During pregnancy, many individuals seek clarity on skincare ingredient safety. Understanding appropriate ingredients is a common concern for expectant mothers, ensuring both maternal and fetal health.
What Glycolic Acid Is
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugarcane. It functions as a chemical exfoliant, working by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells on the skin’s surface. This process promotes cell turnover, revealing newer, healthier-looking skin underneath.
Its benefits extend to improving skin texture, addressing hyperpigmentation, and managing acne. Glycolic acid can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, balance excess oil, minimize pore visibility, and stimulate collagen production, which contributes to skin firmness and elasticity.
Skincare Considerations During Pregnancy
The skin acts as a protective barrier, yet certain topical ingredients can be absorbed into the bloodstream. During pregnancy, this absorption becomes a consideration because some ingredients have the potential to cross the placental barrier and reach the developing fetus. While many topical products have minimal systemic absorption, the possibility, even if small, necessitates careful evaluation of ingredients.
The primary concern revolves around ingredients that may have adverse effects on fetal development or maternal health. Due to ethical considerations, extensive human studies on pregnant individuals are limited. Therefore, recommendations for skincare during pregnancy often rely on animal studies, observational data, and expert consensus.
Assessing 10% Glycolic Acid Use
Glycolic acid is generally considered one of the safer skincare ingredients for use during pregnancy, especially in appropriate concentrations. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) includes glycolic acid on its list of acceptable ingredients. While topical glycolic acid has minimal systemic absorption, the lack of extensive controlled human studies on its use during pregnancy, particularly at higher concentrations or with prolonged use, leads to a cautious approach.
Most dermatologists and healthcare providers recommend using glycolic acid products with concentrations of 7% or less for at-home use while pregnant. Some sources suggest that concentrations lower than 10% are generally safe. However, a 10% concentration is often at the higher end of what is typically advised for caution due to the increased risk of skin sensitivity during pregnancy. Higher concentrations, such as those found in professional chemical peels (often 30-70%), are generally recommended to be avoided during pregnancy due to the elevated risk of skin irritation and potential complications.
Safe Skincare Alternatives
For individuals seeking alternatives or if higher concentrations of glycolic acid are a concern, several ingredients are generally considered safe for use during pregnancy. Azelaic acid, for instance, is often recommended for acne and hyperpigmentation, and it is categorized as pregnancy category B. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and can be used up to 20% strength.
Vitamin C is another beneficial ingredient, safe for use during pregnancy, known for brightening skin and boosting collagen. Hyaluronic acid, a natural substance, is also considered safe and helps maintain skin hydration and elasticity. Additionally, mineral sunscreens, containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are preferred over chemical sunscreens as they create a physical barrier on the skin and have minimal absorption.
Consulting Healthcare Professionals
Before making any significant changes to a skincare routine or using new products during pregnancy, consulting with an obstetrician, gynecologist, or dermatologist is important. These healthcare providers can offer personalized medical advice, considering your specific health history and circumstances. They can help determine the most appropriate and safe skincare regimen, ensuring both maternal and fetal well-being.