Didn’t use retinol as TTC, but TTC isn’t working…

[RocOn]

I’m probably overthinking this. I’ve really wanted to start a retinol routine for 18 months (am approaching 40), but I haven’t done so as we’ve been TTC. (For those who don’t know, Vitamin A supplements and retinol are not advised.)

However, TTC isn’t working and IVF isn’t working thus far either. 😔

I know this isn’t AIBU, but… WIBU to start using retinol?

Use it, the risks are minimal. It'll be good to have something that you do for you.

Personally I would start your makeup regimen. Don't put your life on hold TTC. When you get pregnant you can stop using it.

I've watched enough daytime tv to see all the toothless wonders get pregnant while doing "everything wrong ".

You would be asked if you are pregnant or TTC if you went to get a prescription strength retinoid and they wouldn’t prescribe to you, but obviously you could pick up whatever you wanted in Boots etc. I say go for it, off the shelf products don’t have as strong concentrate and you can just stop using if you need to.

I'm prescription tret but I'm tracking ovulation and testing from 7 dpo. I'm comfortable with the risk of that, I wouldn't be sharing a blood supply with anyone that opted to implant.

I'm also drinking wine and coffee, because I'm not pregnant.

Thanks all. You are right it would feel nice to be doing something for myself!

I'm thinking of starting with something like Medik8 3TR?

Oh I have done it all at some point with the caffeine and the wine! Nothing has made any difference.

My Medik8 3TR is arriving today and I am looking forward to using it! Thank you all 😘

I had exactly the same dilemma. I use cream retinoid from Dermatica. Without it, I get acne. It's just my skin type that needs exfoliation, you can't always fight genetics, and salicylic acid etc. don't work as great if used solo. I made my mind I will continue to use my cream and stop as soon as I find out I'm pregnant. It's such a small dosage anyway, so probably there are trace amounts of it in bloodstream.

I’m using The Ordinary retinol (it’s quite low %), and TTC. I only use a bit - can’t see how it would be harmful

This popped up at the perfect time - I’m also TTC and trying to decide whether to stop using retinol now

I haven’t stopped (but haven’t stopped anything). I only use a low % retinol couple of times a week.

Caroline Hirons has a post on pregnancy & skincare on the Skinrocks app. An extract below:

Myth 2: You cannot use acids whilst
pregnant

This is a common myth, particularly focused on salicylic acid. When pregnant, it is not advised to take salicylic acid orally, however, in skincare it is completely safe to use when pregnant.

Myth 3: You cannot use vitamin A/
retinol/retinoids whilst pregnant

It is said that high levels of vitamin A in the
bloodstream when you are pregnant can
harm the foetus. This comes from the very
real harm that can be caused by Roaccutane (oral vitamin A used frequently for acne). That being said, non-prescription skincare that contains retinoids/vitamin A does not
enter the bloodstream. If it did, it would need a prescription.