Is it unsafe to use moisturizers with self tanners on your own skin if you are breastfeeding?

Question

I recently looked at tooth whitening strips and the packaging warned against using while pregnant or breastfeeding. I recently considered buying a moisturizer with self tanners but there was no information regarding safety of the product. Logically, I thought if it's unsafe to put whitening agents on your teeth, it might be unsafe to put anything unnatural on your skin.

I didn't purchase the product, but would consider it if it's safe.
I am awaiting a response from the manufacturer, but if they want to sell a product, they would choose studies in their favor. What are your thoughts?
Thanks.

Answer 1

You CAN use tooth whiteners. It's just that almost every product in exhistance says "don't use while PG or BF" to cover their butts.

According to my references, teeth whiteners are carbamide peroxide, which is just a stabilized formulation of hydrogen peroxide. When it touches tissue, it releases pure hydrogen peroxide almost immediately. Its transfer to the plasma is minimal, if at all. According to Thomas Hale, PhD (in Medications and Mothers' Milk), "it would be all but impossible for any to reach breastmilk except under extreme overdose." Even if absorbed, it would be metabolized in seconds.

http://www.kellymom.com/health/lifestyle/mom-activities.html#toothwhite

As for tanning -

Because these are topically applied, very little would absorb through the skin into the bloodstream and therefore into your milk. They should not be a problem for the breastfeeding mom and baby. Do be careful about applying it on the breast - make sure baby doesn't get any in his mouth.

The spray tanning booths (also called UV-free tanning, airbrush tanning, spray on tanning, etc.) come under the category of self-tanning products. To prevent baby ingesting the self-tanning lotion, wash the self-tanning product from your breasts before nursing.

http://parenting.ivillage.com/newborn/nbreastfeed/0,,3x0b,00.html

Answer 2

I'm sure that it's safe. I used the moisturizers with the self-tanners while I was pregnant and breastfeeding my youngest daughter. I nursed her for over a year, and as far as I can tell, there has been no effect or difference between her and my other children. I would just be sure to not apply the moisturizers to your nipples and to make sure your skin is dry before you come into contact with your baby. Maybe apply the self-tanners at night after baby has gone to bed. You really can't worry about every little thing, in a couple years, your baby will be picking things up off the ground and eating them and worse! If you're worried, ask your doctor or pediatrician. Try and relax.

Answer 3

Self-tanning lotions are made of DHA, DHA is supposed to be good for you right? Obviously try wash your breast before feeding.

Also depending on what is in the tooth whitening product those are safe too. So long as they contain "carbamide peroxide" which is just a kind of hydrogen peroxide which is perfectly safe... unless you drink about a litre of 20% solution, which would make you sick, not the baby.

Manufacturers are ALWAYS going to tell you it isn't safe during pregnancy and lactation because they do not want to be liable if something happens (even something unrelated, civil cases do not have a hight burden of proof and juries can be easy to fool)

So no, most manufacturers are not going to show studies that show their product is safe during pregnancy and lactation. They will only say it is safe for a healthy individual.

"Sunscreen, Self-tanning products

Because these are topically applied, very little would absorb through the skin into the bloodstream and therefore into your milk. They should not be a problem for the breastfeeding mom and baby. Do be careful about applying it on the breast - make sure baby doesn't get any in his mouth.

The spray tanning booths (also called UV-free tanning, airbrush tanning, spray on tanning, etc.) come under the category of self-tanning products. To prevent baby ingesting the self-tanning lotion, wash the self-tanning product from your breasts before nursing. "
http://www.kellymom.com/health/lifestyle/mom-activities.html#Sunscreen


Is it safe to use self-tanning creams during breastfeeding? I hate to ruin my skin in the sun so I wondered if these sunless tanning products are ok to use.






Self-tanning preparations are increasing in popularity. They're a great way for you to get a tanned look, without the risks of overexposure to the sun.

The active ingredient in self-tanning products is dihydroxyacetone (DHA). It is derived from sugar cane. This reacts with the amino acids in the upper layers of the skin to produce a tan. No dyes are used, and this is considered to be a safe process.

In general, there is some absorption from any product used on the skin. Only use if your skin is not damaged. There is no evidence that use of skin care products has any negative effect on your nursing baby. When applying to the breast, avoid using around your areola and nipple. Allow to dry thoroughly (about one hour) before breastfeeding.

Remember that your skin will still need to be protected from the sun. Be sure to use sunscreen when you'll be spending time outdoors. Best wishes!
http://parenting.ivillage.com/newborn/nbreastfeed/0,,3x0b,00.html

Answer 4

They are things that can only be discovered after hundreds and hundreds of trials. And of course, strict restriction needs to be in place. However, because the basis of science is always changing due to new discoveries, we need to also have sympathy to the drug company as well. They are not miracle makers, they only try to make profits by selling something that they "think" might help other people. Imagine the world without antibiotics and other medication, how many people would have to die? If we agree that science can be changed, the drug company might not have an excuse of increasing medication prices because of law suit.Also if we look at any other area that has used the socialist system it has bogged down and failed to live up to its Utopian promise. No system is perfect but open and free market is the best out there.