You’ve made it through childbirth, and now you’re dealing with the aftermath. Stretch marks and sagging skin. Two things you have probably heard retinol can help with. But can you use retinol while breastfeeding? This is a very loaded question, so we want to take our time in answering it with all the necessary nuance.
The good news we’ll share right away, though, is you don’t have to wait until you’re done breastfeeding to start nourishing and restoring your skin. You just need a breastfeeding-safe retinol alternative, and there are plenty of those. Our go-to, though, are centella asiatica and hyaluronic acid - both of which are in 8 Sheep Organics’ stretch mark products. Learn more below!
Key Takeaways
- Most dermatologists advise against using topical retinol during breastfeeding.
- Oral retinoids like isotretinoin are an absolute no-go.
- Centella asiatica, hyaluronic acid, bakuchiol, azelaic acid, and vitamin C are all breastfeeding-safe retinol alternative ingredients.
- You can start using retinol as soon as you’re done breastfeeding - but you may find that 8 Sheep Organics stretch mark cream is all you need.
What is Retinol?
This vitamin A derivative speeds up skin cell turnover, boosts collagen production, and helps fade dark spots while smoothing texture. It’s a really versatile ingredient in skincare, and it’s also one of the most closely studied. We know it works. That’s not really in question.
There’s a distinction between over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription retinoids, though. OTC retinol - what you’d find in serums and moisturizers - is weaker. It gradually converts to retinoic acid after application.
On the other hand, prescription options deliver that retinoic acid more directly at a higher strength. Common options include tretinoin and adapalene. Many of these are oral, but there are also topical prescriptions.
Why Women Want to Use Retinol Postpartum
You know as well as anyone that pregnancy changes skin. Hormonal shifts during and after pregnancy can trigger melasma, acne, and other signs of aging. That’s not to mention the stretch marks and sagging skin you’re left with in the wake of giving birth. Sleep deprivation and stress certainly aren’t doing your skin any favors, either.
Retinol can address quite a few of these skin concerns. Texture, tone, fine lines, and breakouts are all things you’ll see retinol prescribed for, and even OTC products can make a measurable difference.
It’s well-known that you cannot use retinol during pregnancy, but you may feel the urge to restart it right after giving birth and welcoming your little one earth side. But can you use retinol while breastfeeding?
Can You Use Retinol While Breastfeeding?
The short answer is probably not. This is one of those things where you’d rather be safe than sorry. And with so many great breastfeeding-safe retinol alternative ingredients out here, there’s no reason to risk it.
But what’s the concern with retinol during breastfeeding?
Oral Retinol
Oral retinoids (like isotretinoin) are contraindicated during breastfeeding. There’s no gray area here. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King says, “Systemic retinoids, like isotretinoin, can cause birth defects, and therefore we do not recommend using retinoids of any kind during pregnancy or breastfeeding, despite minimal systemic absorption.”1
Any oral form of retinol will more than likely pass into the breast milk you’re feeding your baby. Can you use retinol while breastfeeding if you use topical products, though?
Topical Retinol
This is more convoluted. OTC retinol products absorb less than 2% into the bloodstream. There’s research straight from the InfantRisk Center at Texas Tech University saying that repeatedly applying topical retinol, even at high doses, won’t meaningfully change blood levels of retinol.2
Yes, many dermatologists still say it’s best to avoid topical retinol while breastfeeding. There are no controlled clinical trials looking at topical retinol in breastfeeding women specifically. And when the stakes are this high, why take chances?
Is it Worth the Risk?
We agree with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson, who is a faculty member at Yale School of Medicine. She says, “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. The risk/reward ratio just isn't worth it.”1
What’s a Breastfeeding-Safe Retinol Alternative?
You don’t have to wait until you’re done breastfeeding to start nourishing your skin after pregnancy. You just need to choose a good breastfeeding-safe retinol alternative.
Centella Asiatica
Centella asiatica (also known as gotu kola or cica) is our personal favorite breastfeeding-safe retinol alternative. It supports collagen synthesis and skin repair, helping to tighten back up loose skin and diminish the appearance of stretch marks.
There’s ample clinical evidence supporting its use, especially if you’re combatting postpartum stretch marks on top of everything else.3
Hyaluronic Acid
This ingredient is completely safe during breastfeeding, and one of the most powerful moisturizing ingredients in the world. It pulls moisture into the skin and improves texture and elasticity from within. Look for a triple-weighted formulation that can penetrate deeper.
Bakuchiol
The most well-known plant-based alternative to retinol. Studies have shown it is comparable to retinol for reducing fine lines and improving skin tone, with less irritation.4 Dr. Heather Rogers says, “Bakuchiol is also considered a safer alternative to retinol during pregnancy or breastfeeding, though this has not been studied in clinical trials.”5
Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid is FDA Pregnancy Category B and considered safe for both pregnancy and breastfeeding, so you can use it in place of retinol - specifically to target acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation.
Vitamin C
This antioxidant brightens the skin, supports collagen production and helps protect the skin against additional UV damage. It’s safe to use during breastfeeding with no concerns regarding systematic absorption. It may not replicate the cell turnover benefits of retinol, but it can help with tone and radiance!
Bottom Line on Retinol and Breastfeeding
In closing, can you use retinol while breastfeeding? It’s really not worth the risk. Even with topical formulas, the stakes are too high. You have so many great breastfeeding-safe retinol alternative ingredients at your disposal.
Look no further than our stretch mark serum at 8 Sheep Organics. It contains both centella asiatica and hyaluronic acid for a one-two punch against stretch marks and dryness. It’s handcrafted in small batches here in the USA and backed by a three-month satisfaction guarantee. See what separates it from other top rated stretch mark creams today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is retinol bad while breastfeeding?
This vitamin A derivative can be harmful to your child if it makes its way into breastmilk. It’s best to avoid retinol while breastfeeding.
How long after birth can I use retinol?
As soon as you stop breastfeeding. There is no washout period. You may want to reintroduce it gradually, though, since your skin can be a little more sensitive postpartum.
What to use instead of retinol when breastfeeding?
Bakuchiol, azelaic acid, vitamin C, centella asiatica, and hyaluronic acid are all breastfeeding safe retinol alternative options with no nursing-related safety concerns. Whether you’re looking for the best belly oil for pregnancy or a stretch mark cream, try the True Belly Serum at 8 Sheep Organics!
References
- King, H. and Mraz Robinson, D. Quoted in "Is It Safe To Use Retinol When Breastfeeding?" Glam. Glam
- InfantRisk Center. "Retinoid Skincare and Nursing: What New Moms Should Know." Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. InfantRisk
- Garcia Hernandez JA, et al. "Use of a specific anti-stretch mark cream for preventing or reducing the severity of striae gravidarum." International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2013;35(3):233-237. Wiley
- Dhaliwal S, et al. "Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing." British Journal of Dermatology, 2019;180(2):289-296. PubMed
- Rogers, H. "Meet Bakuchiol: The Better Retinol Alternative for Sensitive Skin." Doctor Rogers Skincare. Doctor Rogers
