
Can I use retinol during pregnancy?
It’s undeniable that pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also be confusing most of the time. There are things you can’t eat, drink, or even use certain skincare products. Today we can help you with the latter, but before we get started, I just want to remind you of the importance of consulting your doctor or midwife so you can make sure you’re using the safest formula on your skin. We’ll continue to explore which ingredients you should use and which ingredients, such as B. Retinol, are best avoided.
What are the benefits of retinol?
Retinol is one of the most powerful ingredients in the beauty industry. This potent form of vitamin A is revered by skincare experts and offers an impressive list of skin benefits. Using a topical retinol product in your evening skincare routine will significantly improve your complexion. Here are some examples of the benefits you can expect.
Reduces the appearance of wrinkles, smooths skin and prevents the formation of further fine lines and wrinkles.
Accelerates skin cell turnover, helping to reveal new skin cells underneath for a radiant, bright and healthy complexion.
Minimizes the frequency of breakouts and blemishes while regulating sebum production on the surface of the skin.
Helps improve hyperpigmentation and dark spots caused by excessive UV radiation and other free radical damage.
If you want to learn more about retinol and its various benefits for the skin, read our dedicated blog post.
What happens if you use retinol during pregnancy?
Despite the fact that there is no clear evidence that topical retinol product derivatives cause birth defects, many still recommend avoiding retinol completely until your baby is born and you stop breastfeeding. This is because even products applied to the face can be absorbed into the bloodstream and pass through the placenta or into the baby during breastfeeding. The form of retinol that must be avoided at all costs is oral systemic retinol. Whether retinol is applied to the skin or ingested, all experts agree that avoiding any form of retinol is best to limit the risk of birth defects for the embryo and fetus.
When should you stop using retinol during pregnancy?
It is recommended to avoid any form of retinol during pregnancy. This is because there is still a lot to learn about the effects of retinol and other forms, such as B. Retinoids, and the effects on organs that may develop in the baby are not yet known. Depending on the strength of the formula, it is okay to use retinol between the fourth and ninth months of pregnancy. However, it is important to consult your doctor or dermatologist to determine which formula is best. To ensure that you stay safe during pregnancy and to ensure the safety and health of yourself and your baby, do not use products containing retinol on your skin without the approval of your primary care physician.
For more information on using retinol while breastfeeding, see our dedicated blog post on using retinol while breastfeeding.
Can I use vitamin C serum during pregnancy?
Yes, it is considered safe to use vitamin C serum during pregnancy. All you have to do is pay attention to how your skin reacts to the potent energy. This is because your skin type often changes during pregnancy. Some expecting mothers find that their skin becomes more sensitive and prone to redness. Therefore, always do a 24-hour patch test before applying any formula to your face.
Another benefit of using vitamin C is that one of the main benefits is its antioxidant properties and ability to fight dark spots and signs of hyperpigmentation. By combining these products, your skin tone will become even, radiant, and bright.
Which facial products should I avoid during pregnancy?
There are many facial products that must be avoided during pregnancy. You will find examples below. Retinol Derivatives As I mentioned before, there is still a lot that is unknown about retinol and its effects on the development of the baby. When looking for an over-the-counter formula, it is recommended to avoid any of the following products: Which contain ingredients such as retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate, retinyl linoleate, and retinyl propionate. Salicylic Acid Salicylic acid is a very popular ingredient in skin care products and is found in a range of products from moisturizers and body washes to night serums. It is important to check the ingredients in the formula and choose products with lower levels of powerful BHAs to avoid unnecessary irritation and reactions. Essential Oils Although essential oils are completely natural, it is still recommended to limit the number of times they are applied to the skin. This is because there may be some side effects with regular use on the face, such as: B. Increased sensitivity to sun exposure and an increased risk of developing areas of hyperpigmentation and permanent skin damage. Glycolic Acid As one of the most commonly used AHAs, glycolic acid is recommended to be stored until the baby is safely delivered. However, this does not mean that all AHAs are bad. For example, lactic acid is much gentler than glycolic acid. Here are some examples of some ingredients you should avoid. As I mentioned before, to be safe, always do a 24-hour patch test before applying anything to your face. Here is more information on using retinol during pregnancy. Don’t forget to find us on Instagram if you have any additional questions.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.