Is it safe to use salicylic acid for pregnant women?

One drug that is quite effective in dealing with acne on the face and other body parts is salicylic acid. However, if this condition occurs during pregnancy, is it safe to use salicylic acid for pregnant women?

Why does acne often appear in pregnant women?

During pregnancy, some women complain of acne which actually gets more.

In fact, this is reasonable considering the existence of some physiological changes (such as the hormones estrogen and progesterone increased) experienced by pregnant women.

Generally, this condition is temporary and will go away after you give birth.

However, sometimes pregnant women are impatient and want to get rid of acne fast. Finally, some pregnant women choose to use certain drugs to treat acne, such as salicylic acid.

Is it safe to use salicylic acid for pregnant women?

Salicylic acid is a compound that is often used in cosmetic products, especially for acne medications. Included in the aspirin group, salicylic acid works to reduce redness and inflammation of the skin.

Apart from being found in medicine, you may find a lot of this chemical substance in skin cleaning products, such as soap.

So, is salicylic acid safe to use for pregnant women to treat acne?

You can easily find acne medications containing salicylic acid at the nearest pharmacy. Unfortunately, these drugs may not be safe to use for pregnant women.

A 2016 study showed dangerous side effects in pregnant animals being tested with salicylic acid.

In this study, it was seen that there were side effects in the form of salicylic poisoning in animal fetuses when they were given salicylic acid and aspirin drugs.

Although human trials have not been done, you should not use salicylic acid to avoid the risk of pregnancy.

Beauty products that are safe for pregnant women

Although salicylic acid is not recommended for pregnant women, there are still many products that contain ingredients that are safer to use for you.

For example, products containing alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) are usually safe because only a small amount of the acid is absorbed, thereby minimizing the risk of pregnancy.

Here are some products that contain one or more AHAs.

glycolic acid
lactic acid
citric acid
benzoyl peroxide

Doctors consider the use of topical steroids, such as hydrocortisone cream, to be quite safe to use during pregnancy.

However, do consult with your doctor before using any type of steroid cream.

Overcoming acne without salicylic acid for pregnant women

Acne medications containing salicylic acid are not recommended for pregnant women. However, that doesn't mean you can't treat acne with certain treatments.

Some of the ways you can treat acne problems include:

Routinely wash your face with soap in the morning and before bed. This aims to clean excess oil from the face.
Eat foods that are high in vitamins and minerals, such as fruits and vegetables.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and meet your fluid needs.
Do not get too often in the sun and use sunblock when outside.

Although there are not many studies that prove that salicylic acid is really dangerous for pregnant women, it's good to avoid using this product.

This is due to avoid various complications that may arise after its use.

Consult your doctor before using any type of medication so as not to endanger your pregnancy.