When you have acne, you typically have two choices for how to solve it–topical treatments that you apply to the skin or antibiotic treatments that you take orally. Proactiv is a topical treatment that has benzoyl peroxide as its active ingredient, an ingredient that the Georgetown University Department of Medicine reports as being acceptable to use while breastfeeding. Still, it’s important to take care when you use Proactiv while breastfeeding. You need to make sure it doesn’t transfer to your baby’s skin, which may be too sensitive.
Step 1
Talk to your doctor about using Proactiv while breastfeeding. While most will say that it’s OK to use, your situation may be special and your doctor may prefer that you look for other solutions.
Step 2
Apply Proactiv while your baby is sleeping. Proactiv consists of a three-step program–a cleanser, a toner and a special treatment for breakouts. You are supposed to use the system twice a day. Do this in the morning and the evening when your baby is sleeping. This ensures that you won’t have direct contact with your baby immediately after you use the product.
Step 3
Wash your hands thoroughly after using Proactiv. Residue may be on your hands after you have used the product. Use an antibacterial soap to wash the Proactiv from your hands.
Step 4
Discourage your baby from touching your face, especially soon after you’ve cleaned it. The chemicals could transfer from your face to her hands, which she may put in her mouth or her eyes.
Warnings
- Do not use Proactiv to treat chest acne when you are breastfeeding. This puts the chemicals too close to your baby’s face.
Photo Credit
- happy and clean image by Gerald Bernard from Fotolia.com
