Slathering acid on your face may not sound appealing, but alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) can work wonders for damaged skin. AHAs, derived from fruit and milk sugars, are commonly found in cleansers, exfoliants, moisturizers and skin treatments designed to produce more smooth and youthful skin. AHA lotions and creams are generally safe to use during pregnancy and may be specially suited to treat some pregnancy-related skin problems.
Skin Changes During Pregnancy
Pregnancy affects your entire body, including your skin. Increased levels of the hormones progesterone and estrogen cause many women to have oilier skin and more breakouts when they're pregnant. The same hormones can affect the skin's production of melanin and cause darkening of the skin around the eyes, forehead, bridge of the nose and cheeks--this is called melasma, or "mask of pregnancy." Sun exposure can make melasma worse.
Benefits of AHAs During Pregnancy
With daily use, AHAs can improve mottled pigmentation. Long-term use and higher concentrations allow AHAs to penetrate to the dermis, the deeper layer of skin where wrinkles are formed. Glycolic acid in particular may be helpful for acne-prone skin, reducing blackheads and pimples and smoothing scars.
How AHAs Work
AHAs function primarily as exfoliants. They penetrate the dead, damaged cells on the skin's surface and loosen the glue-like structures that bind this dead skin to the rest of the epidermis--the topmost layer of skin. This allows the dead cells to slough off, revealing fresher skin cells. The result is smoother, more youthful-looking skin. AHAs also draw moisture to the newly exfoliated skin, giving the added bonus of moisturization.
Safety During Pregnancy
Topical AHAs at concentrations of 10 percent or less are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding when used as directed.
AHAs should not be taken by mouth during pregnancy or breastfeeding, because not enough is known about their effects on developing babies or how they transfer into breast milk. One AHA, malic acid, is sometimes taken by mouth as a treatment for the muscle disorder fibromyalgia. AHAs for skin-care purposes are topical, not oral.
Side Effects and Precautions
Skin irritation and sun sensitivity are the major side effects of all AHAs. People using skin-care products that contain any AHA may experience redness, itching, burning, pain and possibly scarring. Scarring and hyperpigmentation are most likely in people with darker skin.
If pregnancy has left your skin more sensitive than usual, you may wish to avoid AHAs. They can worsen skin sensitivity by causing skin irritation and removal of the top layer of skin cells.
The new skin revealed by AHA use is highly sun-sensitive, so it's critical to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Sunscreen can also prevent further discoloration and damage.
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