Question about Retinol?

Question

I want to start using retinol .... what % strenght should I use and do I have to stop if I get pregnant

Answer 1

Yes, you absolutely have to stop if you get pregnant or have ANY chance of being pregnant. Retinol and pregnancy don't mix.

As far as what strength you need, get a recommendation from someone that works where you would buy it. This would be the time to visit a Sephora or department store so that you can make the right decision. If you are looking at regular OTC retinol, like that of Oil of Olay or Roc, then just pick up whatever brand you are comfortable with. Be sure the store has a good return policy so that if it doesn't work with your skin, you care get your money back.


"Safety in pregnancy

Although normal fetal development requires sufficient vitamin A intake, consumption of excess preformed vitamin A (retinol) during pregnancy is known to cause birth defects. No increase in the risk of vitamin A-associated birth defects has been observed at doses of preformed vitamin A from supplements below 3,000 mcg/day (10,000 IU/day) (18). Since a number of foods in the U.S. are fortified with preformed vitamin A, pregnant women should avoid multivitamin or prenatal supplements that contain more than 1,500 mcg (5,000 IU) of vitamin A (34). Vitamin A from beta-carotene is not known to increase the risk of birth defects. Etretinate and isotretinoin (Accutane), synthetic derivatives of retinol, are known to cause birth defects and should not be taken during pregnancy or if there is a possibility of becoming pregnant. Tretinoin (Retin-A), another retinol derivative, is prescribed as a topical preparation that is applied to the skin. Because of the potential for systemic absorption of topical tretinoin, its use during pregnancy is not recommended."

http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/vitaminA/

Answer 2

stop if you get pregnaunt and have ur doctor choose the percent