Phyto-retinol : Pregnancy Safe Alternative to Retinol
December 25, 2024Retinol is the multitasking powerhouse in skincare for a reason, especially in reducing wrinkles and acne. Retinol is most commonly used in serums and creams to target the visible signs of ageing, breakouts, texture, and skin tone. Retinol can benefit the skin in many ways by increasing skin cell turnover. However is it safe to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding? If not, what are the alternatives and how can one incorporate them into their skincare routine, let's see it all.
What is Retinol?
Retinol is a fat-soluble form of vitamin A, a type of retinoid that your skin converts into retinoic acid. These retinoids are powerful antioxidants, that increase skin cell turnover, stimulate collagen production, and treat acne. However, it’s important to acknowledge that while the benefits of retinol are unparalleled, some people face common side effects such as irritation, sensitivity, dryness, uneven texture, skin flakiness, redness, and heightened photosensitivity.
Can Retinol be used during pregnancy?
Research shows that an excess of Vitamin A, which all retinoids are derived from, is linked to birth defects. The risks of using retinoids and possibly retinol during pregnancy include a condition called “fetal retinoid syndrome.” This is a pattern of physical and mental birth defects that form in direct relation to retinoids.
The type of deformity and severity varies but it tends to impact prenatal and postnatal growth. The most common abnormalities that may occur with the use of retinol and retinoids are craniofacial, cardiac, central nervous system, and thymic malformations.
Craniofacial malformations - Some infants have shown abnormalities in their facial structures when retinoids are used during pregnancy.
Cardiac malformations - potential cardiovascular (heart) abnormalities, which involve malformation of the heart, which may include a hole in the heart, hypoplastic left heart syndrome etc.
Other deformities that can occur are the following: Malformations of the spine and legs, hypotonia, anophthalmia, and webbed fingers.
Are there alternatives to Retinol during pregnancy?
If you’re using retinol for anti-ageing purposes, you can use products with phytoretinols. Phyto-retinol refers to plant-derived substances that mimic the effects of traditional retinol without the associated risks, particularly useful for those looking for safer alternatives during pregnancy and breastfeeding. These natural ingredients are rich in pro-vitamin A and are believed to provide similar anti-aging and acne-fighting benefits. Due to the common side effects associated with traditional retinol, many skincare enthusiasts are searching for alternatives for treating acne and aging skin.
Pytoretinols such as Revinage, Bakuchiol, and Rosehip Seed oil can be considered as alternatives to traditional retinol during pregnancy.
Revinage is the latest star ingredient closely resembling traditional retinol. Sourced from Bidens pilosa, Murumuru butter, Linseed oil, and Cottonseed oil, Revinage mimics the same results as retinol such as the ability to improve collagen production, address the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and minimize signs of hyperpigmentation.
Bakuchiol is a botanical extract derived from the Psoralea corylifolia plant that performs through the same retinoid receptors in the skin but has no structural resemblance to retinol.
Benefits of Revinage
Revinage exhibits the same effects as retinol without the side effects. It can improve cell turnover, smooth out wrinkles, fine lines, and dullness, and reduce acne, dark spots, pigmentation and irregular texture. To notice visible results one must use Revinage for a great period consistently and regularly.
Safe for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Revinage not only provides anti-aging benefits but is also generally considered safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. However, it’s always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before introducing any new product into your skincare regimen during these periods. Testing products on a small area of skin first can also help prevent adverse reactions.
Juicy Chemistry Phyto-retinol Advanced Serum Moisturiser
To ensure a safe skincare routine during pregnancy and breastfeeding, consider using the Juicy Chemistry Phyto-retinol Advanced Serum Moisturiser as a Retinol alternative. This product combines the benefits of Revinage, Bakuchiol, and Rosehip Seed Oil, effectively targeting signs of aging while stimulating collagen and elastin production to enhance the skin's firmness, structure, strength, and resilience. Additionally, it supports and strengthens the skin barrier, providing antioxidant and soothing effects. Enriched with Moringa and Aloe Vera Juice, this face serum also helps brighten the skin and prevents moisture loss.
References
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3114665/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29947134/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6470929/
https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/fetal-retinoid-syndrome/
