Whats the deal with salicylic acid?
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.
