Is Retinol Safe To Use During Pregnancy?

Retinol, also known as Vitamin A1, is a common ingredient in skincare products. Under normal circumstances, it is well-tolerated at normal doses. It is common in anti-aging treatments due to its positive effects on the skin. However, pregnant women may want to avoid it because it can be dangerous even in otherwise normal doses.

What Is Retinol Used For?

Retinol and other Vitamin A derivatives are often used in skincare products that reduce inflammation, support stronger skin and help diminish the effects of aging. Furthermore, Vitamin A is an essential micronutrient for good health and wellness. In fact, Vitamin A deficiency is a common pregnancy issue in many places around the world.

However, this issue is well-handled in the United States and other Western countries. Since excess Vitamin A can also cause issues, it is best to skip the skincare products with it in them. So, for example, the best blemish oil for pregnant women should be natural without Vitamin A or retinol. Many of these alternatives can just as effective, if not more so.

In general, opting for more natural products is usually a good idea, especially for pregnant women or people with sensitive skin. The increase and improvement in all-natural health and beauty items like vegan face wash mean that you don’t have to choose between gentle, natural ingredients and effective products.

What if You’ve Already Used Retinol While Pregnant?

Although doctors recommend avoiding Vitamin-A based skincare formulations during pregnancy, the risk is fairly low. So, if you’ve been using a less-than-ideal product such as one with retinol, there is no reason to panic. Nonetheless, it is a good idea to make the switch as soon as possible. As with many other risks during pregnancy, the likelihood of a problem may low but why risk it?

What Other Products Are a Concern?

Some other skincare ingredients are also best avoided during pregnancy. For example, salicylic acid is related to aspirin and should be skipped. You may use this as a hormonal acne treatment. Although it is an effective product for this, there are many others that work equally as well or better. Some of these are all-natural and safe for use during pregnancy.

Willow bark is similarly related to aspirin and many doctors recommend avoiding it. It is used as a pain reliever and treatment for inflammation. Products including this typically only have a low dose but are nonetheless best left until after the pregnancy.

Going Natural

There are many excellent products today that use all-natural and low-risk ingredients. Pregnant women and anyone else who is cautious about what they put on their skin either by choice or necessity can benefit from opting for gentler products.

Whether you want something for washing your face, treating acne or helping reduce puffiness, there are safe and effective products available. Take some time to research alternatives to the big brands. You may find that you prefer the more natural approach to health and beauty. Whether you are pregnant or not, you can feel good about choosing products that are kinder to your skin.