Can you use Retinol While Breastfeeding?
First of all, congratulations on the safe arrival of your new little bundle of joy. That was a long 9 months, but the reward was certainly worth it. The question you may have now, especially if you are an avid skincare user, are you able to use retinol while breastfeeding?
This can often feel overwhelming and sometimes quite daunting when it comes to finding the best things to use that remain safe for you and your baby. Therefore, before you continue reading today’s blog post, I strongly advise you consult with your doctor before introducing new skincare ingredients or products into your daily routine.
So, without further a due, let’s dive in and find out more about using retinol while breastfeeding.
Why can you not use retinol while breastfeeding?
Due to retinol being one of the most potent skincare ingredients, it is often considered a controversial choice whilst pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because even when it is applied topically it can be absorbed into the bloodstream and result in multiple effects and problems to the child, whether it is born or not.
With the number of birth defects retinol can cause to the fetus when used or taken during pregnancy. When it comes to breastfeeding and using retinol, there is no scientific evidence suggesting why it’s considered a bad idea to use when breastfeeding. But for peace of mind and understanding that the negative effects of retinol can have on babies, it may be a good idea to avoid using any form of vitamin A or retinoid enriched products until your baby is weaned fully and no longer at risk.
What skincare ingredients to avoid while breastfeeding?
As you may have guessed, it’s not just retinol that should be avoided when breastfeeding. Other products such as makeup, sunscreen, and blemish fighting ingredients should be avoided. Here are some examples of ingredients to give a miss until you have finished your breastfeeding journey.
Retinol
Retinoic acid
Retin-A
Retinoids
Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA)
Salicylic Acid
Diferin
Oxybenzone
Benzoyl Peroxide
You will be able to find these ingredients listed on the packaging, but if you have any concerns consult with your doctor before applying any products to your skin. Ideally the best skincare ingredients to use whilst pregnant and breastfeeding are those considered non-comedogenic which basically means they do not clog the pores. I’ll be explaining more about this in the next section of today’s post.
What skincare can I use while breastfeeding?
Now, if you had yourself a well-established skincare routine before pregnancy, chances are you’re itching to crack it back out and slather it all over the skin. Heaven knows you’re in need of your all-time favourite serums and lotions after those late night and early morning feeds. The only problem is, it isn’t just pregnancy you need to be cautious with when it comes to applying formulas to your skin. As I have already suggested there are some ingredients that should be avoided completely, and I understand how this may feel disheartening, especially if you are desperate to reap the rewards of retinol again. Not to worry as I will now share with you some safe and effective alternatives to use during breastfeeding.
Swap Retinol for Peptides
There’s no denying that if you are wanting a rapid and impressive way of combating signs of ageing, there really is nothing as potent as retinol. Having said that it is strongly advised to not use any form of vitamin A, so the next best thing is, peptides. Peptides are chains of amino acids which work in the lower layers of the skin and provide a boost in collagen production and elastin. This results in the skin looking plumper, youthful, and full of bounce without the worry of harmful side effects of retinol for you and your baby.
Swap Salicylic Acid for Lactic Acid
As effective as salicylic acid is at combating spots and breakouts, the potent BHA is recommended not to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Making the switch to lactic acid will still provide you with similar exfoliating benefits, because the molecular size of lactic acid is very large meaning it is unable to penetrate too far into the skin and cause irritation and other unwanted reactions.
Other highly beneficial skincare ingredients to use whilst breastfeeding, are hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, vitamin E and nourishing oils, such as avocado.
Can I use retinol while pregnant?
No, it is advised to not use retinol at all whilst you are pregnant. Once the retinol absorbs into the blood stream there will be several defects causing damage to the developing fetus. If you have any concerns with any skincare formulas you are applying, stop using them and consult with a doctor to ensure you are safe to continue using them in your daily routine.
What does retinol do to babies?
Retinol when applied topically or ingested in the form of a supplement will cause a number of problems for the developing embryo and fetus, often leading to miscarriage, premature delivery, and many more birth defects, more commonly known as fetal retinoid syndrome.
The reason retinol causes these problems is due to the increase of vitamin A. This vitamin is essential for the body to function properly and helps regulates cellular movements, but with excessive amounts exposed to an embryo will result in teratogenesis, which causes congenital anomalies and disorders.
When should I stop using retinol before pregnancy?
You may be pleased to hear that it only takes 1-2 days for any remaining traces of Retin-A to remove itself from the body. If you are planning to conceive, I would suggest you stop using your retinol product for a least a week, just to be on the safe side. You are then able to reintroduce retinol back into your daily skincare routine once your baby is fully weaned or you have chosen to no longer breastfeed.
There you have a little more information about using retinol whilst breastfeeding. As I have already mentioned, it is important you consult with your doctor to ensure what you are using is safe for you and your baby.
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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.
