Salicylic Acid in Pregnancy

When we talk think talk about pregnancy we automatically assume it to be someone’s beautiful phase of life. However, this beautiful phase is not a bed of roses, as it comes with many challenges and compromises. Many pregnant ladies compromise on their diets, their appearance, and their skin too. There are several issues that women face during pregnancy, like severe acne, skin dullness, and freckles. Some pregnancies make your skin worse, causing severe pigmentation and the worst acne, and it becomes necessary to use skincare treatments. Nevertheless, in such a important and crucial phase of life any women has to be very careful about what she is consuming and what she is applying. There are numerous items that are totally not permitted during pregnancy, similar to retinols, which are extremely hazardous for both the mother and the baby and ought to be totally kept away from. Not all skincare fixings are protected to use for everybody. We have seen many mothers doubting and considering the ingredients and searching constantly about what is safe and what is not. One of those ingredients that is debatable is salicylic acid. There are many cases of pregnancy in which women have used salicylic acid and there were no side effects; however, in several other cases, women faced many side effects that proved to be dangerous. In this blog post, we will further discuss salicylic acid in pregnancy.

What is salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid is a very common skincare product that is used by many people for different skin issues and concerns.. It usually works best for exfoliating and helps with the pores. Our skin produces natural oils that often trigger our pores and increase their visibility when sebum is filled with them. The dirt and sweat penetrate the pores, which increases their visibility. Salicylic acid works by penetrating the pores and exfoliating, which helps prevent acne and improve skin texture. Ingredients like pentylene glycol, glycerin, and aqua work actively for skin concerns. Salicylic acid can be used in many forms, like in serums, cleansers, peeling masks, and toners.

Salicylic acid and pregnancy

Salicylic acid in pregnancy is usually safe, but yes, there are some precautions that should be followed. Since there are ingredients of different types, it is better to be conscious than regret it later. It’s better to avoid using it if it does not feel safe to you, especially in large quantities. There is a major chance of getting salicylic acid involved in the bloodstream and harming the fetus, which is the biggest reason it is prescribed to avoid using it in high concentrations. It is also important to use it in gentle cleansers and toners and avoid any peeling masks that are harsh on the skin. Peeling masks other than salicylic acid should also be avoided; they stretch the skin badly and harm the cells of the body during pregnancy. Moreover, it is also important to closely examine the skin reactions while using salicylic acid. However, there are two aspects to this story, which include oral and practical use. Oral consumption is often considered risky, especially through supplements, which can lead to bleeding and other disabilities. Comparing to this, the practical use of skin is still far better than the oral use. However, in both cases, it is very important to consult a doctor or your personal gynecologist for proper usage.

There are several tips that can help with using salicylic acid during pregnancy.

The very first tip is to patch test. This is not only for salicylic acid, but whichever product you buy, you must patch test it first. There are many cases in which people apply a certain product to the whole face, and then the whole face gets affected. Always patch test it; this will let you know if it’s causing any redness, acne, or any sort of harm. Then use it in a limited quantity and avoid using it daily so there’s a lesser risk of getting it involved in bloodstreams and to avoid any labor complications. Moreover, it is important to use it in a lower concentration, like 2%, which makes it automatically less dangerous. Lastly, it is important to wash off your face before bed if you have applied salicylic acid since there are higher chances of risk overnight.

Alternates of Salicylic Acid

Since acne is a major concern during pregnancy, women can also go for other options rather than salicylic acid. One of the best options available is glycolic acid, which is another type of exfoliate that works very effectively for acne and skin exfoliation. Since it is more potent and large in molecular size, it is less risky for involving the bloodstream. Another alternate is lactic acid, which helps brighten the skin, eliminates the visibility of pores, and improves skin texture. However, lactic acid is more for skins that are dry and sensitive, while salicylic acid works best for oily skin. It is better to go for alternates if you are not sure about something on your skin or if it is not helping your skin. However, with every product, there are many benefits and disadvantages, and not everything is suitable for everyone.

Moreover, it is important, whether you are pregnant or not, to consult a dermatologist whenever you are facing any skin concern or starting a treatment. They will guide you better on pregnancy-safe products and medications.

Conclusion

Salicylic acid is a BHA that works for exfoliating skin and improving skin textures. It can be involved in your skincare, whether in the AM or PM. There are many benefits involved in salicylic acid; it helps with acne as well as visibility for pores. However, not every product works in the same way for everyone. When it comes to pregnancy, it has different effects on everyone. Some women are okay after using it, while others face severe side effects. These also include practical and oral consumption of the product. However, if something is not working right on your skin, there are always better alternatives that are considered pregnancy safe products.