"Safe Skincare During Pregnancy: Is Mandelic Acid a Good Choice?"

Can You Use Mandelic Acid While Pregnant?

Pregnancy is always a special time, with the rollercoaster of emotions daily, and the focus on the preparation for your little bundle’s arrival, it can feel overwhelming. But this doesn’t mean you should let the stress take over everything, instead, take the time to ensure you still find the time to look after you and indulge in some well-deserved pamper time.

This is something I would encourage all mothers to be to take part in on a regular basis. Another thing I would encourage is to ensure you remain safe so always ensure that the product formulations and actives you apply to your skin are suitable, safe and avoid any unwanted reactions. This brings us nicely to the topic of today’s blog post and finding out whether you can use mandelic acid while pregnant? So, without further a due, let’s dive in and 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 is some research lacking, it is still thought to be one of the most gentle AHA with it still helping to target some concerns. The reason for why mandelic acid is so gentle on the skin is the fact that the molecular size is larger than others, such as glycolic acid, meaning it is unable to penetrate too far into the skin leading to irritation.

Some studies have even shown how effective mandelic acid is at combating skin concerns and has even been considered more effective than salicylic acid at treating inflammations such as papules and other breakouts. One study demonstrates how using a chemical peel containing 45% of mandelic acid delivers more results than another peel containing salicylic acid.

Skincare benefits of mandelic acid

Works at exfoliating the outer surface of the skin ridding it of a build-up in excess oil, dead skin cells, dirt, and bacteria. This not only gives the complexion and cleansed and glowing finish, but it also reduces the chances of developing acne and other breakouts.

By sloughing away the build-up of dead skin cells, the skin texture is left feeling smoother and firmer.

Mandelic acid can stimulate the production of collagen helping the skin to become plumper, firmer, with fine lines and wrinkles reduced.

Areas of hyperpigmentation, such as dark spots or signs of melasma can be significantly reduced.

Packed with antioxidants, mandelic acid can ward off damage caused from exposure to free radicals, such as UV light, pollution, central heating, and other environmental aggressors.

You can find out more about mandelic acid and how it works on the skin by taking a look at our Skin School.

What products should be avoided when pregnant?

Apart from the food and drink that should be avoided when pregnant, there is also a collection of skincare products and ingredients that should also be avoided.

Retinol, retin-A, and retinyl palmitate

Vitamin A and all its derivatives should be avoided completely throughout pregnancy and post-partum until breast feeding comes to an end. This is due to the complications that can occur to the baby’s development and birth defects.

Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide

Having a flare-up in acne is a common side effect of pregnancy, many favour using salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, however these are too potent for the skin during pregnancy and should be avoided being used. If you are finding it difficult to control any acne breakouts, it’s best to consult with a doctor or dermatologist to find the best options for you and your skin.

Some other ingredients that must not be used during pregnancy are.

Essential oils

Hydroquinone

Formaldehyde

Aluminum chloride

Chemical sunscreens

Dihydroxyacetone

Tetracycline

If you find any of these ingredients are already existing in your routine stop using them as soon as you find out you’re expecting. I would also suggest consulting with your doctor to ensure you are using the best routine to keep you and your baby safe.

When should you not use mandelic acid?

You should not use mandelic acid if you plan on applying retinol to the skin at the same time. This is because it will be too much exfoliation and become too harsh on the skin causing it to become severely dry and irritated. With over-exfoliation you will also strip the skin of sebum, the natural oil occurring on the skin surface. This can cause some imbalance within the skin resulting in an overproduction of sebum leading to the skin becoming increasingly oily and erupt with breakouts, acne, and other blemishes.

If you are wanting to use mandelic and retinol in your routine, it would be best to alternate between the two powerhouses. By avoiding layering on them on top of each other you will give the skin enough time to absorb and rebalance its pH levels allowing the skin to reap the rewards without any unwanted dryness or irritation.

Is mandelic acid safe while breastfeeding?

Yes, mandelic acid is safe to use while breastfeeding. This is due to the acid not penetrating the skin as much as other more potent acids, such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid, this is due to fact it has a larger molecular size.

If you are feeling unsure or nervous about using a skincare formula, especially if it is a new product, then it’s best to consult with a doctor before applying anything to the skin.

What skincare can I use while pregnant?

There are several dedicated brands who have developed specific products for mothers to be to use with peace of mind. However, if you are wanting to simply change a few things in your existing routine, then you must first understand your skin will go through a few changes during pregnancy. Some of the most common skin issues that can occur when expecting are, dry skin, areas of melasma and hyperpigmentation, and flare-up in acne. You may also find if you suffer from any pre-existing skin concerns, such as eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea these may worsen for a short amount of time during your first trimester.

There you have a little more information about using mandelic acid while pregnant. Don’t forget if you have any further questions, come, and find us on Instagram.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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