Glycolic acid is an exfoliator derived from sugar cane. What Are The Alternatives Ways To Deal With Acne During Pregnancy? However, the small percentages used in skincare (2% or lower) are considered safe. But is this a real indicator of pregnancy? Our stringent editorial guidelines allow us to cite only from reputed research institutions, academic journals, medically established studies, and highly regarded media and news agencies. Share your experience with us in the comments section below. Glycolic acid dissolves the dead skin clearing the blocked pores and exfoliates … Excellent Exfoliant. Is It Safe To Take Antibiotics During Pregnancy? And some products contain both glycolic acid and retinol. Cellulite During Pregnancy: How To Control? Chemical peels tend to be stronger and carry a higher risk of unwanted results or reactions. Your feedback helps us serve you better and maintain a long-term relationship with the most important people in our business — you. Glycolic acid is a naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that is found in sugarcane (1). During pregnancy, the health of your child and your own body should be of utmost priority, and not your outer appearance. Glycolic acid peels are contraindicated during pregnancy (6). topical products containing benzoyl peroxide. Please read our Disclaimer. Upon application, glycolic acid reacts with the upper layers of the skin and dissolves the lipids that bind the dead skin cells together, thus clearing the pores and reducing acne. Medium chemical peels may use glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid and penetrate the outer and middle skin layers. Glycolic acid — in a pregnancy-safe concentration of less than 10 percent — can speed the turnover of skin cells that might otherwise pile up on your face and make your skin look dry and dull. If you want to try a topical preparation during pregnancy, Beer suggests glycolic acid creams or those containing green tea as most effective on stretch marks. Glycolic acid (hydroacetic acid or hydroxyacetic acid); chemical formula C 2 H 4 O 3 (also written as HOCH 2 CO 2 H), is the smallest α-hydroxy acid (AHA). Finally, before trying any new skin care product, you might want to run it by your OB-GYN, too. Light peels reach only the outermost skin layer. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are chemical compounds that act as exfoliants. Here's what we do know. All rights reserved. Pregnancy causes skin changes, including sensitivities, and even if you’ve used it in the past, you may experience side effects you haven’t had before. You can safely opt for these peels and give your skin a makeover. Is It Safe To Have A Transvaginal Scan During Pregnancy? Therefore, consult your doctor before using products containing glycolic acid. As such, it may help treat any acne that you may be struggling with — and even give you a hint of that alleged pregnancy glow. You can buy skin creams, lotions, face washes, and serums that contain glycolic acid to use at home, or you can go to a spa or salon and get a chemical peel containing glycolic acid. It is best to avoid chemical peels in general during pregnancy (6). Safe Chemical Peels During Pregnancy: Light chemical peels are safe during pregnancy. Sun exposure can make melasma worse. Glycolic acid and AHAs are NOT universally accepted by the medical community as safe during pregnancy as glycolic acid is absorbed ~28% during topical use and is known to cross the placenta. topical products containing benzoyl peroxide, topical erythromycin or clindamycin, along with benzoyl peroxide, a short course of oral erythromycin or cephalexin. Here are our picks of the best new…, Sometimes the act of getting pregnant ends up having very little to do with sex. What Are The Causes And Risks Of Delivering A Premature Baby? How Does Glycolic Acid Work In Treating Acne? Are Glycolic Acid Peels Safe During Pregnancy? What Are The Side Effects of Glycolic Acid During Pregnancy? Increased levels of pregnancy hormones progesterone and estrogen cause many women to have oilier skin and more breakouts when they’re pregnant. How To Avoid Pregnancy: Know Your Options, How To Sterilize Baby Bottles: Everything You Need To Know. retinoids and high doses of salicylic acid, Research on glycolic acid during pregnancy, pregnant people tend to be underrepresented, research on the use of acne treatments during pregnancy, How it might help skin issues in pregnancy, Other safe skin care options with similar benefits, Precautions to take when using glycolic acid, Your Guide to a Pregnancy-Safe Skin Care Routine, Why You May Want to Skip Botox While Pregnant or Breastfeeding. Last medically reviewed on September 29, 2020, When you're expecting, pregnancy safe skin care can help ensure the health of you and your baby. And you might be using a skin care product containing glycolic acid. The acid dissolves the dead skin, clearing the blocked pores, and exfoliates the … For example, if you’re trying to get a handle on acne, research suggests that you should be just fine using the following: Of course, if you have any concerns or questions about a product, be sure to check with your doctor. Pregnancy affects your entire body, including your skin. There are a lot of unknowns when it comes to getting Botox injections while pregnant. He deserves appreciation too! Therefore, pregnant people tend to be underrepresented in this type of research. Some older animal studies that examined the use of high doses of glycolic acid observed some “adverse reproductive effects.” However, those doses were much higher than any concentration you’d find in a typical skin care product containing glycolic acid. In fact, consider the risk/benefit profile of any skin care product you use, and pause before you schedule a chemical peel or slather your face with a night cream containing glycolic acid. We’ll tell you what may be causing it, as well as treatments to try. It’s one of Park’s favorite moisturizers and contains both azelaic acid and glycolic acid, which she says is fine to use during pregnancy. 6th Month Pregnancy Diet - Which Foods To Eat And avoid? Glycolic Acid Peels. If you have an oily scalp, shampoo every day and try to keep your hair away from your face. Is Glycolic Acid Safe During Pregnancy? Applying salicylic acid products during pregnancy is safe. Lack of sleep can be one reason. During pregnancy, you must avoid retinoids, or vitamin A derivatives, such as Retin-A or Renova, as well as salicylates, including products containing salicylic acid (also known as beta-hydroxy acid). We'll tell you what to expect, from how long it lasts to how to relieve the pain. Yes, people can safely apply products containing salicylic acid once or twice a day during … Still, be sure to look at the label before you hand over your money to buy a new jar of skin cream containing glycolic acid. Did you use glycolic acid during pregnancy? For some same-sex couples, single parents by choice, couples…, Pelvic rocking while laboring and during delivery can distract from painful contractions, help baby move down the birth canal, and relieve minor back…. Most general dermatologists and physicians do not recommend doing glycolic acid peels during pregnancy because of possible negative effects on the embryo. In general if a pregnant woman should do a chemical facial or microdermabrasion that uses glycolic acid then generally it is not a problem. There are many who think it is fine, but many who are calling … All rights reserved. Watch out for these potential problems: Also, keep in mind that products that contain glycolic acid — like creams, moisturizers, exfoliants, and toners — are different than glycolic acid peels. Safety of skin care products during pregnancy, 7 Useful Tips To Reduce Skin Darkening During Pregnancy, 7 Most Common Skin Problems During Pregnancy & Their Remedies, 3 Types Of Rashes That Occur During Pregnancy – Symptoms & Treatments.