Is glycolic acid safe while pregnant?

Understanding Glycolic Acid Use During Pregnancy
As expectant mothers navigate the myriad of changes their bodies undergo, skincare often becomes a focal point of concern. One common question that arises is whether glycolic acid, a popular ingredient in many skincare products, is safe to use during pregnancy. The consensus among experts is generally reassuring.
Safety According to Medical Guidelines
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has indicated that glycolic acid is safe for use during pregnancy. This endorsement is crucial for pregnant women who wish to maintain their skincare routines without compromising their health or that of their unborn child.
Concentration Matters
When considering glycolic acid, the concentration of the product is a significant factor. Most dermatologists recommend using glycolic acid in concentrations of less than 10%. At this level, it can effectively promote skin cell turnover and address common pregnancy-related skin issues, such as dark spots and fine lines, without posing significant risks. Higher concentrations, particularly those found in professional treatments like glycolic acid peels, should be avoided during pregnancy due to their potential for increased absorption and systemic effects.
Limited Research but Low Risk
While there is a lack of extensive studies on the effects of glycolic acid in pregnant women, animal studies have shown adverse effects only at very high doses, far exceeding what would be used in typical human applications. Furthermore, the amount of glycolic acid absorbed through the skin is minimal, suggesting that the risk of systemic exposure is low.
Expert Recommendations
Many dermatologists advocate for the use of glycolic acid as part of a skincare regimen during pregnancy, emphasizing that it can be beneficial for maintaining skin health. However, they also advise consulting with a healthcare provider to ensure that individual circumstances are taken into account.
Conclusion
In summary, glycolic acid is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy, particularly in lower concentrations. It can help manage skin changes that often accompany this period, such as pigmentation and texture issues. As always, it is wise for pregnant women to consult with their healthcare providers before introducing any new products into their skincare routines, ensuring both safety and peace of mind.

Is the ordinary glycolic acid safe while breastfeeding?

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Glycolic acid is likely safe when applied to the skin appropriately while pregnant or breast-feeding.

What skincare to avoid when pregnant?

Key Takeaways. Avoid retinols and phthalates during pregnancy. Topical products with salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid are considered relatively low risk, just don’t use them in high doses. Makeup, sunscreen, steroid creams, and hair removers are generally considered safe – just check the labels first.

Which ordinary products are safe for pregnancy?

Niacinamide and zinc are safe and can be effective for anti-inflammatory / anti-acne care. Recommended Products: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

Who should avoid glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid can irritate the skin, so people with extremely sensitive skin should use glycolic acid with caution, noted Chacon. People with sensitive, dry skin may have better results with lactic acid, a gentler AHA.

Can I use vitamin C serum while pregnant?

“vitamin C is unlike Retinoids, which are not recommended for pregnancy or breastfeeding, as they can contribute to high levels of vitamin A in the body, which can do serious harm to a foetus and impact your baby’s development. vitamin C is a very safe ingredient for use on the skin during pregnancy.

What if I accidentally used retinol while pregnant?

If you’ve accidentally been using topical retinoids or retinol while pregnant, don’t panic. Ensure you stop taking them immediately and then speak to your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Let your doctor know how much you’ve been having so they can watch the rest of your pregnancy closely.

Is salicylic acid ok in pregnancy?

Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and glycolic acid are ingredients found in many acne treatments and cosmetics. They are considered safe to use in pregnancy. 1 Salicylic acid can also be an ingredient in direct to skin medications which treat musculoskeletal pain and scaly skin conditions (eg. warts).

Which acid to avoid during pregnancy?

Salicylic Acid (in high doses)
Used to treat acne, high-dose versions of Salicylic acid are often found in peels and oral medications, and should be avoided during pregnancy.

What things should I avoid in early pregnancy?

What to avoid

• raw or undercooked meat.
• liver and liver products.
• all types of pâté, including vegetarian pâté
• game meats such as goose, partridge or pheasant.

Is it safe to use glycolic acid when pregnant?

Generally speaking, you’re probably fine to use a skin care product containing glycolic acid while you’re pregnant. Just be vigilant about not using skin care products that contain ingredients that might interact with glycolic acid. Also, be sure to don a hat and apply your sunscreen before you head outside.