Can I Use Retinol While Breastfeeding?
No, you should not use retinol when breastfeeding. Learn the reasons why and explore some skincare alternatives.Medically reviewed by Rebecca Agi, MS, IBCLCMedically reviewed by Rebecca Agi, MS, IBCLCYou may be wondering if it's safe to use retinol when you're breastfeeding. The answer is no. It's best to avoid retinol when breastfeeding. "There are controversial opinions on this topic, as the amount [of retinol] absorbed into the bloodstream may be quite minimal," explains Deanne Mraz-Robinson, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Westport, Connecticut. "However, what we do know is that maternal use of synthetic vitamin A (retinoids) during nursing can result in multiple effects on the child."Follow along to learn why and take a closer look at this vitamin A-derivative touted by dermatologists for being an effective way to maintain clear, smooth skin.
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Why You Should Not Use Retinol While BreastfeedingIf you've come to count on retinol as part of your skincare routine, you may not want to give it up. But it is generally considered to be unsafe to use the ingredient while breastfeeding, so it's best to relegate it to the back of your shelf until you're done nursing."Systemic retinoids, like isotretinoin, can cause birth defects, and therefore we do not recommend using retinoids of any kind during breastfeeding, despite minimal systemic absorption," says Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York.While more research is needed to fully understand the amount of topical retinol that is actually absorbed into the bloodstream, we know that it can impact the development of a nursing child.Side Effects of Using Retinol While BreastfeedingWhen applied topically, it's unknown how much retinol is passed to your child through your milk. Because retinol has been shown to cause birth defects in children when used during pregnancy, it's best to avoid it to prevent any risk of passing it to your baby."There isn’t evidence to support this; but since there isn’t evidence to absolutely approve its safety, we advise against it in this patient population," Dr. Mraz-Robinson explains. "The risk/reward ratio just isn’t worth it."The bottom line on why retinol is bad while breastfeeding is simple: since we do not know for sure that it won't harm your baby, it is not worth the potential risks.What Is Retinol?Retinol is a skincare ingredient available in over the counter products primarily used to prevent aging. If you've ever walked down the beauty aisle at your local drugstore or browsed a department store skincare counter, chances are you've encountered retinol—whether in its prescription retinoid form or as over-the-counter retinol. Despite its popularity, however, retinol remains a misunderstood ingredient.Understanding retinolRetinols are available in over-the-counter skincare products, while retinoids are a prescription-strength segment of the category, offering a higher concentration of retinoid acid.Topical retinoids help to prevent and treat clogged pores, because they increase the turnover of skin cells.Topical retinoids also decrease the discoloration that can be left after a pimple, reducing the healing time for acne.Over-the-counter retinols are available in 0.005% to 1% strengths. Prescription retinoids are available in even higher strengths. Higher strengths often warrant harsher side effects, as the ingredient can be incredibly drying. It can cause peeling and raw skin.Retinol beginners who are not nursing should add it to their routines slowly in order to build tolerance. You may eventually be able to use it daily, but many apply it just a few times a week. It is advised to consult with your healthcare provider or dermatologist before starting a retinol.When Can I Resume Using Retinol After Nursing?Since any risk of passing retinol to your child through your milk will go away when you stop breastfeeding, you can incorporate retinol back into your regimen (or try it for the first time) as soon as you are done nursing."Retinols can be very helpful when nursing has ceased," says Dr. Mraz-Robinson. "It can help to revive tired, dull complexion and shed hyperpigmentation from hormonally induced acne." However, it's always important to consult with your dermatologist before using the ingredient, breastfeeding or not.Breastfeeding-Safe Alternatives to RetinolJust because you can't use retinol during the entirety of your breastfeeding journey doesn't mean you have to forgo your skincare routine. There are a wide variety of breastfeeding-safe alternatives that offer similar benefits to retinol without the potential side effects. Here are some of the ingredients considered safe for use while breastfeeding.BakuchiolBakuchiol is one of the trendiest ingredients in recent years, but the babchi plant extract actually has a long history of usage in Ayurvedic medicine."Bakuchiol is one of the few retinol alternatives for which studies back up the pseudo-retinol effect of anti-aging and skin brightening," Dr. King says. "A study in the British Journal of Dermatology found that it could reduce signs of sun damage equally as well as retinol, while another paper in International Journal of Cosmetic Science reported improvements in lines and wrinkles, skin elasticity, and pigmentation."By working with the same receptors that retinol uses, bakuchiol helps prevent and treat fine lines and wrinkles and pigmentation—and it can improve skin's elasticity and firmness.Azelaic acidAzelaic acid, also used as an alternative to the acne-treatment salicylic acid during pregnancy, is a natural compound that is particularly great for treating acne.While it may not boast quite the same anti-aging effects as retinol, it can absolutely help prevent and treat postpartum pimples. (Plus, you can always combine it with hydrating hyaluronic acid.)Vitamin CIf you're hoping to address hyperpigmentation and scarring, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better breastfeeding-safe option than vitamin C. The antioxidant protects cells from signs of aging and damage by fighting off free radicals. It also plays a large role in the skin's collagen production, which is responsible for elasticity and evening skin tone. Key TakeawaysNo, you should not use retinol while breastfeeding due to the potential risk of passing it to your child through breast milk, which could cause birth defects. Though there is limited research on this topic, it's best to stay clear of retinols while breastfeeding just in case.
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