“What are safe skin treatments while breastfeeding?”

This is a common question I get asked.. And understandably so. For some, this is the first time in a long time that they haven’t been able to complete their regular cosmetic treatments.

“And after 9 months of pregnancy followed by the focus of becoming a new parent, many mothers are keen to know when they can safely restart some of these procedures.”

5 Safe Skin Treatments While Breastfeeding

Maintaining your skincare routine while breastfeeding can feel challenging, as it’s important to ensure the treatments you use are safe for both you and your baby. Thankfully, there are several effective and gentle skin treatments that pose no risk during this period. These options can help address common skin concerns like breakouts, dullness, and hyperpigmentation, while keeping your skin healthy and radiant. Below are five safe treatments that can be used while breastfeeding, allowing you to care for your skin with peace of mind.

Fine Lines & Wrinkles

It’s completely normal to notice changes in your skin during the postpartum period. Many new mothers find that fine lines and expression lines become more noticeable due to factors like hormonal shifts, lack of sleep, and natural ageing.

For those seeking a refreshed appearance while breastfeeding, there are professionally administered options available that are considered low risk when performed correctly. While formal studies in breastfeeding populations are limited, current evidence and expert consensus support the safety of certain cosmetic procedures during this time. If you have any concerns, we encourage you to speak with our team during a consultation so we can provide personalised guidance.

Volume Loss & Skin Changes

Loss of facial volume and skin elasticity is a common concern after pregnancy. This may present as flatter cheeks, deeper smile lines, or a general sense of tiredness in the face. These changes can affect how you feel in your skin, especially during the physically and emotionally demanding months of early motherhood.

Treatments to address volume loss are often well-tolerated during breastfeeding, provided you’re in good overall health. We’ll work with you to develop a tailored, conservative approach that supports both your aesthetic goals and your wellbeing.

Laser Therapies

Laser therapies, including treatments for skin resurfacing, fine lines, and acne scars, are generally safe during breastfeeding. These treatments do not interfere with breast milk production or alter its quality, making them suitable for cosmetic facial improvements while nursing.

However, it’s important to approach certain skin conditions with caution. For instance, pigmentary changes such as melasma, which commonly occur or worsen during pregnancy, may take some time to stabilize postpartum. Jumping into laser treatment too early could yield less effective results, as melasma may naturally fade or adjust after the hormonal fluctuations of pregnancy have subsided. Therefore, it’s recommended to wait and observe whether pigmentation issues improve on their own before opting for laser therapy.

Body Contouring

Body contouring – have also not been studies during breastfeeding and therefore safety data is not available. However it would seem reasonable that these procedures could be performed during breastfeeding. It is recommended that any post-pregnancy weight changes have stabilised before investing in these treatments.

Medical Grade Facials

Medical grade facials – generally considered safe while breastfeeding, however it is important to let your therapist know as certain ingredients may be excluded during this time.

Making the Decision

Cosmetic procedures performed while breastfeeding are off label, but based on current evidence and consensus opinion are generally considered safe. It is important to have a discussion with your treating clinician if you are considering these treatments to ensure that the particular treatment is right for you.