Retinol is a type of retanoid derived from vitamin A. There are synthetic and natural forms of it, and it can go by different names - vitamin A, retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate, all-trans retinoic acid, and tretinoin.
It is traditionally used in skin care products to reverse signs of aging or as an acne treatment. But, as we know, many things widely available are not safe.
Safety
Safety around retinol seems to be controversial, and we really need more studies to determine safety. What we do know is that retinol can be highly concentrated which means it can cause major irritation to the skin and actually increase skin sensitivity. Dermatitis, erythema (redness), scaling/dryness, peeling, burning or stinging, and irritation of the skin are common adverse reactions reported with retinol use.
Mamas
Retinol is an ingredient that should be avoided when pregnant or breastfeeding (red flag). Especially in the first trimester, synthetic and natural retinol can be dangerous, and can lead to spontaneous abortions and fetal malformations, including microcephaly (small heads), cardiac problems, and thymus abnormalities.
Remember, whatever you put on your skin can be absorbed into your bloodstream and therefore pass through to your baby via the placenta or breastmilk.
Alternative
The safest and most effective alternative to retinol is bakuchiol.
Bakuchiol is derived from the plant Psoralea corylifolia, otherwise known as the babchi plant, and has been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic skin care remedies for centuries. Multiple studies show it to be just as effective as retinol without the side effects. It can even work for sensitive skin.
Products
Beautycounter offers a blend of bakuchiol and Swiss alpine rose in the Countertime line.
Antioxidant-rich Swiss alpine rose further reinforces the skin's ability to protect itself from oxidative stress. It grows at the highest altitudes of the Swiss Alps, and is renowned for its remarkable ability to protect itself against dehydration and other environmental stressors.
Countertime products are the safest, most effective ones that I have found in terms of anti-aging.
If you would like some samples, request them here.
xo,
Madison
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