Retinol Alternatives

[Whiffle77]

I'm a huge retinol fan, and usually use Paula's Choice 1%. It keeps spots in check for me which is my main issue, but also good for the skin generally and for wrinkles.
I'm pregnant which means no retinol! And my skin is WILD! Obviously some of this is hormones, but I think some of my spots are as a result of stopping retinol.
Any decent alternatives people could recommend please? My skin cant tolerate fragrance, azealiac and salicylic makes me break out too. In fa t most things do other than retinol! Thanks

[Parkandride]

Following, I've only just discovered retinol but due for an ivf cycle v soon. Why didn't I get on the train years ago!

[cinammonbuns]

I’ve agreed that there is some evidence to suggest bakuchiol can be good for wrinkles and is thought to be safe for pregnancy.

Never tried a product containing it personally though.

[AllDressedUpForMyselfOnly]

Rosehip oil is a good alternative.

[Whiffle77]

Thanks, rosehip brings me out in awful spots too!

I've read a bit about bakuchiol but there aren't many products out there yet!

[emsyj37]

Differin/adapalene? I used this through 3 pregnancies with no issues.

[emsyj37]

Also Niacinamide is good for keeping my zits and blackheads at bay.

[feelinghaggard]

I used glycolic acid and vitamin c serum to replace my retinol during pregnancy, it worked a treat. I almost decided not to bother with the retinol again once I stopped breastfeeding. I'm using it again now but think the glycolic acid/vitamin c regime worked just as well.

[feelinghaggard]

Oh and I used Acnecide to spot treat any occasional spots.

[Whiffle77]

Thanks, differin is a retinol though so cant be used @emsyj37
I think I am going to get something glycolic based - what do you use @feelinghaggard and for vit c?

[feelinghaggard]

I used Alpha H Liquid Gold for glycolic acid and for the vitamin C serum I tried a few different ones (including The Ordinary and Inkey) but I think my favourite was the Alpha H Grape Seed one. The others were a bit chalky whereas the Alpha H felt more like a typical serum. Depends on your budget - The Ordinary probably works just as well but may be less pleasant to use.

[Whiffle77]

I've used the liquid gold before years ago so I think I will give that another go initially, thanks!
Will try that first and then maybe look out the vit c too.
I've gone off the ordinary a little bit now, I was all over it originally and then used far too many serums at once. Use more Paula's choice stuff now which is nowhere near as good on the bank balance, but my face seems to prefer it

[emsyj37]

Differin isn't a true retinol, it is adapalene - it is a 'retinoid' in that it has a similar effect in triggering cell turnover but it is not exactly the same thing.
It used to be marked as safe for breastfeeding and pregnant women I think, but possibly not any more. Certainly i was prescribed it (before it was made available over the counter) when pregnant, but my youngest is 3 so possibly guidance has changed.
www.carolinehirons.com/2017/03/differin-gel.html

[Whiffle77]

Thanks @emsyj37! In the comments, people are querying that she has put ok for pregnancy as most websites I found when I googled it said no. I imagine it's the same as retinol in that it's probably done, but they will never test it so they cant say for sure it's ok. I'll probably still swerve it for now in the same way I am retinol - interesting that you got prescribed it though!

[emsyj37]

I'm sure the packaging used to say it was fine for pregnancy and breastfeeding but I don't have an old pack to prove it to myself!! I suspect its just the manufacturers covering themselves.
You may find your skin is very different during pregnancy and doesn't flare up anyway. Mine was generally less oily and blemished during pregnancy and then haywire whilst breasfeeding!

[Housewife2010]

I love this facial oil. It contains bakuchiol and makes my skin look really radiant in the morning after sleeping in it. It's very natural too. www.mybemora.com/product/superfruit-daily-vitamin-boost-oil/

[Whiffle77]

Unfortunately my skin has gone haywire @emsyj37 already 😂 which is why I am desperate for the retinol! I might see if any of the websites have pictures of the packaging of it, or order it and see - it's not that pricey if it does say dont use it, plus I can just wait and use it next year! Thanks for the help!), that would be brill if so!
Thanks @Housewife2010 will check it out!

[NotExactlyHappyToHelp]

@emsyj37 It did used to say that you’re right. They changed the advice when they started selling it OTC to cover themselves.

Controversially OP I’ve heard of many dermatologists that continue to use topical retinoids during pregnancy. The only one that no one recommends is oral isotretinoin, that is definitely a no go.

[emsyj37]

@Notexactlyhappytohelp I'm glad to know I haven't just made that up!

[Magicsauce]

Herbivore Moon fruit night cream alternative to Retinol