You’ve probably noticed the addition of serums to your beauty routine. The product seems to be everywhere these days and our facial skincare regimes can’t be complete without them.
That being said, have you ever wondered if these products are safe during pregnancy?
Serums like Vitamin C have so many great skin benefits that I don’t blame anyone for wanting to continue using them despite being pregnant.
However, the question remains, “Are Vitamin C serums safe during pregnancy?”
Are Vitamin C Serums Safe During Pregnancy?
Vitamin C serums are often used during pregnancy to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging. However, it is important to seek the advice of a doctor before using these products.
Tretinoin is a form of vitamin C that has been approved by the FDA for use on the skin and is found in many dermatologist-prescribed anti-aging creams.
Dermatologists generally recommend that pregnant women avoid this ingredient because it has been associated with developmental defects in animal studies.
The FDA recommends that all health care providers advise their patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding about the potential risks.
Since most vitamin C serums do not contain tretinoin, they should be safe for pregnant women, but it’s important to check with your doctor first.
Are Vitamin C Serums Safe During Breastfeeding?
Vitamin C serums are generally considered safe to use during breastfeeding because it is water-soluble and easily cleared from breast milk.
However, most research has been done on animals or cultured cells, not on human subjects.
If you have any concerns about using vitamin C during breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before applying any topical products containing vitamin C.
How Do I Choose a Vitamin C Serum That Is Safe During Pregnancy
With so many supplements out there, it can be difficult to determine which ones are safe to take while pregnant.
And when it comes to vitamin C serum, the research is conflicting at best.
Trying to decide which vitamin C serum is safe during pregnancy can be frustrating.
Here are tips on how to choose a vitamin C serum that is safe during pregnancy:
1. Look for water-based products
The serum should contain hyaluronic acid and hydroxy acids such as lactic acid or glycolic acid.
If you want to switch over to a water-based product, then you should buy the oil-based one first, and then slowly transition into a new product containing hyaluronic acid.
2. Look for serums with a low concentration of vitamin C
The concentration of vitamin C should be less than 20%.
Research has shown that concentrations higher than this may cause more harm than good.
3. Quality of ingredients
Before buying a vitamin C serum that is safe during pregnancy, check the quality of its ingredients.
A high-quality vitamin C serum will contain 15% ascorbic acid or higher, while a low-quality one could be made up of only 5%.
It’s worth it to pay more for a quality product because it will make the process easier and faster.
4. Strength of the formula
You should consult with your doctor before using any type of vitamin C serum because not all formulas are suitable for pregnant women.
Before buying this type of product, check its strength and ask for your doctor’s advice so you can use it safely.
5. Effectiveness
Choose a product that has been proven to work well in the product reviews.
If you can find a product that is made specifically for pregnant women then even better.
6. Quantity/Size
Choose a product with enough serum for it to be used regularly with ease.
The amount of vitamin C in the product will vary by brand and it’s important to make sure that you are getting enough.
What Are the Ingredients Pregnant Women Should Look out for in Vitamin C Serums?
If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you’ll want to avoid certain ingredients in vitamin C serums.
Some of these can cause complications with your pregnancy, while others can lead to allergic reactions.
Below are some ingredients that you should avoid if you’re expecting.
1. Tocopherol
Also known as Vitamin E, this ingredient has been shown to cause birth defects in animal tests.
2. Ferulic Acid
Has not been tested on humans, but there are side effects in animals so it’s best to avoid during pregnancy.
3. Glycolic Acid
This ingredient makes the skin more susceptible to sun damage, leading to an increased risk for cancer.
4. Parabens
Parabens have been found in breast tumors, which prompted a study by the FDA on their safety.
They have also been linked to a breakdown of collagen and have been found to have estrogenic effects on the body.
This makes them particularly unsuitable for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
5. Glycols
Another common preservative is that is best avoided while pregnant due to its potential toxicity.
6. BHT
BHT is a form of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) that is used as an antioxidant, preservative, fragrance ingredient, and plasticizer.
It has been shown to cause tumors of the liver, kidney, adrenal glands, and thyroid gland in animal testing.
Are There Any Side Effects of Using Vitamin C Serums During Pregnancy?
While there are no proven side effects specifically from using topical vitamin C during pregnancy, it’s always a good idea to check in with your doctor first.
There’s good news if you’re looking to make sure you’re getting enough vitamin C during your pregnancy: topical vitamin C serums are a safe and effective way to do this.
Topical means they are applied to the outside of your skin, like on your face or hands.
That’s different from taking vitamin C orally.
Since vitamin C is water-soluble, any excess that your body doesn’t use or store is flushed out through urine.
So there’s no worry about overdosing or having any harmful effects from topical application.
In fact, most doctors actually recommend at least 1,000 mg per day of oral vitamin C supplementation when pregnant — which leads many people to believe that it’s also safe to apply it topically, which it is!
How to Safely Use Vitamin C Serums During Pregnancy
Here are 7 tips on how to use vitamin C serums during pregnancy:
1. Never use vitamin C on broken or irritated skin
If you have any abrasions or open cuts, do not use the product in these areas.
Also, if you have eczema and psoriasis, you should not use vitamin C in these areas either.
2. Use vitamin C serums in the morning and evening
Apply a small amount to clean skin before moisturizing.
Not only will the serum help with collagen production, but it will also provide an extra layer of protection from harmful elements that may cause irritation or breakouts during pregnancy.
3. Check the packaging for ingredients and warnings
If you are allergic or sensitive to any ingredients listed on the product packaging, choose another brand that is safe for you and your baby-to-be.
If you have never used a product with hydroquinone before, check with your doctor first before trying one out now that you are pregnant.
4. Rejuvenate your under-eye area
Dark circles can develop as you get older, but they’re more common during pregnancy due to increased blood circulation.
Using a Vitamin C serum under your eyes every day will help brighten them up and make you look more awake.
Well, at least it will make you feel more awake!
5. Do a patch test
Do a patch test before applying a vitamin C serum to your face. This will allow you to check if you are sensitive or allergic to any of the ingredients in the product.
6. Exfoliate your face regularly
You can use a soft cloth, water, and vitamin E oil or you can purchase specific pregnancy exfoliating creams at your local pharmacy.
Scrubbing will remove any dead skin cells, revealing fresh new cells that provide nutrients for your skin and also make it appear brighter and more radiant.
7. Use sunscreen
Use sunscreen when outdoors, even on a cloudy day. The sun’s rays still penetrate clouds, so protect your skin from harmful UV rays by covering up with clothing or applying sunscreen daily.
Final Thoughts
As long as you use your vitamin C serum in moderation, it should be perfectly safe for you to continue using it throughout your pregnancy.
As a matter of fact, vitamin C is actually an essential component of collagen, which is directly linked to healthy skin and a lower risk of wrinkles.
It can even help lighten dark spots, reduce the size and severity of fine lines, and maintain elasticity in the skin so it remains as beautiful as possible throughout your pregnancy.
