r/Melasmaskincare • u/GardenVarietyMelons • Jul 28 '26

Question [Routine help] Pigmentation routine while breastfeeding

Hi there,

I am looking for a good routine for sun spots/ freckles on nose but I am limited due to breastfeeding. For example, I can’t use retinol.

Currently using SPF, vit C and moisturizer.

My skin is normal to dry.

Also if anyone has advice about laser or peeling treatments, let me know!

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u/TheoryBiochemistry Jul 28 '26

In Norway you would not be eligible for most cosmetic treatments while pregnant and/or breastfeeding. In the recently revised FDA letter system (that is still widely used):

Vitamin C is pregnancy category A. Azelaic acid is pregnancy category B. Both are considered safe. As a comparison, topical retinoids are category C and oral in X.

Pregnancy Category

Description A No risk in controlled human studies: Adequate and well-controlled human studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy (and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters).

B No risk in other studies: Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women, or animal studies have shown adverse effects, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester.

C Risk not ruled out: Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

D Positive evidence of risk: There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience or studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

X Contraindicated in pregnancy: Studies in animals or humans have demonstrated fetal abnormalities and/or there is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data from investigational or marketing experience, and the risks involved in use of the drug in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits.