Is Salicylic Acid Safe During Pregnancy?

Many women are affected by acne and other skin problems during pregnancy. But salicylic acid, a common ingredient in acne medications and body peels, may not be a good choice for treatment. The concentration and form, whether oral or topical, can influence how much salicylic acid can affect the pregnant woman and unborn child.

Function

Salicylic acid is a member of the aspirin family and reduces redness and inflammation in the skin. It can also be used as a peeling agent to slough away the top layer of skin. Salicylic acid may also be listed as beta hydroxy acid or BHA. It's commonly found in acne medications, cleansers, toners, anti-aging exfoliants, facial peels, and dandruff and wart treatments. It's prescribed in varying concentrations and in both oral and topical form.

Effects

Medical professionals are split as to how much the use of salicylic acid can affect an unborn fetus. Tests performed on patients who took an oral form of the compound have been found to cause birth defects and pregnancy complications such as: an increased incident of miscarriage, heart and lung problems for the newborn and bleeding complications for both mother and child. These are the same complications found in pregnant women who took aspirin during pregnancy.

While the topical form of salicylic acid has not been tested on pregnant women, many health care professionals recommend steering clear of using any ointment containing the chemical. This is especially true of facial and body peels. The more solution rubbed onto the skin, and absorbed into the bloodstream, the more risk there is. It's estimated that a body peel containing salicylic acid is the equivalent of taking one aspirin.

Prevention/Solution

Pregnancy often causes acne and other skin breakouts. If treatment is necessary, a cleanser that is washed off the skin is better than an ointment that is supposed to be left on the skin. Also an occasional dab of benzoyl peroxide on a difficult pimple is preferable to covering large areas of skin with salicylic acid or benzoyle peroxide.

Considerations

You may also want to consider a natural form of acne or skin treatment. Some common treatment alternatives include: switching from iodide salt to sea salt without iodide, a paste of turmeric and sesame oil placed on the pimple overnight for 3 consecutive nights should dry out and heal the inflamed area, baking soda mixed with water can act as a face wash and exfoliant, and drinking plenty of water (with no additives) will help keep skin clear.

Warning

Also avoid using salicylic acid if you're breastfeeding as it can pass into the breast milk and harm the baby. Seek the advise of your health care professional before beginning any treatment, including herbal and home treatments. A dermatologist who has expertise in treating pregnant women will be able to give the best alternatives for each situation.

Resources

• Click for more on home made acne treatments.