lightener. As a bonus, it can even help remove dark circles under your eyes if you’re not getting enough rest.
Lemon Juice Can Be Used As A Skin Lightener
Lemon juice is a traditional way to lighten the skin. This home remedy for age spots has been around for years and continues to be a favorite. Lemon juice is packed with vitamin C, which is a great natural skin lightener.
It can also be used to bleach your hair! The natural way that it bleaches can help you see dramatic results. However, lemon is an acidic fruit, so watch for skin irritation. If skin irritation occurs, consider diluting the lemon juice.
In Conclusion
Retinol has not been proven to be unsafe for breastfeeding babies, but it has not been proven to be safe either.
Instead of taking a chance, try home remedies to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. You can use these while breastfeeding and go back to retinol once your little one is off the breast.
