Avoid retinol during pregnancy

[Kayycatt]

I just read that there are a number of skincare ingredients that should be avoided during pregnancy including retinol. I use retinol every night before I go to bed! Also you should avoid salicylic acid and glycolic acid. Vitamin C is OK.

Can anyone share what is their skincare routine during pregnancy? I have had the same routine for as long as I can remember, therefore would be interested to hear from others what everyone uses now.

All my skincare says to avoid during pregnancy sadly. I cut out the serum and toner phase, just cleansing and moisturising which contained less “active ingredients”.

That's quite worrying, so maybe it's not just my serum that I need to stop using. I am going to have to check all other ingredients in my cleanser and toner... Do you know of any 'natural' products?

All i know is hyaluronic acid is safe to use still. But even some things with essential oils arent safe.

Hmm...will need to revamp my entire routine. Good to know hydaluronic acid is OK still. What about shampoo and conditioner?

It's an incredibly boring routine 😒 but I moved to using the "simple" range just because of the lack of chemicals etc. Can't wait to get back onto nicer skincare!!

I will look into the 'simple' range. Thanks for sharing.

My CeraVe cleanser is safe it seems. My Q&A Niacinamide toner seems OK too... It's the evening routine that will need to change. Actually even my SFP contains salicylic acid, so that is going! (I have very acne prone skin). Think will just have to pick up some 'safe' moisturiser and just stick with that from now on!

On the plus side, your skin's needs will likely change dramatically anyway as the hormones kick in, so a rethink would probably be wise in any case.

You can use Glycolic acid.
Retinol (vitamin A) and high amounts of salicylic acid (technically under 2% is fine to use)

lactic, glycolic and Hyaluronic Acid are all fine to use

@RoseValleyRambles yeah probably a good idea, just going to be a lot of googling tonight. I am still very early with my pregnancy, so guess will stick with the simple cleanse, moisturise and SPF for now until whatever needs come up.

@Travelbunny Thanks for sharing, I think I will just stick to Hyaluronic acid for now, as I am going to forget and get confused with all the other different ones.

Simple is a bit shit I wouldn't bother

Your skin in pregnancy is light sensitive. That's why retinol and glycolic acid are not recommended. You will end up with patches of sun damage. Pile on the SPF instead. Vitamin C is fine.

@ColeensBoot Oh OK. I have never used Simple before, maybe I will research about other brands as well.

I do like my vitamin C, so good to know that it can stay.

Zoe Bee beauty- v natural and I love her creams, one is described as natures Botox I think! I think it's the Avocado & Aloe one. I use them through pregnancy and rest of the time too.

I treat myself to clarins products during pregnancy

Benzoyl peroxide and azilyiac (sp?) acid are safe in pregnancy and helpful for acne prone skin - I use a formula from Dermatica

Your most important product is SPF 30. Any brand of products other than that are nice to haves.

It’s nothing to do with your skin. It’s about not putting too much Vit A into your body. That’s why you’re told to avoid liver/pate etc. Vit A can cause birth defects, whether it can be passed through your skin to the baby is another thing. There are general guidelines, people make their own decisions (glass of wine, face cream, rare steak, etc.). Just do what you feel comfortable with.

@spinachmonster Thanks. Looking at their website now, looks interesting. The Avocado & Aloe is sold out though.

@wonder113 Thanks for sharing, will look into Clarins as well. Used to use their serum as well but stopped due to cost, may look into it again.

I am using simple stuff. I miss my serum in particular. I think I have definitely aged, especially around my eyes.

I use Caudalie, gorgeous skincare. They have a list of pregnancy safe products on their website. I also use almond oil for loads of different things and rosehip oil in place of my retinol.

@Springblooms08 Will look into Dermatica as well as not used them before.

@ColeensBoot Thanks. I already use SPF30 everyday and increases to SPF50 during sunny months. I read that the French brands like Vichy and La Roche-Posay are generally OK.

@Medoca Thanks. My problem is I am not sure what I am comfortable with is good for the little one.

@Snugglemonkey There are other baby safe serums you could use maybe?

@AndTwoFilmsByFrancoisTruffaut Not heard of this brand before, will look into it, Thanks! I can't seem to find that list, do you know which tab it is under?

Have a look at Skin&Me. It's prescribed by a pharmacist so when you say you are pregnant in the questionnaire they will only give you what is safe. Get a month free using my referral code YVONNEB8V9H

Face theory have a pregnancy range I used it instead of my usual it’s great!

I used Herbivore Bakuchiol when I was pregnant with a basic moisturiser. I liked it so much I kept using it after I gave birth in place of retinol.

I second fave theory and their pregnancy safe range. They do a little quiz on your skin type and if your pregnant or not. I have a face wash from there and a toner.