Is Chemical Peel Safe When Pregnant
A chemical peel can effectively remove the outermost layers of skin, making it possible to treat skin that is pigmented or acne-prone. Chemical peels of the skin are safe and effective, although they should be avoided during pregnancy.
I was wondering if chemical peels were okay to use while expecting. I’m giving it another shot because I’ve always been curious about it but am aware of the debate surrounding it. At least one dermatologist I’ve met assured me that the peels they do under their supervision are safe; nevertheless, when it comes to dermatologists performing chemical peels in their own homes, you just never know.
There are several beauty procedures that can be done during pregnancy, such as facial peels, laser treatments, etc. However, some of them may not be suitable for pregnant women. In this article – I will talk about chemical peels and whether they are safe or not to do when pregnant. Read on to learn more on peeling lotion for pregnant and best chemical peels during pregnancy.
Is Chemical Peel Safe When Pregnant
Discoloration of the skin, acne, and blemishes are commonly experienced during pregnancy due to pregnancy hormones. Typically, skin that is discolored or affected by acne can be treated with the use of a chemical peel which works by removing the outermost layers of skin. However, during pregnancy, chemical peels of the skin are not recommended.
A chemical peel treatment is a procedure that involves the application of a chemical to the face, neck or hands. A predefined chemical solution is applied to the area to be treated to diminish imperfections by peeling away the skin’s top layers. It also stimulates the production of new collagen for a smoother more even complexion.
During pregnancy, the cause of skin discoloration, acne and breakouts, are pregnancy hormones which will continue to stay elevated in the bloodstream until after giving birth. Although there are no known negative side effects associated with chemical peels during pregnancy, if a chemical peel were to be performed, the skin issues would likely return soon after the peel due to the continued presence of the pregnancy hormones. Further, increased sensitivity of the skin during pregnancy can cause additional breakouts from the chemicals used during the facial peel process.
For most women, acne and skin discoloration associated with pregnancy will last only a short while. If, after birth, the skin conditions persist, facial peels can then be used to treat the skin conditions. Typically, cosmetic surgeons and dermatologists will ask postpartum mothers to wait at least one year after giving birth to seek a facial peel. This allows the body enough time to restore normal hormone levels and naturally heal skin conditions.
Why Are Chemical Peels Unsafe During Pregnancy?
Apart from the fact that it can make you look like a million dollars, chemical peels can cause a number of unpleasant side effects. Some strong chemical peels can penetrate the deeper layers of the skin, enter your bloodstream and harm the baby in your womb too!
Here are some harmful effects of a chemical peel:
1. May Worsen Pigmentation:
During pregnancy, it is common to experience skin pigmentation. You can thank all those ramped up hormones for your skin issues. A chemical peel can make the condition worse and cause the pigments to become even darker.
2. Ineffective In Many Cases:
One of the major reasons for staying away from chemical peels during pregnancy and lactation is that the peels just don’t work wonders on your skin thanks to all the hormones in your body! The peels may give temporary relief from problems such as pigmentation and acne, but as these problems are a result of pregnancy hormones, they recur pretty quickly . That is some good money down the drain!
3. Can Cause Miscarriage:
Some chemical peels require general anesthesia, which is not safe during pregnancy and can even cause a miscarriage .
4. May Trigger Herpes:
Some women can also experience an outbreak of viral infections, like herpes, after opting for a chemical peel.
5. Other Risks:
Some other risks synonymous with the use of chemical peels include:
- Temporary redness of the skin.
- Scarring.
- In a rare case, it can adversely affect the heart, liver and kidney.
So, chemical peels look like a complete no-no for a pregnant woman! Don’t lose heart. Some chemical peels are safe for use during pregnancy!
Types Of Chemical Peels
Chemical peels come in a variety of forms. Some are strong and unsafe during pregnancy while you can give others a try.
1. Safe Chemical Peels During Pregnancy:
Light chemical peels are safe during pregnancy. These include alpha hydroxy acids, like glycolic, lactic and fruit acids. You can safely opt for these peels and give your skin a makeover. The acid in these peels stay active for no more than five minutes and does not cause any harm to you or your precious baby.
2. Chemical Peels To Avoid During Pregnancy:
Deeper peels like phenol peels are strictly off limits for pregnant women. You should also avoid peels that contain salicylic acid . These strong chemicals can permeate your skin and adversely affect your unborn baby. The procedure to apply these peels requires anesthesia and many months for recovery. If you need a deep peel, opt for the procedure only after your baby’s first birthday.
Experts do not recommend chemical peel during pregnancy since it can be ineffective for improving pregnancy-related skin changes such as dark spots. Skin can be extra sensitive during pregnancy, and exposure to chemicals may worsen pigmentation. Chemical peels requiring general anesthesia are not safe in pregnancy since anesthesia-related complications may arise after the procedure. Most pregnancy skin changes such as dark lines and spots go without interventions after childbirth. Chemical peels and other harsh cosmetic procedures should be postponed until after the baby is born to avoid skin damage.
Best Chemical Peels During Pregnancy
Peels that use glycolic or lactic acid are safe during pregnancy due to their low penetration levels. Lactic acid chemical peels are frequently used to treat gestational acne. Chemical peels that use salicylic acid, trichloracetic acid, or Jessner’s solution (a mixture of lactic and salicylic acid) penetrate deeply.
Pregnancy drastically changes your body. You can predict some changes, but many are unexpected.
Some people get silky hair and radiant skin. Others may not be so lucky and get acne, skin splotches, and stretch marks.
Whether you’re trying to maintain your skin or treat yourself after a hard trimester, you may wonder if a facial is safe for you and your baby.
Pregnancy and Skin Changes
Skin changes like varicose veins or stretch marks usually occur below the neck. They’re easier to hide than blemishes on your face. Facials can help treat:
- Acne
- Dark spots (melasma or chloasma)
- Itchiness
- Unwanted hair growth
Many skin changes fade soon after birth or clear up over time. If you’re concerned about the appearance of your skin changes, you can pursue some facial options.
Are Facials Dangerous While You Are Pregnant?
Not necessarily, but some facial treatments can cause problems during your pregnancy. Always talk to your doctor, dermatologist, and treatment specialist to make sure you and your baby will be safe.
One overarching concern is an effect called fetal microchimerism, though most traits of microchimerism go beyond the scope of a spa facial. One trait that may put you at risk is its effect on wound healing.
During many pregnancies, microchimerism improves your ability to recover when injured. However, it may not always be positive. It can influence your healing process in unpredictable or harmful ways.
Some facial treatments are invasive and require a healing process, so avoid invasive treatments that cause breaking of the skin.
Breaking the skin during treatment has a small risk of infection. Infections while you are pregnant can lead to other complications that can put your or your baby at risk.
Related
Drug Safety and Pregnancy
Before 2015, many drugs were category C pregnancy drugs. Category C means that the drugs were tested on animals and showed adverse effects. However, their benefits may outweigh the risks in humans.
There’s a lack of research because of ethics. Researchers didn’t want to perform tests on pregnant women and risk harming them or the baby. They relied on case studies, instead.
In 2019, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) began overhauling its research, categorization, and labeling system for drugs regarding pregnancy and breastfeeding. They’ve reviewed many drugs, but the project is still underway.
Research is still needed. Many of the facials here were generally safe in their initial findings, but they may pose risks in practice.
Speak to your doctor or dermatologist before getting a facial treatment.
Common Facial Treatments
Every spa, dermatologist, or esthetician will have a different menu of treatment options. The options range from simple massages to invasive laser treatments.
Safe treatments. Many minor facial options are perfectly safe as long as they only affect the surface of your skin. Safe minor treatments include:
- Shaving
- Waxing
- Cryotherapy
- Depilatory creams
- Snipping skin tags
Standard facial. A typical facial has four parts:
- Cleanse: clears dirt and oils
- Exfoliate: removes dead skin cells
- Extract: cleans the pores
- Moisturize: hydrates and smooths the skin
The fewer chemicals and invasive options, the safer it’ll be for you and your baby. When making an appointment with your local spa, always ask about the type of cosmetics they use for their facials.
Facial Treatments to Avoid
Chemical peels. Chemical peels remove upper layers of skin. Peels that use glycolic or lactic acid are safe during pregnancy due to their low penetration levels. Lactic acid chemical peels are frequently used to treat gestational acne.
Chemical peels that use salicylic acid, trichloracetic acid, or Jessner’s solution (a mixture of lactic and salicylic acid) penetrate deeply. Deeper skin penetration can lead to more complications.
Chemical peels have risks of scarring and discoloring your skin. Since pregnancy puts you at risk of skin splotches anyway, entirely avoiding chemical peels might be best.
Topical anesthetic drugs. Before invasive treatments, dermatologists or estheticians may use topical anesthetics to numb the skin. Chemicals like benzocaine and tetracaine are common anesthetics but aren’t considered safe during pregnancy by the FDA.
The FDA considers lidocaine safe during pregnancy. Most estheticians use topical anesthetics that contain a mix of 2.5% lidocaine and 2.5% prilocaine. This mix is safe for pregnancy, as long as additional prilocaine isn’t used.
Botulinum toxin. Botulinum toxin is better known by the name brand Botox. In many case studies, botulinum toxin has shown no adverse effects on pregnant women when used correctly.
According to animal studies, though, the FDA considers botulinum toxin potentially harmful to pregnancy. With this in mind, exercise caution if you’re interested in botulinum toxin treatments.
Topical retinoids. Estheticians and dermatologists use retinoids to treat many skin conditions like acne and psoriasis. Though further research is needed, case studies have shown congenital disabilities caused by retinoid exposure.
Skin-lightening agents. Many skin-lightening treatments use hydroquinone. Your skin absorbs significantly more hydroquinone compared to other topical agents. This absorption rate may concern some in unique cases, but it’s proven to be generally safe.
Epilation.Permanent hair removal, such as laser hair removal or electrolysis, isn’t recommended if you’re pregnant. Many of the methods haven’t been safety tested for pregnancy.
You should particularly avoid electrolysis because it uses electricity. Since the amniotic fluid is a conductor of electricity, there could be a risk of complications.
Laser hair removal, like chemical peels, can cause skin irritation and discoloration. It’s safer to avoid laser hair removal until after pregnancy.
Dermal fillers. Dermal fillers give your face and lips a smooth, fuller look by injecting a filler material into the skin. There aren’t any known risks with the filler material, but the treatment poses a unique risk for pregnant women.
Some of the common side effects of dermal fillers are sensitivity and infection at the injection sites. Since you’re more susceptible to skin changes and infection complications while pregnant, you should wait to get dermal fillers until after your pregnancy.
There are three main types of chemical peels; light, medium, and deep peels. The procedure used will often depend on the skin condition and the patients’ needs. A dermatologist will usually recommend the best treatment for each skin type. Chemical peels involve different products and this is where the pregnant woman needs to be careful. A pregnant woman should avoid any product that contains retinoids. This is a type of Vitamin A that can work effectively to brighten the skin and treat acne, but it can also cause birth defects.
Speaking to The Aedition, Dr. Naidu “Some of the chemicals used in peels — notably salicylic acid and trichloroacetic acid — can enter the bloodstream if used in high concentrations and should be avoided.”
Other products that should be avoided during pregnancy are benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. These are substances that are used for treating skin conditions. They are easily absorbed through the skin and can help to get rid of acne. Unfortunately, the substances have also been linked to some birth defects. Some other unsafe products include azelaic acid that may be safer than other options but can be toxic and hydroquinone which is a common skin lightener. The use of skin lighteners has been linked to small placentas and low birth weight.
While most chemical peels are generally not safe to use during pregnancy, there is another option. According to some experts, AHA peels can be considered the safest option during pregnancy. These peels use lactic acid that is generally considered to be safe. The AHA peels are often used to remove spots and lighten the skin slightly. These peels are milder than other types but that does not mean that they are 100 percent safe! Unfortunately, the peels can burn the skin making it prone to scarring or damage. The peels have been linked to cases of skin cancer.
The skin goes through different changes during pregnancy. Hormonal changes can lead to skin darkening, or melasma, and other conditions like acne. In most cases, the skin goes back to its normal state after giving birth. Trying to use chemical peels to deal with pregnancy-related skin conditions can do more harm than good. You can end up with skin irritation, damaged skin, or skin patches. The skin also becomes more sensitive due to the peels. This makes it more susceptible to UV rays and ultimately to skin cancer.
peeling lotion for pregnant
Chemical peels are popular cosmetic treatments that help in skin rejuvenation. However, the use of chemical peels during pregnancy may raise safety concerns. These may work effectively to reduce wrinkles, blemishesi, and sun damage, and so are quite popular nowadays. Also, they are used to remove precancerous cell growths. Some chemical peels are not suitable for pregnant women. Hence, you should consult a doctor before getting the procedure done because the chemicals used in the process may get into the mother’s bloodstream and affect the growth of the baby. Some side effects of chemical peels on a pregnant woman include pigmentation and scarring. If you want to know more in detail about these peels, keep reading our post to know why they are unsafe during pregnancy and their side effects.
In This Article
- Why Are Chemical Peels Unsafe During Pregnancy?
- Types Of Chemical Peels
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Infographic: Possible Adverse Effects Of Chemical Peels During Pregnancy
- Key Pointers
Why Are Chemical Peels Unsafe During Pregnancy?
Apart from the fact that it can make you look like a million dollars, chemical peels can cause a number of unpleasant side effects. Some strong chemical peels can penetrate the deeper layers of the skin, enter your bloodstream and harm the baby in your womb too!
Here are some harmful effects of a chemical peel:
1. May worsen pigmentation
Image: Shutterstock
During pregnancy, it is common to experience skin pigmentation. You can thank all those ramped up hormones for your skin issues. A chemical peel can make the condition worse and cause the pigments to become even darker.
2. Ineffective in many cases
One of the major reasons for staying away from chemical peels during pregnancy and lactation is that the peels just don’t work wonders on your skin thanks to all the hormones in your body! The peels may give temporary relief from problems such as pigmentation and acne, but as these problems are a result of pregnancy hormones, they recur pretty quickly (3). That is some good money down the drain!
3. Can cause miscarriage
Some chemical peels can cause a miscarriage if the product passes through your bloodstream and is toxic for the fetus (4). Some others require general anesthesia, which is not always safe during pregnancy
The levels attained by chemicals in the body may be higher if they are applied to damaged or broken skin.
4. May trigger herpes
Some women can also experience an outbreak of viral infections, like herpesi, after opting for a chemical peel.
5. Other risks
Some other risks synonymous with the use of chemical peels include:
- Temporary redness of the skin.
- Scarring.
- In a rare case, it can adversely affect the heart, liver and kidney.
So, chemical peels look like a complete no-no for a pregnant woman! Don’t lose heart. Some chemical peels are safe for use during pregnancy!
Related: C-Section Scar Wound Infection
Types Of Chemical Peels
Chemical peels come in a variety of forms. Some are strong and unsafe during pregnancy while you can give others a try.
1. Safe chemical peels during pregnancy
Light chemical peels are safe during pregnancy. These include alpha hydroxy acids, like glycolici, lactic and fruit acids. You can safely opt for these peels and give your skin a makeover. The acid in these peels stay active for no more than five minutes and does not cause any harm to you or your precious baby. You can also use trichloro acetic acid peels to remove genital wartsi as they doesn’t penetrate the skin
2. Chemical peels to avoid during pregnancy
Image: Shutterstock
Deeper peels like phenol peels are strictly off limits for pregnant women. You should also avoid peels that contain salicylic acid .These strong chemicals can permeate your skin and adversely affect your unborn baby. The procedure to apply these peels requires anesthesia and many months for recovery. If you need a deep peel, opt for the procedure only after your baby’s first birthday.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does chemical peel stay in my system?
The duration of the chemical peel inside your system depends on the peel you have opted for. With superficial and medium peels, one may expect to heal within a few days to weeks . However, with deep peels, the body may take around a few weeks to months for recovery.
2. What skin treatments are safe during pregnancy?
As a general rule, it is best to postpone skin treatments that use chemicals until the end of pregnancy. However, there has been insufficient study data to prove the possible side effects of skin treatments such as Botox, fillers, and laser treatment during pregnancy. Specific procedures such as cryotherapy, electrocoagulation, and the mechanical removal of blackheads are considered safe during pregnancy. However, in the best interest of the mother and the baby, one must thoroughly consult an expert dermatologist before the treatment .
Experts do not recommend chemical peel during pregnancy since it can be ineffective for improving pregnancy-related skin changes such as dark spots. Skin can be extra sensitive during pregnancy, and exposure to chemicals may worsen pigmentation. Chemical peels requiring general anesthesia are not safe in pregnancy since anesthesia-related complications may arise after the procedure. Most pregnancy skin changes such as dark lines and spots go without interventions after childbirth. Chemical peels and other harsh cosmetic procedures should be postponed until after the baby is born to avoid skin damage.
Infographic: Possible Adverse Effects Of Chemical Peels During Pregnancy
Chemical peeling is a well-known cosmetic procedure for improving the appearance of the skin by exfoliating the layers of dead skin cells. However, these treatments may not be safe for pregnant women due to the potential risk of harmful chemicals impacting the developing fetus. Here is an infographic detailing the possible side effects of using chemical peels during pregnancy.
Key Pointers
- Chemical peels can penetrate deep layers of the skin and enter the bloodstream, which may pose a risk to the fetus.
- Pigmentation can worsen during pregnancy with chemical peels.
- Miscarriage and viral outbreaks, such as herpes, have been associated with chemical peels.
- Alpha hydroxy acids (lactic, glycolic, and fruit acids) in light chemical peels are safe during pregnancy.
- Phenol and salicylic acid, deeper chemical peels, should be avoided by pregnant women.
Dermatologists recommend that women wait until after giving birth before they get cosmetic skin treatment. A study conducted by Oregon Medical and Science University concluded that pregnant women should avoid chemical peels. The fact that the skin issues are due to hormonal changes means that treating them using cosmetic procedures may not help at all. Melasma skin condition will often go away without treatment and it is always best to wait it out.