Many skin products are safe or relatively safe for use if you're not pregnant, but should be avoided during pregnancy. Salicylic acid is one such product. Retinol, the chemical name for vitamin A, isn't unsafe, but some of its chemical derivatives, called retinoids, are extremely dangerous.
Retinol
Though their names sound similar, retinol and retinoids are not the same thing. Retinol is vitamin A, an important vitamin that you need to help maintain eyesight and eye health. You can obtain retinol from food sources or in the form of vitamins. Pregnant women 19 and over need 770 mcg of retinol a day to maintain health. Good sources include eggs, dairy, and some meats. Your body can also make retinol from the beta carotene found in many fruits and vegetables.
Retinoids
Retinoids are chemicals related to vitamin A, some of which have proven effective as wrinkle and acne treatments because they're powerful antioxidants. An antioxidant helps prevent and undo damage to cells and tissues from environmental factors, UV radiation, and toxins. However, the March of Dimes notes that face creams, such as Accutane, that contain retinoids can cause serious birth defects if you use them during pregnancy. The most common birth defects from retinoids include head size abnormalities and retardation.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a keratinolytic agent, meaning that it causes your skin to peel. This can help reduce signs of acne, including acne scarring and skin color variations. Though you can use salicylic acid with impunity if you're not pregnant, it's not known whether topical use causes problems during pregnancy. As such, the FDA has given salicylic acid a classification of "C," meaning that the risks are unknown. You should talk to your doctor before you start or continue to use a salicylic acid-containing product in pregnancy.
Alternatives
Because some of the most effective and popular skin care options aren't safe during pregnancy, you may be wondering what you can do to maintain your complexion. The good news is that increased blood flow to the skin due to pregnancy hormones will likely improve your complexion temporarily, so regular washing and moisturizing may be all you need to do until after you deliver. Alternately, your doctor may be able to recommend safe skin care options.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Retinol
- March of Dimes: Retinoids
- "You: Having A Baby"; Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D.; 2009
