Did you know that acne is one of the most common skin changes that women notice during pregnancy?
It mostly comes down to hormones. They rise a lot in pregnancy, and your oil glands start making more oil, so even women who have had clear skin all their life can suddenly get pimples on the chin, along the jawline, and sometimes on the back too. Pick up almost any anti-acne face wash or serum from a pharmacy shelf in India, and you will see salicylic acid written on it, which is why it is the first thing most of us reach for.
However, the big question that almost every mother-to-be has is whether is salicylic acid safe during pregnancy.
If you are also looking for an answer to is salicylic acid safe during pregnancy, then you are in the right place. In this blog, we have covered what salicylic acid is, how to use it, its side effects, and the precautions to take while pregnant or breastfeeding. So keep reading!
Key Takeaways
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What is Salicylic Acid?
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that was first taken from the bark of the willow tree. However, the salicylic acid you use today on your skin is mostly made in labs. You might not know that salicylic acid mixes with oil, which makes it different from alpha hydroxy acids, which mix with water.
Salicylic acid goes deep into your skin, where dead skin and oil get collected. Many face washes, serums, and toners you buy from the shelf boast only 0.5% to 2% salicylic acid. Whereas chemical peels, which are used by dermatologists in clinics and are more effective, contain around 20% to 30%.³ One of the common salicylic acid uses for skin is to unclog pores, remove dead skin cells and help manage mild acne.
Salicylic Acid Uses For Skin
For pimples and blackheads
A lot of people use salicylic acid for pimples. However, salicylic acid is much more effective on dead skin cells that are stuck in your pores. It works well on whiteheads, blackheads and those small red bumps of mild acne.
Salicylic acid for pimples is particularly useful for mild acne involving clogged pores, whiteheads and blackheads.
For other skin conditions
Salicylic acid is not only used for acne but also for dandruff, psoriasis, warts, corns, and calluses.³
Benefits of Salicylic Acid in Skincare
Unclogs your pores
Salicylic acid breaks down the oil and dead cells that stick together inside a pore. This is what later turns into blackheads and whiteheads. These salicylic acid uses for skin make it a useful ingredient for people who are dealing with blackheads, whiteheads and clogged pores.
Controls oily skin
If your forehead and nose get shiny by the middle of the day, then salicylic acid can help. Using it regularly controls the extra oil over a few weeks.
How & When To Use Salicylic Acid?
Start slow
It is recommended to start with a face wash or a serum that has 2% or less salicylic acid. Use it once a day, or even on alternate days, for the first two weeks.
Pick the right time
A leave-on serum or toner works best at night. Put it on clean, dry skin, then your moisturiser. Next morning, sunscreen is a must (freshly exfoliated skin tans and burns faster).
What Are The Side Effects Of Salicylic Acid?
Common side effects
Common side effects often include dry patches, flaking around the nose, a bit of stinging, and some redness. However, all these effects usually go away once you stop using the product. If you observe any side effects, then try to use the product two or three times a week and not daily.
Rare but serious side effects
Back in 2014, the US FDA put out a warning that acne products sold without a prescription, ones with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide in them, had caused serious allergic reactions in a small number of people.⁴ Swollen lips or face, a tight throat, trouble breathing: any of these means you go to emergency straight away.
The other one is salicylate toxicity. It happens when a strong product is spread over big parts of the body for a long time and too much gets absorbed into the blood, and you may notice ringing in your ears, nausea, or breathing faster than normal.⁵
What Precautions Are To Be Taken While Using Salicylic Acid?
During pregnancy
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists includes topical salicylic acid in its list of over-the-counter acne ingredients that are safe to use during pregnancy.¹ However, this only applies to low-strength face washes, toners, and spot treatments that you use at home.
It is recommended to stay away from salicylic acid peels and from using it over large areas of your body. Avoid aspirin-type medicines taken by mouth as well, unless your doctor has prescribed them. When considering whether salicylic acid is safe during pregnancy, consult your gynaecologist before using high-strength peels or applying it over large areas of skin.
While breastfeeding
When you apply salicylic acid on your face, very little of it gets absorbed into your body. Therefore, it is unlikely to pass into your breast milk, and this is why it is considered safe while breastfeeding.² When considering salicylic acid breastfeeding skincare, choose topical products carefully and follow the recommended directions for use.
The thing to note here is that you should never apply it on or near your breast. This is because your baby could end up swallowing it during a feed. These salicylic acid breastfeeding precautions help reduce the risk of your baby coming into direct contact with the product.
What Should You Not Mix with Salicylic Acid?
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Retinoids can leave your skin raw and flaky when you use them together with salicylic acid. Moreover, doctors usually ask you to avoid retinoids during pregnancy anyway.
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Other exfoliating acids like glycolic acid or lactic acid should not be layered with salicylic acid in the same routine. This over-exfoliates your skin.
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Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid together can make your skin very dry. So if your doctor has suggested both, then use them on alternate days.
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Physical scrubs should not be rubbed on skin that has just been exfoliated, as this can damage your skin barrier.
Conclusion
Salicylic acid is one of the most studied ingredients for acne. And when you use it at low strengths, you can keep using it during your pregnancy and while you are breastfeeding as well.
If you are putting together a skincare routine for these months, then you can check out the pregnancy skincare range from AreoVeda. According to the brand, the range is EWG Verified and Ecocert certified.⁶ You can also read our guide on the best serums for acne scars if the marks left behind by your pimples are bothering you.
If you have concerns about salicylic acid breastfeeding safety, speak to your healthcare professional about the most suitable skincare options.
Frequently Ask Questions:
1. Does salicylic acid help remove acne scars?
Salicylic acid can help fade the dark marks that pimples leave behind by exfoliating the skin and promoting cell turnover. However, it cannot fix deep, pitted acne scars. These may require professional treatments such as microneedling or laser therapy.
2. How to use a salicylic acid serum on your face?
Wash your face and pat it dry. Then apply two to three drops of the serum, following the product instructions, while keeping it away from your eyes. Follow with a moisturiser at night and apply sunscreen the next morning.
3. Is salicylic acid good for skin?
Yes, salicylic acid can be beneficial for oily, acne-prone, and congested skin. However, if your skin is very dry or sensitive, use it less frequently. You can also choose a face wash that you rinse off instead of a serum that stays on the skin.
4. How long should you leave salicylic acid on your face?
A salicylic acid face wash can generally be left on the skin for around 30 to 60 seconds before rinsing, unless the product instructions say otherwise. Serums, toners, and spot treatments are usually designed to be left on the skin according to their directions.
5. How quickly will salicylic acid show results?
You may notice improvements in pimples within one to two weeks. However, clearer skin usually takes around four to six weeks of consistent use. Results vary depending on your skin type, the product concentration, and the severity of your acne.
6. What if you overdose on salicylic acid?
Using too much salicylic acid on your skin can cause redness, peeling, irritation, and a burning sensation. Stop using it temporarily and focus on gentle skincare and moisturising. If you experience ringing in the ears, nausea, rapid breathing, or other concerning symptoms, seek urgent medical attention.
7. Can I use salicylic acid with other medications?
If you take aspirin or blood thinners, or your dermatologist has prescribed another acne treatment, consult your healthcare provider before adding salicylic acid to your routine. During pregnancy, ask your gynaecologist about the appropriate product, concentration, and frequency of use.
