Can You Use Vitamin C During Pregnancy?

If you're pregnant, you might already be aware that there are some beauty products that should be avoided due to certain ingredients that can be absorbed by the developing fetus and potentially cause harm, as per Healthline.

While most products on the market can be used without worrying about potential birth defects, you should keep an eye out for retinoids, in particular, which are derived from vitamin A. This vitamin, in high doses, is known to cause congenital defects. One 2013 study found that isotretinoin (used to treat acne) led to neurocognitive problems when babies were exposed to the substance in utero — a whopping 60% of children studied displayed these issues. In addition to retinoids, you'll also want to stay away from high doses of salicylic acid, hydroquinone, phthalates, formaldehyde, and oxybenzone (per Healthline).

The good news is that there are plenty of safe alternatives that you can choose from to avoid having to sacrifice your self-care. Additionally, if you're ever in doubt about whether you can use a certain product, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has put together a database of thousands of beauty products and their respective safety ratings. That being said, one product you might be wondering if you can use during pregnancy is vitamin C serum. Here's what we know.

If you weren't already aware, vitamin C serum is a liquid or gel-based product that is packed with vitamin C and can be applied directly to the skin, as per Everyday Health. Dermatologist, Nazanin Saedi, M.D., spoke with the outlet about the benefits of incorporating this product into a skincare regimen. "The benefit of vitamin C is it's an antioxidant, so it helps prevent the forming of free radicals, which go on to break down collagen and elastin," Saedi said. Furthermore, it could help block harmful UV rays and keep the surface of the skin strong, leading to better water retention. This is ideal for anyone in search of youthful skin.

Fellow dermatologist, Rachel Nazarian, M.D., weighed in on whether this skin-health-boosting serum can be safely enjoyed during pregnancy in an interview with Verywell Family. In short, Nazarian guarantees, "Vitamin C is a great and safe ingredient to use while pregnant." Nazarian advises pregnant women to incorporate the use of vitamin C serum into a larger skincare regimen, ideally, one that also relies on sunscreen. These two products, when used together, go a long way in preventing premature aging.

While vitamin C is perfectly safe during pregnancy, there are potential side effects, especially when first using it. If you experience redness or stinging upon application, rest assured that your skin will eventually adapt.