Pregnancy can be an exciting time, but it often includes many skincare problems. Most pregnant people wonder which skincare products are OK to use, and those aren’t. Is salicylic acidity during pregnancy OK? What about glycolic acid solution? Benzoyl peroxide for acne? Is retinol OK during pregnancy? The answers may shock you!
First, it’s always important to check on with your physician and discuss the specific skincare products you want to use. Happily, most skincare products such as cleansers, toners, moisturizers, eyesight creams, scrubs, and lip balms that don’t contain over-the-counter ingredients regulated by the FDA are fine for use throughout pregnancy. However, pregnancy skin care involving topical prescription products, certain over-the-counter skincare ingredients, and retinol are a different concern. Misinformation about pregnancy skincare creates aggravation and misunderstandings for pregnant people throughout a time they should be enjoying to the fullest. To get some good much-needed clarification, we consulted the American College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians about the ingredients we’re asked about most.
Benzoyl peroxide is a great ingredient to regulate acne and is known as safe in low concentrations (5% or less) when you’re pregnant. Salicylic acidity (BHA) is a superior exfoliant for skin, and the small percentages used in skincare (2% or lower) are OK to use while pregnant. You can even consider using glycolic acidity or lactic acid (AHA) defoliants during your pregnancy. What about in-office AHA or BHA peels?
Both are generally considered safe, but AHA is preferred if the peel is usually to be applied over a sizable area of the body. Sunscreen actives are not known to be a risk during pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists hasn’t found the alleged fears about sunscreen ingredients substantiated by medical or animal research.
Daily sunscreen use is strongly suggested by dermatologists. If you find your skin layer is more sensitive during pregnancy, consider using sunscreens with only the mineral actives of titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide, as both are non-irritating. Hydroquinone has not been examined on pets or humans regarding its use during pregnancy, so it’s far better to stay away from products that contain hydroquinone during being pregnant or while you’re breastfeeding.
- Allow it to dry for 30 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm drinking water
- 1 tablespoon cognac
- 1: very difficult
- Towels, Chairs, Hair Clips, etc
- Myristyl myristate
- Wipe your palms, fingertips and feet following the treatment to avoid staining
The same holds true for the brightening ingredient arbutin and derivatives such as alpha-arbutin because both break down to hydroquinone on pores and skin. Azelaic acid via topical ointment prescription is known as safe for use during pregnancy and has good research displaying it can improve brown epidermis discolorations plus assist with breakouts and noticeable symptoms of rosacea.
Anti-aging products with vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and peptides are generally considered safe for use during pregnancy-there’s no research proving they’re a problem for topical use. But we repeat: If you’re uncertain about starting a new anti-aging product or a mixture of ingredients, consult with your physician, and follow their advice. Avoid prescription retinoids (Renova, Retin-A, Differin, Tazorac, and universal tretinoin) and over-the-counter products with retinol because of its regards to prescription retinoids. Consider switching for an anti-aging serum that does not contain retinol or its derivatives (retinyl retinoate, retinaldehyde, or hydroxypinacolone retinoate).
