Glycolic acid is the most adaptable form of Alpha Hydroxy acids and it is derived from sugar cane. Glycolic acid has been used in the various glycolic acid toners, glycolic acid cleansers as well as glycolic acid creams. Apart from that facial peeling is one thing that is done with glycolic acid at the spas or the salons.
Now if you are pregnant and want to use glycolic acid then make sure that you contact your obstetrician and ask about using AHA’s. In general using the mild form of glycolic acid with 10% concentration is absolutely safe during pregnancy.
During pregnancy a lot of hormonal changes take place and it impacts the way we take care of our skin. There are a lot of things you need to be careful about during pregnancy especially things related to skin care and beauty products. Chances are that there beauty products which may have some chemical ingredient which may be harmful during pregnancy.
Do not use the chemical exfoliants and try to use a gentle scrub.
You can sue moisturizers and cleansers which are referred as noncomedogenic.
Avoid all creams that have retin-A or accutane.
Mechanical products and exfoliants are better as then you are not consuming any potentially harmful chemicals. However under supervision and obstetrician instructions you can go in for a cosmetic
Keeping your face clean is a must and that is why make sure that your wash your face twice daily with a gentle soap.
Tip:- Always check the pH level of the moisturizer that you are using because of the fact that the concentration of the glycolic acid is also dependent on the pH level of the acid. The lower the pH level of the acid and more will be the itchiness and higher pH level acids may not be very effective in exfoliation. The skin pH level is about 3.5 – 5.5 and your glycolic acid cream or cleanser should be very near to that .
Another tip: Salicylic acid is not recommended for pregnant women but they can use the AHA’s , glycolic acid and lactic acid.