Everyone talks about the glow that comes with pregnancy, but if that glow isn’t enough to make you want to drop your whole skincare routine, we get it.
In fact, skin changes a lot during pregnancy, and it’s important to give your skin the support it needs while your body is otherwise occupied. That said, some skincare ingredients aren’t recommended for use during pregnancy.
In this article, we’ll talk about whether retinol is safe for pregnancy, how your skincare in general can affect pregnancy, and how to find some pregnancy-safe retinol alternatives.
What Is Retinol?
Retinol is a skincare ingredient known for its ability to help minimize the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots and encourage an overall brighter-looking complexion. This ingredient is also pretty potent, which is what contributes to its powerful effects.
Despite its potency, though, retinol is actually the weakest member of a family of ingredients called retinoids. Retinoids are all derived from vitamin A, and aside from retinol, they all require a prescription.
How Are Pregnancy and Skincare Related?
Pregnancy comes with many changes. Your body changes, your diet changes (goodbye, wine and sushi), and yes, even your skincare might need to change. Read on for a breakdown on how skincare products and ingredients may affect pregnancy.
Fetal Development
The most notable concern when deciding whether a product is pregnancy-safe is fetal development. Some ingredients may contain compounds that can cause birth defects, especially in the first trimester when your baby’s still taking shape.
Of course, this isn’t just a concern when it comes to skincare. Fetal development is also the reason women are recommended to take extra folate supplements and avoid eating organ meat during pregnancy.
Skin Changes
Pregnancy can also change the needs of your skin, largely due to the differences in hormones that women experience when pregnant.
During pregnancy, estrogen skyrockets, especially toward the end of the third trimester. This is the mechanism behind the famous pregnancy glow… but it can also cause skin changes both during and after pregnancy.
These changes can include the following:
- Stretch Marks: These marks show up when the skin tears under the surface due to fast growth.
- Pigmentation Issues: Hormonal changes can increase melanin production, which can contribute to new dark spots.
- Acne: Increased oil production can make the skin look luminous, but excess oil can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.
- Sensitivity: Sometimes, changes in hormones can cause the skin to develop sensitivities that weren’t there previously.
High Absorption
Some ingredients absorb into the skin more efficiently than others, and this is the effect skincare products rely on to achieve their promised benefits. However, this absorption can also be risky during pregnancy when a mother’s body is already more sensitive to certain ingredients.
For instance, hydroquinone is not prescribed during pregnancy because it is absorbed quickly through the skin and in high quantities. This is also the case for chemical sunscreens, which rely on ingredients like avobenzone and oxybenzone that absorb into the skin and even into the bloodstream.
Can You Use Retinol While Pregnant?
If you’re pregnant and retinol is a part of your skincare routine, you might want to look into other options. The official guidance from the American Academy of Dermatology is to stop using retinol once you’re pregnant.
While retinol generally has a low absorption rate, Vitamin A in high doses may contribute to birth defects around the skull, face, and nervous system. This is also the reason pregnant women are advised to avoid organ meats, which are incredibly high in vitamin A.
What Are Some Pregnancy-Safe Retinol Alternatives?
While retinol is on the “no” list, you don’t have to give up your dreams of radiant, youthful-looking skin during pregnancy. In fact, products that support clear, even-looking skin can be very helpful for managing the many skin changes that may appear.
Instead of retinol, you may want to look for a product with similar benefits but without the side effects.
For instance, our Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Serum contains bakuchiol (a well-known, natural retinol alternative) and Alfalfa Extract to help your skin feel smooth and firm. Our formula also contains Acai Stem Cells and Noni Fruit to nourish the skin for a radiant glow, and subtle scents of neroli and geranium. This serum is also gentle enough to use every day without causing redness or unwanted side effects.
Follow it up with our Plant Stem Cell Retinol Alternative Moisturizer, which combines all of the previous ingredients with powerful moisturizers like Ceramides, Shea Butter, and Rosehip Seed Oil. This velvety cream can help soothe and nourish your skin during sleep while also being gentle enough to receive the Sorette Seal of Approval.
The Bottom Line
Some skincare ingredients are not safe during pregnancy, and retinol is one of them. Although it’s a popular anti-aging ingredient, retinol might contribute to birth concerns — especially in the first trimester.
That said, mothers-to-be don’t have to give up their skincare ritual. Our collection of retinol alternative skincare is designed to support skin that is glowing, visibly rejuvenated, and smooth to the touch, all while being gentle enough for use during pregnancy.
At KORA Organics, our products are both gentle on your skin and gentle on the environment. Our lineup is vegan, cruelty-free, non-GMO, Climate Label certified, and certified organic. Shop our skincare collection to feel the difference for yourself.
Sources:
Dermatologist-approved pregnancy skin care | AAD
The Pros and Cons of Eating Organ Meat | Cleveland Clinic
Fetal Retinoid Syndrome – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment | NORD
Pregnancy and Skin Changes | Johns Hopkins Medicine
The trouble with sunscreen ingredients | EWG’s Guide to Sunscreens