Salicylic acid is a common acne treatment that can be found in many skin care products such as toners and cleansers. Its job is to clean out pore-clogging dead skin cells. It can be found in many anti-aging products, but rather as beta hydroxy acid (BHA), another form of salicylic acid. Salicylic acid’s safety for pregnant women is dubious. Studies have shown that ingesting high doses of the oral form of salicylic acid during pregnancy can cause complications and/or birth defects. Pregnancy leads to a range of skin changes among women. Was not detected in the serum of patients using 2 ml of 1 percent clindamycin hydrochloride solution. While topical glycolic acid should be avoided as mentioned previously,.
Other common skin issues during pregnancy include:. dark spots (on breasts, nipples, or inner thighs). brown patches on the face, cheeks, nose, and forehead. dark line from navel to public hair What is salicylic acid?There are a variety of ways to treat skin issues outside of pregnancy.
But not all treatments are pregnancy-safe. One of the most popular skin care treatments is salicylic acid. You can find this ingredient at varying strengths and in different OTC and prescription products.Salicylic acid is often used to treat the following skin conditions:. acne. dandruff. seborrheic dermatitis. signs of aging.
calluses.Salicylic acid is part of the aspirin family. Its purpose is to reduce redness and inflammation of the skin. In higher doses, it can be used as a chemical peel.
Though rare, there is a condition called salicylate toxicity that affects younger individuals and those with liver or kidney diseases. Symptoms include:. nausea. vomiting. hearing loss. (ringing or buzzing in the ears).
lethargy. hyperpnea (increase in breathing depth). diarrhea. psychic disturbancesIf you develop any of these signs or symptoms, stop using salicylic acid and speak with your doctor. Salicylic acid and pregnancyDuring pregnancy, you’re understandably concerned about what goes into and on your body.
You’ll find salicylic acid in many products, but it’s worth investigating the risks and weighing them against the benefits.Topical salicylic acid is pregnancy-safe, according to the. But more research is needed to determine if there are any adverse risks to the developing baby-to-be.Prescription salicylic acid is related to aspirin, so taking the oral form of this medication isn’t advised during pregnancy. Have shown that taking oral salicylic acid during late pregnancy can increase the risk for intracranial bleeding. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking this oral skin medication during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. They may be able to recommend a safer alternative. What to ask your doctorIf you’re experiencing skin issues during your pregnancy, speak with your doctor or a dermatologist about your options.
Salicylic acid may be what you normally use, but there may be other treatments that are more pregnancy-safe.Ask your doctor:. Will my skin condition likely improve after pregnancy?.
What skin medications are safe during pregnancy (and while breastfeeding)?. Are there other alternatives that may help my condition?. What should I do if my skin worsens?It’s always a smart idea to ask your doctor before using a new product during pregnancy. Alternatives to salicylic acidAcne is one of the more common complaints among pregnant women. But there are alternative ways to treat acne without salicylic acid or other medications:. Maintain good skin habits. Wash your face with a mild soap in the morning and before bed.
Regularly washing your hair may also help keep oil at bay. Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and other whole foods. While you’re at it, drink plenty of water to keep yourself (and your skin) hydrated. Eat foods high in vitamin A. For safety, stick to food sources rather than supplements. It’s possible to get too high of a dose with supplements. You can get this important vitamin that supports healthy skin in foods like milk, eggs, carrots, and fish.
Mind your sun exposure. A little bit of sun can actually help dry out pimples. Still, you’ll want to wear sunscreen to protect against skin cancer. If you’re using salicylic acid or other medications, you might also be more prone to burning. Treat breakouts gently. Too much scrubbing, popping, and picking will only make matters worse. Using harsh cleansers or too much friction can stimulate your skin to produce more oil.
Popping and picking zits can lead to scarring.It’s also a good idea to read the labels on any skin care products you buy before you use them. Discuss any unfamiliar ingredients with your doctor before use. The takeawaySkin issues are often just another unpleasant symptom of pregnancy. Thankfully, these issues are usually temporary.
Your skin should clear up after your baby is born. If you’ve tried simple lifestyle modifications and haven’t seen results (or your skin is getting worse), speak with your doctor to find out what pregnancy-safe treatments may work for you.