Can you use retinol while breastfeeding?

Many people use retinol as a skincare ingredient to combat deep wrinkles, prevent acne, and preserve a youthful glow. However, if you are a lactating mother then you may be wondering if you can use retinol while breastfeeding and whether it can have any impact on the health of your baby. 

Dermatologists recommend this vitamin A derivative as an effective strategy to preserve clear, smooth skin. Despite its potency, retinol continues to be a contentious chemical to use throughout pregnancy and after delivery.

In this article, we will discuss whether you can use retinol while breastfeeding. Read to the end to find out all the information you need to know about using retinol, especially in lactating mothers.

What is retinol?

One of the most well-known skin-care chemicals is retinol. Retinol is an over-the-counter (OTC) form of retinoids (a type of vitamin A) that is mostly used to treat wrinkles and acne.

Retinols are not the same as prescription retinoids, which are more potent. When compared to OTC retinoids such as retinaldehyde and retinyl palmitate, retinol remains the most powerful OTC form available.

How does retinol work?

Vitamin A is obtained from both the plant source as provitamin A (carotenoids) and animal source as retinoids. In humans, carotenoids are bio-converted to retinol, which is a form of retinoid.

The tiny molecules that make up retinol travel deep beneath the epidermis (top layer of skin) into the dermis to neutralize any free radicals that could be causing wrinkles and aging. 

Once retinol reaches the main layer of the skin, it stimulates the formation of elastin and collagen, resulting in a “plumping” effect that can help to lessen the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and enlarged pores.

While retinol is sometimes used to treat acne and accompanying scarring, severe acne is normally treated with a prescription retinoid in combination with other anti-inflammatory and antibacterial drugs.

Although retinol is not an exfoliant, it is able to smoothen the skin’s surface, which assists to enhance texture and tone.

What is retinol used for?

Retinol is mainly used for treating wrinkles, fine lines, skin damage due to sunburn, uneven skin texture, etc. Try using your retinol-containing skincare product every day to get the best effects. It could take a few weeks or months before you see any noticeable changes.

Benefits of retinol

Retinol may be beneficial for;

• Mild acne treatment
• Decrease some sun damage to your skin
• Lessen symptoms of aging, such as wrinkles around the eyes
• Improve the overall appearance of your skin

Side effects of retinol

Just like most medications, retinol has some side effects. Retinol users frequently suffer dry, itchy skin, particularly after using a new treatment. Other possible adverse effects include irritation, redness, and peeling skin. 

To reduce the severity of these adverse effects, begin using your retinol every other night, gradually increasing to regular use. If your skin irritation persists, you should seek medical advice from a dermatologist.

Better yet, consult a dermatologist before beginning to use a retinol product to ensure that it is appropriate for your skin.

Can you use retinol while breastfeeding?

It is not recommended that you use retinol when you are breastfeeding. Because retinol is one of the most potent skincare components, it’s a controversial subject when it comes to using it while pregnant or breastfeeding. 

Retinol is known to be teratogenic in large doses and since it can be absorbed into the bloodstream even when given topically, causing numerous impacts and issues in the born or unborn child, the manufacturer suggests that it is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers unless the benefits outweigh the risks.

Hence, to be on the safer side, avoid using retinol while breastfeeding or when you are pregnant.

How Soon After Pregnancy Can You Start Using Retinol?

You can resume taking retinol (or try it for the first time) once you’ve finished breastfeeding without worrying about passing it on through your breastmilk. 

Retinol may be advantageous after a woman has concluded her pregnancy and breastfeeding. This product may help to decrease or eradicate acne-related hyperpigmentation.

Whether you are nursing or not, you should always see your dermatologist before taking any medicine.

What does retinol do to babies?

When retinol is administered topically or consumed as a supplement, it can cause a variety of issues for the developing embryo and fetus, including miscarriage, premature delivery, and a variety of other birth disorders, a condition known as a fetal retinoid syndrome. 

The increase in vitamin A due to retinol overdose/overuse causes these malfunctions. 

Vitamin A is necessary for the body’s correct functioning and aids in the regulation of cellular motions; nevertheless, excessive amounts given to an embryo can cause teratogenesis, which causes congenital malformations and illnesses.

Skincare Alternatives that are Safe to Use While Breastfeeding

For some people, retinol is their main skincare product and they might find it hard to switch to a different skincare product. Since retinol use is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding, you can try other skincare alternatives like those below. 

Azelaic acid

Apart from being a good acne treatment, azelaic acid, a natural molecule that can be substituted for salicylic acid during pregnancy, is also a powerful anti-aging agent. 

Over the course of six months, azelaic acid was just as effective as prescription retinoids, and it was significantly more acceptable than retinoids. While it doesn’t have the same anti-aging properties as retinol, it can help prevent and treat postpartum acne.

It’s just that it is less effective. Additionally, hyaluronic acid can be used to hydrate your skin as needed.

Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol is one of the few retinol alternatives that has been shown to help with anti-aging and skin whitening. Bakuchiol acts in the same way that retinol does in terms of preventing and treating fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation while also improving skin elasticity and suppleness. 

Bakuchiol accomplishes this by attaching to the same retinol receptors. The plant extract has been demonstrated to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots when used on a daily basis.

Vitamin C

Because vitamin C is a healthy vitamin to take while breastfeeding, it is a good choice for minimizing hyperpigmentation and scarring. The fundamental purpose of an antioxidant is to protect cells from the harmful effects of aging and free radical damage. 

In addition, the procedure involves the production of collagen, which is responsible for skin suppleness and a more even skin tone.

Skincare products to avoid while breastfeeding 

While not all cosmetics are dangerous to newborns, there are a few that should be avoided at all costs. Here are some skincare products that you need to avoid while breastfeeding.

Makeup 

Make sure to avoid makeup products that contain salicylic acid, retinoic acid, retinol retinyl linoleate, palmitate, Retin-A, Differin, Tazarotene, and Tazorac.

Sunscreens 

Certain chemicals found in sunscreens may be harmful during breastfeeding and pregnancy.

Acne treatments 

Avoid acne treatment products that contain BHA retinoids (also known as Beta Hydroxy Acid Retinoids)

Sodium salicylate (or choose products that contain no more than 2%)

Article summary 

Retinoids are well-known for their anti-aging and acne-fighting properties. They should not be used during pregnancy or nursing, though. It has the potential to be detrimental to the infant.