Is LED Light Therapy Safe During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding? An Expert’s Guide
As a mother-to-be or new parent, prioritising self-care while ensuring the safety of your baby is essential. With hormonal changes affecting your skin during pregnancy and postpartum, and since some skincare, like Vitamin A - or retinoids - are best avoided during pregnancy, many women aren’t sure where to turn to for their skincare. To play it safe, they strip back their skincare routine to basics. But did you know that you can turn to LED light therapy to manage hormonal acne breakouts, hyperpigmentation, and skin rejuvenation and to elevate your overall skincare routine? But is LED therapy safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding? We brought in the experts to weigh in and provide their invaluable commentary.
This comprehensive guide, backed by expert commentary, scientific understanding of placental function, breast milk production, and LED therapy technology, will answer all your pressing questions.
Let’s dive in.
Understanding the Placenta: Can LED Light Cross to the Baby?
The placenta is an extraordinary organ that filters and transfers nutrients, oxygen, and waste between mother and baby. Its selective barrier prevents many harmful substances from reaching the fetus.
Why LED Light Therapy Does Not Affect the Baby:
- LED light does not penetrate deeply enough to reach the placenta - it primarily affects the skin's epidermis and dermis, not internal organs. It does not reach the uterus or placenta.
- No systemic absorption - unlike medications, LED therapy does not enter the maternal bloodstream, meaning it cannot be transported to the baby.
- No ionising radiation - unlike X-rays or UV light, LED therapy uses non-ionising wavelengths, which do not harm DNA or fetal development.
Are There Any Risks to Consider?
For pregnant women, the main consideration is skin sensitivity due to hormonal changes. Some may experience heightened photosensitivity (sensitivity to light), so always monitor skin reactions and consult your healthcare provider or obstetrician if unsure.
Breastfeeding and LED Therapy: Is It Safe for Your Baby?
Once your baby arrives, LED light therapy can also be a valuable tool for postpartum skin concerns such as melasma, acne, and stretch marks. However, many mothers wonder whether it affects breast milk and nursing infants.
Why LED Therapy Is Safe While Breastfeeding:
- Does not enter breast milk - LED therapy is a localised treatment that does not affect systemic circulation, meaning there’s zero risk of transfer to your baby.
- No hormonal disruption - unlike medications that can interfere with prolactin and oxytocin (key hormones for milk production), LED light therapy has no known impact on lactation.
- Non-toxic and non-invasive - unlike chemical treatments, LED light does not contain harsh ingredients that could be absorbed through the skin.
Considerations for Breastfeeding Mothers:
If using LED light therapy alongside topical treatments, ensure to avoid retinoids and hydroquinone, as these topical treatments and creams can be absorbed into the bloodstream and enter breast milk.
Final Verdict: Should You Use LED Light Therapy While Pregnant or Breastfeeding?
Yes - LED light therapy is widely considered safe during pregnancy and lactation. As a non-invasive, non-thermal, and UV-free treatment, it does not penetrate deeply enough to affect the baby in utero or through breast milk.
Our founder, Diana Shenouda, has been using the SAN LUEUR Advanced LED Light Therapy Facial Mask all throughout her entire pregnancy. Cosmetic Doctor and founder of Lorient Skincare, Dr Prasanthi Puru, turned to the SAN LUEUR LED Light Therapy Facial Mask as her LED mask-of-choice throughout her pregnancy, postpartum and during breastfeeding journey. So did highly acclaimed Paediatrician, Dr Monica Sarofim.
"As outlined, the mechanism by which LED light therapy works does not pose a theoretical risk to the fetus. This has been backed up by several studies so far. In fact, since many other potent skin ingredients such as retinoids are not safe in pregnancy, LED provides a much-welcome alternative to your pregnancy-safe skin regime. Personally, using LED light therapy has been transformative for my skin in my second pregnancy compared with my first, where at home devices such as SAN LUEUR were not widely available.” - Dr Monica Sarofim (Specialist General Paediatrician).
Every pregnancy is unique. If you have specific concerns about your skin, hormones, or medical history, we always suggest consulting with your doctor or obstetrician to get the all-clear prior to use for your comfort and peace of mind.
At SAN LUEUR, we are committed to providing safe, science-backed skincare solutions for every stage of life - including pregnancy and postpartum. Explore our highly acclaimed LED masks designed to support radiant, healthy skin - safely.
Frequently Asked Questions on LED Use in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
1. Can LED light therapy harm my unborn baby?
No, LED light does not reach the fetus and does not pose any known risks to pregnancy.
2. Can I use an LED face mask while breastfeeding?
Yes, LED light therapy does not enter the bloodstream or breast milk, making it safe for nursing mothers.
3. Are there any pregnancy-safe LED therapy colors?
Red and near-infrared light are commonly used for skin rejuvenation and are considered safe. Avoid blue light therapy if you are using or taking photosensitising medications.
4. Should I consult a doctor before using LED therapy?
While LED therapy is generally safe, always consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
Pregnancy and postpartum come with many changes - but your skincare routine doesn’t have to suffer. SAN LUEUR’s LED Light Therapy Facial Masks are designed to support healthy, radiant skin through every stage of life. Explore our pregnancy-safe skincare solutions, glow safely and discover the SAN LUEUR difference today!
If you have any questions or would like to get in touch, please contact us at info@sanlueur.com or support@sanlueur.com.
