Can You Use Salicylic Acid While Pregnant

Between a growing belly, aching breasts, and restless legs, there's no denying that pregnancy is a fourth dimension of great alter for the body. While some symptoms are nothing short of amazing, like those adorable little infant kicks and your soon-to-exist mama glow, in that location are some that are not-so-amazing — like pregnancy acne.

Fortunately, when breakouts strike, pimples, zits, and blackheads are oft no match for salicylic acid — but is this coveted skincare ingredient A-OK to use when meaning? We'll tell y'all.

What Exactly Causes Pregnancy Acne?

It doesn't matter if you're in your starting time or 3rd trimester: acne tin can happen at whatsoever fourth dimension during pregnancy. Simply expecting mothers who develop it volition usually start to discover blemishes around six weeks into their pregnancy. Some women might not even know that they're carrying at this betoken, so the unexpected appearance of acne could exist one of the first clues that you may have a bun in the oven.

While many things could crusade less than favorable skin, the primary culprit primarily responsible for pregnancy acne is the increased hormone levels in the first trimester.

It'south no secret that women go through a number of extreme hormonal changes during pregnancy. A hormone called progesterone, in particular, contributes to acne development.

This all-important hormone plays a cardinal role in helping to create an ideal surround for a developing fetus, but high levels of it likewise stimulate oil glands in the skin, making them produce more oil (aka sebum). Although sebum tin can get out your skin soft and dewy, information technology can clog your pores when produced in excess, leading to acne breakouts.

What Is Salicylic Acid?

Salicylic acrid is a popular skincare ingredient bachelor in many various concentrations and topical forms, including toners, lotions, peels, creams, serums, and spot treatments. Some dermatologists employ it as a treatment for blemishes, but salicylic acid's anti-comedogenic (non pore-clogging) and keratolytic (moisturizing and exfoliating) backdrop brand it especially highly-seasoned for treating other skin concerns too.

Simply put, salicylic acrid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that helps to back up proper cell turnover and foreclose pores from condign clogged, which makes information technology helpful for oily pare types. Information technology penetrates into the pores to deliquesce bacteria and dead peel cell buildup, which ultimately encourages the top layer of skin (aka the epidermis) to shed and reveal a salubrious, uncongested complexion.

Is Salicylic Acid Safety To Use When Expecting?

The American Higher of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) categorizes over-the-counter (OTC) topical skincare and beauty products with a salicylic acid concentration of ii percent or less as safe during pregnancy.

In other words, when expecting, it may be okay to use salicylic acid in low concentrations, but you'll probable demand to accept some precautions. It'due south also a good idea to consult with your OBGYN before using any new production — such as salicylic acrid — just to be sure.

Whatever Pregnancy-Safe Tips To Help Maintain Clear Peel?

Salicylic acid may be the aureate standard for boot acne to the adjourn, simply what if you desire to steer clear of beta hydroxy acids while pregnant? Or what near the many other skin complaints pregnant women frequently face, like stretch marks and melasma?

Not to worry — hither are a few pregnancy-prophylactic tips to support a salubrious and happy complexion:

Tip #1: Cleanse Your Skin Daily

To continue pesky pimples at bay, cleaning your skin daily is of import. Why? Considering cleansing facilitates the removal of dirt, oil, bacteria, pollutants, and other unwanted acne-causing droppings, that'southward why!

Many different ingredients can help exfoliate and cleanse the skin — for instance, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such every bit glycolic acid and lactic acrid, azelaic acid, and benzoyl peroxide — but if you're looking for a gentle peel care production that's safe to utilize during pregnancy, we recommend 8 Sheep Organics' Turmeric & Tea Tree Facial Cleanser.

Made with organic ingredients like tea tree oil and niacinamide, this oh-and so-luscious formula gently cleanses dirt and leaner to leave the skin feeling make clean, fresh, and hydrated. Later on cleansing, residue oil production and tighten pores with our Calming Acne Toner — trust us, your peel will thank us later!

Tip #2: Slather on the SPF

The mask of pregnancy — technically called melasma — appears when a major rise in progesterone and estrogen levels stimulates excess melanin production, aka hyperpigmentation.

While this common pregnancy symptom can sometimes be inevitable (thank you to hormones), wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or college may help preclude your melasma from worsening.

Pro Tip: To give your skin the back up it needs, nosotros recommend eight Sheep Organics' Hydrating Facial Moisturizer. This nourishing formula was specially formulated for sensitive, acne-prone skin and is completely free of any harsh ingredients similar retinol or other retinoids like tretinoin, hydroquinone, parabens, and phthalates.

Tip #3: Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

Whether you lot're dealing with pimples or stretch marks, keeping your pare adequately moisturized is cardinal in combating scars. Drink plenty of H2O to hydrate your trunk from the inside out, and consider using our Helichrysum Abdomen Balm to moisturize and soothe itchy, stretching peel.

For pimples, zits, and other pesky spots that just won't quit, nosotros recommend our hydrating Acne Spot Treatment. Fabricated with natural, pregnancy-safe ingredients, this gentle treatment works rapidly to clear up pregnancy acne and soothes flakiness and dryness.

Determination

So, tin can you use salicylic acid when significant?

The answer: Yes — salicylic acrid may be rubber to employ during pregnancy equally long every bit it's in low concentrations (as always, we recommend checking in with your ob-gyn commencement). Anything over ii percent could be potentially unsafe for your developing baby, so skipping these products and reaching for something a picayune more pregnancy-friendly is typically a good thought.

That said, every pregnancy is different. Always consult with your healthcare provider about your unique circumstances — particularly if you have concerns or questions well-nigh using a new product (such as salicylic acid) while pregnant.

Sources:

Skin Conditions During Pregnancy | ACOG

Chloasma--the mask of pregnancy | PubMed

Pregnancy acne: What'south the all-time treatment? | Mayo Clinic