Can I use mandelic acid during pregnancy?
Pregnancy is always a special time. Every day can be a rollercoaster of emotions, and focusing on preparing for the arrival of your little bundle of joy can be overwhelming. But that doesn’t mean you should let stress take over. Instead, take the time to make sure you still have time to take care of yourself and give yourself some well-deserved pampering time.
I recommend all moms-to-be to get regular pampering. I also want to encourage you to be mindful of your safety. So always make sure the product formulations and active ingredients you put on your skin are appropriate, safe, and avoid adverse reactions. This brings us to the topic of today’s blog post, which is whether or not mandelic acid can be used during pregnancy. So without further ado, let’s dive in to find out more.
What is mandelic acid?
Derived from bitter almonds, mandelic acid is one of the lesser-known members of the alpha hydroxy acid family. Although there hasn’t been enough research done on it, mandelic acid is still considered one of the gentlest AHAs and can help with a number of issues. The reason mandelic acid is so gentle on the skin is because it has a larger molecular size than other acids, such as B. glycolic acid, which means it can’t penetrate too deeply into the skin, which can cause irritation.
Some studies even suggest that mandelic acid is highly effective in fighting skin problems, and is even considered more effective than salicylic acid in treating inflammatory conditions such as pimples and other breakouts. One study showed that using a chemical peel containing 45% mandelic acid was more effective than using another peel containing salicylic acid.
Skincare Benefits of Mandelic Acid
Exfoliates the outer surface of the skin, removing excess oil, dead skin cells, dirt, and bacteria. This not only leaves a clear, glowing complexion, but also reduces the likelihood of acne and other breakouts.
By shedding dead skin cells, the skin texture feels smoother and firmer.
Mandelic acid can stimulate collagen production, plumping and firming the skin and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Areas of hyperpigmentation, such as dark spots or signs of melasma, can be significantly reduced.
Mandelic acid is rich in antioxidants, which can protect against free radical damage, such as UV rays, pollution, central heating, and other environmental aggressors.
You can find out more about mandelic acid and its effects on the skin in our Skin School.
What products should I avoid during pregnancy?
In addition to the foods and drinks that should be avoided during pregnancy, there are some skin care products and ingredients that should also be avoided.
Retinol, Retinyl A, and Retinyl Palmitate
Vitamin A and all its derivatives should be completely avoided during pregnancy and postpartum until the end of breastfeeding. This is due to possible complications with the baby’s development and birth defects.
Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide
Acne breakouts are a common side effect of pregnancy. Many people like to use salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, but they are too strong for the skin during pregnancy and should be avoided. If you are having trouble controlling your acne breakouts, it is best to consult a doctor or dermatologist to find the best option for you and your skin.
Some other ingredients that should not be used during pregnancy include:
Essential oils
Hydroquinone
Formaldehyde
Aluminum chloride
Chemical sunscreens
Dihydroxyacetone
Tetracycline
If you find that you already have these ingredients in your daily routine, stop using them as soon as you know you are pregnant. I also recommend that you consult your doctor to ensure that you adopt the best daily habits to keep you and your baby safe.
When shouldn’t you use mandelic acid?
You shouldn’t use mandelic acid if you want to apply retinol to your skin at the same time. This is too much exfoliation and can put too much stress on the skin, causing it to dry out and become irritated. By over-exfoliating, you also remove sebum from your skin, the natural oil on the surface of your skin. This can cause your skin to become unbalanced, which can lead to excessive sebum production, causing your skin to become increasingly oily and causing rashes, acne, and other blemishes.
If you want to use mandelic acid and retinol in your daily routine, it’s best to alternate between these two powerful substances. By avoiding applying them one after the other, you can give your skin enough time to absorb them and rebalance its pH levels, allowing your skin to reap the benefits without unnecessary dryness or irritation.
Is mandelic acid safe to use while breastfeeding?
Yes, mandelic acid is safe to use while breastfeeding. This is because the acid’s larger molecular size means it doesn’t penetrate the skin as strongly as other stronger acids, such as glycolic and salicylic acids.
If you’re unsure or nervous about using a skincare formula, especially if it’s new, it’s best to consult your doctor before applying anything to your skin.
What skincare products can I use during pregnancy?
There are several dedicated brands that have developed specialized products that moms-to-be can use with peace of mind. However, if you’re just thinking about changing a few things in your existing routine, you must first understand that your skin goes through some changes during pregnancy. Some of the most common skin issues that can occur during pregnancy include dry skin, melasma and hyperpigmentation, and acne flare-ups. If you already have a skin condition like eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea, your condition may temporarily worsen during the first trimester.
Here’s more information on using mandelic acid during pregnancy. Don’t forget to visit us on Instagram if you have any additional questions.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.