Retinol use during pregnancy

[Xiaohu]

Hi there, I have a question about retinol use during pregnancy. I have been using Kiehl's retinol skin-renewing daily micro-dose serum for the past 2.5 months and I just realized that I should avoid using retinol during pregnancy because of the possible risk of birth defect. I am freaking out now and blaming myself so much for being so careless. I am 38 weeks pregnant. Does anyone have a similar experience? Can anyone give me some advice or put my mind at rest a bit? Thanks!

Hi! I think it’s advisable to stop using retinol but I think the risks are lower in 3rd trimester.
I believe retinol is fine if you plan to breastfeed but might be worth stopping until baby is here. Azelaic acid or bakuchiol are good alternatives and pregnancy safe xx

Try not to have a go at yourself, Caroline Hirons is a skin guru who has had 4 kids and says a lot of anti retinol discussion in pregnancy is scaremongering. If even the slightest bit worried, then of course stop using it, but it all stems from Vitamin A itself being bad for pregnancy when eaten (that's why they say no liver/ pate etc as those have lots of vitamin A).

Over the counter topical retinol on your face is hardly getting further than your first layer of skin. Will paste some links below so you can have a read and research her credentials to make up your own mind. Always worth checking with your GP/midwife directly as they know your particular medical history. All the best!

www.carolinehirons.com/2019/02/retinol-qa-february-2019.html

While you are there, this is a great general post to not be so hard on ourselves as mums:

www.carolinehirons.com/2014/06/pregnancy-breasts-dummies-and.html

@Sunshine2243 ahhh are you a skincare freak too? I swear CH used to say that retinol was fine in pregnancy but I’m sure changed recently to say avoid it now but it’s okay for breast feeding xx

You can switch from retinol to beta carotene to get your vitamin A. There is no danger of birth defects with too much beta carotene, as you can't have too much beta carotene. The worst that would happen is your skin would go orange if you had really a lot, but it's not actually dangerous. You get it naturally in carrots and pumpkin too so you could also get it without supplements.

The risk of birth defects is highest in the first trimester and you're in the third, so I hope that makes you feel better.

@Luna0905 Yes I am! I think the only difference is now that she has a company Skinrocks, making a retinol, legally she has to be much more careful and in line with other brands who can't openly say it. But in a recent live on insta she still said it was fine. I don't blame her for being cautious though, don't want someone to say she recommended something and then something went wrong! She now says if you are worried just don't use it! If anything, the 1st trimester is the most sensitive time to be careful, by 3rd trimester baby is all formed and just growing! Either way if in any doubt, don't do it!

Nice to meet a fellow freak 🥰 Yeah definitely, always better to be cautious just in case. I used tret to get rid of my hormonal acne now I’m maintaining with retinol and probably would use a weak retinol In pregnancy if my skin got really spotty again especially later in on in a pregnancy xxx