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.

Probably. I keep meaning to research it and then forgetting. I am 34 weeks now, so hoping once I am back on the usual routine my eyes look a bit better!

AFAIK OTC 'retinol' is ok, but prescription strength (ie Tretinoin) is definitely not advised, that's the reason it's prescription only in most countries.

It’s a gorgeous French brand. Very natural and such a pleasure to use: Beautiful packing too!

Here you go. Scroll down to the list for contraindications for pregnant women

uk.caudalie.com/faq/products/

I had a similar realisation in early pregnancy and dropped everything but vitamin c and a low concentration glycolic toner (didn't see anywhere that you couldn't use this!).
Also moved to a water based moisturiser to prevent breakouts as I suffer anyway and got a bit oily early on.

I cleanse in the morning, then use a vitamin c serum, then moisturise.
Evening I double cleanse (oil and standard) then use the toner and the same light moisturiser.

My skin has never looked better! I'm glowing! Though I'll admit there was definitely a little breakout journey along the way, who knows how much of that was hormones though!

Salicylic acid is safe up to 2%.

So is glycolic up to 5% and azelaic. I miss my retinol too I wonder about bakuchiol...

I found lots of my skincare said it wasn't suitable for pregnancy, and my skin went very sensitive anyway and anything I tried to use really irritated it. I'm 36 weeks now and don't use anything on my face - literally just a splash of water morning and night - and my skin is (currently!) the best it's ever been. So don't worry too much if your skin doesn't take to any new products 😊

I have to say I used retinol throughout my pregnancy just because I was completely unaware you shouldn't, if I had known I would have cut it out of my routine of course

Healthy babies here 😊

topical retinoids, especially those weak over the counter ones, are likely to be safe during pregnancy. there is not much data available though. (but not much data that shows it's unsafe either).

if you use a prescription strength then you should discuss with the prescribing dr.

however, skin changes during pregnancy and becomes more light sensitive. I wouldn't want to add something else that affects light sensitivities to the mix.

Wow thanks everyone for the comments. It's more assuring to hear from everyone based on their experience.

Definitely some new brands for me to look into. Will be off to boots after work today to have a browse of some of the brands. Though I do like the sound of face theory. Sounds like some nice brands to try too regardless of being pregnant or not.

Thank you everyone

www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/skin-conditions-during-pregnancy

I used these (admittedly American) guidelines to help me. I stopped the retinol (although risk is only theoretical) but continued my salicylic acid cleanser as I'm also super prone to breakouts.

@Nejnej2 thanks :) very helpful link x

Sunday Reilly website let's you search by pregnancy safe products too