Is it Safe to Use AHAs During Pregnancy?

Congratulations!  You found out you are expecting.  With the joy and excitement of having a baby comes to the worries. Am I ready for this? Will I be a good parent? You know the natural and normal fears that come along with getting the news.  With that comes many questions of what is safe and not say when it comes to foods you eat, medications you take, exercise, and yes, even your skincare. Why?  That seems so trivial, right?  Yes, it does, but remember what you eat and even put on your skin affect your growing baby.

It is all for good reason too. Expecting mothers need to reevaluate not only their diets, but also what’s in their beauty arsenal and what they are putting on their face and including in their skincare routine.

Our skin absorbs more than you think, which means expecting mothers should be paying attention to the beauty products they apply to their skin. Watch out for harmful chemicals on and pick pregnancy safe skin care instead. 

One ingredient that is popular in the skincare world are AHAs, Alpha Hydroxy Acids. Some women are getting ready to cry thinking that they will have to give up their beloved AHA moments.  Not true, read on, and discover the answer to, Is it Safe to Use AHA’s During Pregnancy?

Do NOT Skip Your Skincare Routine During Pregnancy

       

It would help if you still had your morning and nighttime skincare routine during pregnancy.  Often, many pregnant women will stop using everything skincare-related out of fear that certain ingredients will harm their unborn child.

This is not a good idea.  It would be best if you still used a gentle cleanser, sunscreen, and moisturizer to maintain good skin health.

Look to more all-natural, vegan and, organic products for your skincare routine.

What Changes Will My Skin Go Through During Pregnancy?

Sorry ladies, but yes, we need to face the fact that your pregnancy will introduce some skin-related changes that you may not be prepared for besides our body going through hormone changes and expansion. You can thank your hormones for that one. It’s just something that happens when you become a mama-to-be. 

Some women go the entire nine months of pregnancy with that “pregnancy glow” and get none of the common skin changes others will experience. The most known and familiar skin changes a soon to be a mom can get is:

• Dehydrated, drab, dull, and dry skin.
• Your skin can experience darkening, which is referred to as chloasma or melasma. 
• Blemishes 

Women with preexisting skin issues, like rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis, may also see an increase in their current skin conditions. 

Furthermore, other areas of your body will be affected due to pregnancy, with conditions like spider veins, hair loss, hair growth, and stretch marks, oh joy is that all?

What Skin Care Related Ingredients Should I Avoid During Pregnancy?

Before we get into the “list,” we should mention that data backed by evidence and research for specially specified “safe” products are restricted.

Pretty much in all the cases, clinical trials conducted on pregnant women that would start even to prove that ingredients may be harmful is a significant ethical no-no.

However, with some anectodal, case-specific or even animal studies, it has been proven that some severe side effects in correlation to some popular skincare ingredients do exist.

All skincare and related cosmetic products that are to be deemed “safe,” establish on their intended labeling and usage do NOT require The Federal and Drug Administration approval for sale in the skincare and beauty market.  Yikes, that is scary to know.

This leads to some big questions about what skincare, beauty, and cosmetic products are safe to use during pregnancy.

Which that being said, we proceed on the side of caution. As with any condition, including pregnancy, it is encouraged to talk to your doctor before deciding to use certain products that you may have concerns about.

Retinoids

Retinoids are a preformed source of Vitamin A that are animal-derived. On ingredient labels, they usually come under the names retinyl palmitate, retinaldehyde, or tretinoin, commonly used in skincare for their anti-aging benefits. But using too many retinoids can be toxic for your baby.

For a safer way of obtaining the skin firming benefits of Vitamin A for your skin, look for all-natural ingredients with skin-firming benefits and that encourage healthy skin cell production for smoother, and even toned skin.

Products with antioxidants and rosehip can be skincare ingredients to use instead of retinol. It lacks enough retinoic acid to be classed as a retinoid. Still, it does offer some skin benefits as it’s rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin E.

For vitamin A benefits, an oil derived from the rosa rubiginosa could be used. Research suggests that oil produced by cold pressing has higher vitamin A levels than that made via solvent extraction. It may be tempting to load up on the acids and hope for the best for pregnant women experiencing acne, but over-exfoliating is a real thing and can cause long-term damage to the skin.

Don’t just cocktail a bunch of AHAs or peel pads together and think it equates to retinol since it’s not that straightforward. You’re better off using an AHA skincare product like Glycolic or Lactic Acid that is an exfoliant. These are gentle enough to get the job done of exfoliating when used in low doses without causing too much skin inflammation.

Do NOT Use Salicylic Acid in High Dosages

It is prevalent to use salicylic acid when battling acne because it has strong anti-inflammatory properties. However, it is strongly advised not to use this ingredient in any high dose, peel, or oral medications for pregnant women or are considering becoming pregnant. 

Lower doses sold over the counter and topical have been reported safe to use during pregnancy, but the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, but proceed with caution.

Stay Clear of Parabens

Parabens should be avoided all together whether you are pregnant or not. They are artificial preservatives used in personal care products to prevent bacteria and microbial formation. Found abundantly in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and even food. The problem is that studies have shown that   parabens can artificially mimic estrogens in your body, which can lead to developmental and birth defects. Parabens are found in breast cancer tissue as well, in relative concentrations that parallel their use in cosmetic products.

Phthalates

Phthalates are industrial plasticizers added to beauty products to increase flexibility. They’re found in nail polish, hair sprays, gels, body lotions, cleansers, and other personal care products to keep formulas smooth, soft, and easy to apply. Despite their widespread use, phthalates are actually endocrine disruptors that can affect reproductive development in a fetus.

The most common phthalate source you will see in beauty and skincare products is called diethyl phthalate, so make a mental note, ladies, to look for this on product labels.

Antioxidants work wonders and are super to use for anti-aging skincare ingredients. One, in particular, is Vitamin C.  Not only does it work its magic to jump-start your immune system, but it also safely can boost your skin’s vitality, keeping your complexion safe from damage from free radicals and too much sun exposure.

You can find other antioxidants safe to use during pregnancy in the following:  

• vitamin k
• vitamin E
• vitamin B3
• green tea

Avoid Artificial Fragrances

The word” fragrance “on a list of ingredients seems harmless enough.  Yet, it’s a term that masks dozens of harmful chemicals that could be hiding under it. There’s a loophole in the FDA Regulations that allows companies to create complicated fragrance formulas without having to list the individual ingredients. That means you could be unknowingly putting phthalates, parabens, and carcinogens onto your skin.

Let’s Talk About Moisturizers

One of the earliest changes you may experience during pregnancy is dry skin. And if you’ve never dealt with dry skin before, it can come as quite a shock.

Ultimately, treatment and prevention for dry skin during pregnancy comes down to keeping moisture in your skin. The best way to do this is to preserve the hydrolipidic layer that’s still there, and to use products that can fill in the holes until your hormones settle down.

To keep your skin moisturized from the nightmare of dry skin during pregnancy check out everyone’s favorite AHA Body Lotion at Nonie of Beverly Hills.

The formula is nourishing, not too sticky and contains vital skin nutrient Vitamins A, B, C and E. Your dry and flaky pregnancy skill will feel more refreshed and hydrated.  Our AHA Body Lotion contains Alpha Hydroxy Acids, naturally forming from fruits, so there is no need to worry about harsh or toxic chemicals.

Other Chemicals to Avoid for Pregnancy Safe Skin Care

We have entered a world where ruling out toxic ingredients in our beauty and skincare regimes is the new norm.  Not just for when you are pregnant, but for all women and men included.  The education is out there, and the sheer cope of natural and organic products is busting at the seams.  However, during pregnancy, you must be extra vigilant of what you put on your face.

Here are a few skincare ingredients to avoid during pregnancy, that you may never even heard of.

Hydroquinone: Synthetic skin lightening ingredients such as hydroquinone can damage skin with prolonged use and possibly cause cancer.  They’re absorbed through the skin in higher amounts than other synthetic ingredients, so pregnant women should take caution.

Oxybenzone: Chemical sunscreens contain hormone disrupting ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate. Oxybenzone in particular penetrates skin and can mimic estrogen, thus interfering with a healthy pregnancy.

Addressing Skin Concerns During Pregnancy

So your mind is swimming on what is safe and not safe skincare-wise during pregnancy.  You do not need to worry.  There are ways you can take great care of your skin while keeping your baby safe.  It depends on what kind of skin issue you have. Below we will address some the most common asked questions regarding pregnancy related skin issues and what is ok and not okay to do.

What Can I Use for My Dry Skin and Stretch Marks During My Pregnancy?

Pregnancy takes a significant toll on your body. Hormone changes can lead to dry and itchy skin. Also, you are eating and drinking for two, so your body loses the hydration it needs, which also plays a role in making your skin dehydrated. 

We all get them during pregnancy; some get many, some get minimal stretch marks, that is. It is caused due to your body expanding and stretching for an extended period. The irregular stretching breaks down your skin’s collagen structure, and elasticity which makes your skin stretch or bounces back once grown. 

So, make sure to drink extra water to add hydration back into your skin. 

Also, try using skin ingredients such as shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, peptides, and hyaluronic acid to improve your complexion’s hydration. For your stretch marks, apply the same products as often as possible to the bronze area that may help decrease your stretch marks.

• Stretch marks seem to be genetically related as some women get them and others don’t, yet no one is sure why.
• Stretch marks are one of the toughest skincare concerns to treat because there are no cosmetic ingredients or products that can really improve them.
• Massaging your skin with a serum or non-fragrant plant oil during pregnancy can help it become more pliable and reduce the risk of stretch marks.
• After delivery and past the breastfeeding stage, certain prescription retinoids can improve stretch marks slightly.

Is Regular Sunscreen Safe to Use During Pregnancy?

One of the most important things you can for the long-term fight against skin cancer and anti-aging effects from over sun exposure is to use a high-quality sunscreen with an SPF of 15+ and reapply every 2 hours. How do you protect your skin from the sun during your nine months of pregnancy? 

Experts recommend using all-natural ingredients-based sunscreen; therefore, you protect your unborn child against harsh toxins and harsh chemicals that another sunscreen can have.   

There, try using a mineral-based sunblock that has ingredients to protect your skin by making UV rays rebound off your skin entirely since oxide and titanium oxide are two main ingredients in mineral-based sunscreen that do just that.

Don’t forget to protect your scalp; try wearing a wide-brimmed hat that is stylish yet effective to provide shade and adequate protection for your scalp.

Check out our AHA! 15 SPF Sunblock Moisturizer here at Nonie of Beverly Hills.  Our moisturizing sunblock contains vital nutrients and vitamins that keeps your skin protected and hydrated while being out in the sun. The formulation has all natural and organic ingredients like Coconut Oil, Lemon, Grapefruit, Orange and Bergamot oils as well as the needed sun fighting ingredients, Zinc Oxide and Titanium Oxide, all deemed safe to use during pregnancy.

Okay What About Acne and Hyperpigmentation

Suppose you are currently pregnant and finding yourself having a flashback to adolescents; it's part of the pregnancy process thanks to those darn hormones. In that case, there are safer methods to help fight blemishes, and one of those products is glycolic acid.

The AHA, glycolic acid is deemed to safe to use pregnancy, in small doses of course, However if you are on the fence about it, you can use products with lactic acid in place of the other. Lactic acid helps unclog pores, make them more refine and does the same job as glycolic acid does.  The only difference is that lactic acid has less strength and will not irate your skin.

Are Acids Safe to Use During Pregnancy?

We all know them, and all love them; acids are the cat's meow and one of the best things to happen to the skincare world. But now that you are pregnant, you may be scared to use them, what are we referring to? Well Alpha Hydroxy Acids of course.  These all-star ingredients are here to stay in the skincare realm since they are so beneficial for your skin.  And guess what?  They are safe to use during pregnancy, just in low concentrations and amounts.

What are AHAs?

AHAs is composed of naturally developing mixtures, usually from animal or plant product. However, here at Nonie of Beverly Hills, we love animals and are against any form of animal cruelty, and only produce the best vegan and organic AHA skincare products with all-natural and plant-based ingredients. Usually, AHAs are used for anti-aging skincare products, and regimes. 

AHAs are incredibly gentle on your skin and usually will not cause redness, dryness, or irritation. They act as chemical exfoliators that dissolve the bonds amidst skin cells and assist in the natural shedding of the dead skin cells, leaving you with a more radiant, gentle, and smoother complexion. 

Alpha Hydroxy Acids, how do They Work?

AHA skincare products are made up of sugary fruits and are water-soluble. With the help of AHA's, your surface skin is peeled away, allotting evenly, and new pigmented skin cells to grow in their place. 

Tell me More Alpha Hydroxy Acid Skin Care Products

AHAs delicately work by softening the "glue" that holds skin together by making them stick to the epidermis. 

Many people love this ingredient since it improves your skin’s overall texture, has anti-aging benefits (diminishing fine lines and wrinkles), as well as clears acne.

Dermatologists believe that AHAs may also embellish your skin's ability to retain moisture, so your skin's tissue maintains smoothness and firmness. When you incorporate alpha-hydroxy beauty products into your skincare routine, your skin may become sun-sensitive, so make sure you apply a board spectrum SPF 15+ or higher every 2 hours.

Is it Safe to Use AHA’s While Pregnant?

Yes!  The two most familiar and frequently deemed "gentle,” acids are the two most common alpha-hydroxy acids, glycolic acid, and lactic acid. So, using these in again small amounts is considered safe during pregnancy.

A super fantastic benefit of AHAs that we all know, and love is they provide chemical exfoliation.  Every woman, pregnant or not, do not want old skin build-up and dead skin cells hanging around on their face.

But before you use a skin care product like glycolic acid — or start using any new product while you’re pregnant — it’s important to understand what glycolic acid is, as well as the concerns about its safety during pregnancy.

When it comes to AHAs, with minimal amounts used sparingly they are considered safe to use, and keep you looking forever young. 

Also, it is highly advised to avoid body and facial peel-containing acids, especially ones containing salicylic acid.  However, as with anything medical, always check with your doctor. If you do desire a "peel," seek the assistance of a dermatologist that will know how to do it properly and safely during your pregnancy.  

Is Glycolic Acid Safe During Pregnancy?

When you’re pregnant, you may find yourself thinking about things you never gave a second thought to previously, such as the ingredients in your beauty products.

Glycolic acid is derived from sugar cane and is water-soluble. It has one of the tiniest molecules in Alpha Hydroxy Acid, meaning it can infiltrate deeper than the other AHAs out there.

If you are new to alpha hydroxy acid skincare products, you may want to start with a gentler option, lactic acid.  

For you out there that know a thing about skincare and the use of AHAs, you know glycolic acid will be beneficial for you, and your skin will show excellent improvements and results.

Glycolic acid helps break up and exfoliate dead skin cells by loosening the cellar adhesion and your top layer of skin.  Also, the use of glycolic acid proves to aid in the clearing of overkill of debris and excess oil.

If you want to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, glycolic acid is a superhero in doing just that. Often popular at dermatologist offices, glycolic peels are now a thing of the past since now at home you can use glycolic acid skin care products as part of your skincare routine. Some of these products include:

• Chemical peel pads
• Cleaners
• Day and night AHA based lotions and serums.

Precautions to Take When Using Glycolic Acid.

It’s helpful to know the best way to use products containing glycolic acid, as well as what to avoid, too. Watch out for these potential problems:

• Exposure to sunlight. In general, AHA-containing products make you more sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light. If you’re using glycolic acid to improve the appearance of your skin, be sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 to exposed skin when heading outdoors.

• Mixing acids. Experts generally recommend that you steer clear on mixing acids.  That is, don’t use products that contain different acids at the same time. It might irritate your skin or cause other adverse effects. If you use a product with glycolic acid, don’t double up with another acid, even if it’s a different type of product.

• Sensitive skin. If you have really sensitive skin, or if your skin is sensitive from another procedure or product, you might want to skip using glycolic acid. This is especially true if your skin is peeling.

• Other exfoliants. Glycolic acid is considered to be a chemical exfoliant. You definitely don’t need to add a scrub that would exfoliate your skin even more.

Let Nonie of Beverly Hills Help You Feel Safe with Your Skincare Ingredients During Pregnancy.

It’s more important to find safe and effective skincare products rather than limiting yourself to certain items. Opting for safe skincare is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to prepping for pregnancy; pregnant mamas face new challenges trimester-to-trimester, and they need helpful (and safe) products to tackle the different obstacles they will face along the way. Nonie of Beverly Hills has the answers to help treat your skin care needs while keeping your baby safe.  All of the products made at Nonie of Beverly Hills are manufactured in small quantities and are all-natural skincare products made with alpha hydroxy acids that are made from organically harvested fruits and plants.

Do you have a proper and safe pregnancy skincare routine? If not, we have a fabulous AHA cleanser, with infused grown fruits. Do not forget about your eyes; use our AHA eye cream to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, made from organic and unrefined oils. All of Nonie's products are 100% vegan with pure all-natural aha ingredients that will refresh and renew your skin. 

You can still look and feel great about your skin care and skincare ingredient choices while shopping with Nonie of Beverly Hills.  Just because you are pregnant does not mean that you have to give up your skincare routine completely.  You just have to be more vigilant of what you are putting on your face to keep you and your baby safe during pregnancy.

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*For the best and safest results, we highly recommend consulting with your primary health care provider prior to starting any new skincare regimen or added any new skincare products to your current routine.