Mandelic Acid Pregnancy: So you’ve found recently that you’re pregnant. Congratulations!
Pregnancy is a mixture of calm, joy, anticipation, and anxiety. You don’t have much time to worry about your skin between all the parade of emotions and the preparation.
Even if your skin is generally clear, you may experience breakouts. You may also get rosacea or melasma.
Some of the products you might ordinarily use to address these difficulties are not safe to use during pregnancy.
They can be absorbed into the bloodstream and represent a risk to your child.
Fortunately, the FDA offers a pregnancy-safe rating system. Their risk scale is A, B, C, D, and X, with A being no risk and X being at risk.
Here’s a quick overview to help you decide what’s allowed and what’s not.
What Acids Can You Use When Pregnant?
How To Get Your Glow?
The bottom line is that when you’re pregnant, you should be aware of the substances in your skincare.
Knowing what is and isn’t in your skincare products can help you keep both you and your baby safe throughout your pregnancy.
While safety is essential, you also want to have an effective skincare product so that you may continue to attain the results you want while pregnant.
Ingredients To Avoid During Pregnancy
1. Retinoids
Even while vitamin A is necessary for the healthy growth of the fetus, too much of it is harmful to the baby.
Excessive vitamin A consumption during pregnancy has been linked to birth abnormalities and liver damage.
You get plenty from your diet. This is not the time to include it on a list.
Retin A, retinyl, retinol, and retinoid are all off your list, Mama.
2. Tezorac and Accutane
These prescription acne medications are completely off the menu.
On the pregnancy-safe scale, the FDA classifies Tezorac and Accutane as category X.
3. Benzoyl Peroxide
Some experts believe it is safe in tiny doses during pregnancy. Others disagree.
The FDA classifies it as a Category C risk to the fetus.
According to studies, only 5% of BP is absorbed through the skin when applied topically, and it is then entirely converted to benzoic acid within the skin and excreted unchanged in the urine.
We always prefer to fall on the side of caution, so while BP is highly effective for treating acne, it may be best to avoid it during pregnancy or to reduce your usage considerably.
4. Salicylic Acid
Many acne creams and cleansers contain beta hydroxy acid as one of the active ingredients.
Salicylic acid is classified as a class C by the FDA, yet it is a metabolite of aspirin, which is classified as a class D, and it is absorbed through the skin.
Pregnant women have not been studied with salicylic acid.
Animal studies have found a link between consistent, high dosages and birth abnormalities.
It’s deemed safe to use topically in little amounts, but we’d fall on the side of caution and avoid it.
5. Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone, which is used for skin whitening, has a relatively high absorption rate of 35% to 45%.
While only one study on its use during pregnancy has been conducted, and that study was unsuccessful, the high absorption rate calls for extra caution.
While Hydroquinone has a C risk rating, we recommend avoiding it during pregnancy and lactation.
6. Soy
Soy products have an estrogenic impact, which can cause acne and melasma.
Look for goods labeled “active soy” that have had the estrogenic components removed.
Mandelic Acid Pregnancy Safety
Mandelic Acid
Alpha hydroxy acid (AHAs), such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, are safe to use throughout pregnancy and lactation. These natural exfoliators promote cell regeneration and collagen production.
But one AHA stands out from the crowd and is our top pick for pregnancy-safe skin care: Mandelic acid
This gentle AHA derived from bitter almonds is a multi-tasking miracle that treats all of your issues-acne, fine lines, and discoloration.
Because of its bigger molecular size, it is absorbed more slowly into the skin, making it less irritating than some other AHAs, and it will not cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation even in darker skin tones.
Other Pregnancy Safe Alternatives
1. Erythromycin
Topical erythromycin, an antibiotic that kills acne germs, is rated as low risk by the FDA.
This acne-fighting topical gel is a safe way to treat breakouts during pregnancy.
2. Sulfur
Sulfur, a natural mineral that fights germs and aids in the shedding of dead skin, has been used for centuries to treat skin disorders such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, and rosacea. It’s also safe to take during pregnancy.
3. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
This essential antioxidant is essential for collagen formation and helps to keep skin glowing, clear, and UV-protected.
It’s an excellent all-around skin enhancer that can be used safely during pregnancy.
4. Sunscreen
Since UV exposure can worsen melasma, sunscreen is a must.
Choose physical sunscreens that contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide don’t penetrate the skin.
5. Hyaluronic acid
It is safe to use this anti-aging and moisturizing skin care component throughout pregnancy. It is present naturally in our bodies and is quite adaptable, therefore it is suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive and acne-prone skin.
If you’re on an acne regimen, be sure to incorporate it to replenish moisture back into the skin, which is most likely being robbed by the harsh acne chemicals.
6. Azelaic acid
It possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, making it useful in treating skin diseases such as acne and rosacea.
The acid can help prevent future outbreaks by cleaning the germs that cause acne from your pores.
Top Skincare Products for Pregnant
1. Mandelic Acid 3-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser
Mandelic Acid 3-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser is an all-natural, mild scrub that contains antioxidant green tea extract, moisturizing grape seed oil, anti-inflammatory kiwi extract, and antibacterial honey.
2. Skin Nourishing Toner
With the antioxidant-rich, anti-inflammatory Skin Nourishing Toner created with mandelic acid, rosehip oil, and relaxing botanical ingredients, you can purify, clarify, and improve the penetration of serums and other products.
3. 8% Mandelic Acid 3-in-1 Serum
Vivant’s 8 percent Mandelic Acid 3-in-1 Serum targets acne, fine lines, and discoloration skin exfoliation, brightening, and increasing collagen synthesis.
Our Thoughts on Mandelic Acid Pregnancy Safety
Pregnancy might be frightening or confusing, but it is also one of the most exciting times in our life! Changes such as hyperpigmentation, hormonal acne, and extra hair are common during pregnancy, but everything should return to normal within the first 6 months following giving birth.
Almost every medical practitioner will advise against using vitamin A derivatives (retinols/retinoids) when pregnant. This is due to the fact that oral retinoids have been linked to birth abnormalities, so why take the risk of administering it topically?
When breastfeeding, it is safe to follow the above mentioned recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mandelic Acid Pregnancy Safety
Is mandelic acid safe?
Mandelic acid is used in an over-the-counter skincare products and in a professional chemical peel.
It is the most gentle of all the alpha-hydroxy acids, so it can be safely used by a wide range of skin types.
Can I use mandelic acid every day?
Mandelic acid is well tolerated by nearly all skin types. Depending on how your sensitive skin reacts to AHAs, this product can be used daily.
If sensitivity occurs (redness, stinging, breakouts), cut back to every other day.
How quickly does mandelic acid work?
“You can expect to see initial results such as a smoother skin within a few days, once cell turnover kicks in and the acid starts to resurface your skin,” continues Allies of Skin founder Nicolas Travis.
Blemishes will be reduced within 1-2 weeks and stubborn dark spots will begin fading within 4-8 weeks of using the acid.
When do you apply mandelic acid?
Apply mandelic acid as part of your evening skincare routine, after cleansing and before moisturizing.
Deliver it to the skin in small amounts using light patting motions that press the product into your skin.
Allow it to absorb properly before applying moisturizer.
Can I use Vitamin C serum while pregnant?
Is Vitamin C Serum Safe During Pregnancy? Vitamin C-based products (unlike vitamin A-derived retinol) are also safe to use during pregnancy.
“If you have dark spots, instead of using hydroquinone, high strengths of vitamin C are very effective,” Talakoub says.