Anti-Aging Bakuchiol: A Pregnancy-Safe Alternative to Retinol

Is there a pregnancy-safe alternative to retinol for anti-aging? The simple answer: yes! Meet bakuchiol for pregnancy.

During your pregnancy, it's natural to feel a large amount of uncertainty, especially surrounding what you're putting into your body. Many medical professionals advise against using certain products. However, often these professionals don't explain the reasons why, or offer any substitutes. Not to mention, pregnancy often changes the quality of your skin. This makes an anti-aging skincare routine during pregnancy hard to navigate. This article dives into bakuchiol, a pregnancy-safe alternative to retinol. Additionally, we'll also recommend some products that contain this powerful ingredient.

Why Shouldn’t I Use Retinol When I Am Pregnant?

In simple terms, retinol is a vitamin A derivative. It helps to speed up cell division. It also prevents collagen from breaking down. As a result, retinol helps the skin to maintain its elasticity and encourages more youthful skin to form.

However, a collection of studies show that very high doses of vitamin A can potentially cause harm to unborn children. More specifically, oral retinoids, such as the common prescription drug, accutane, may cause serious birth defects and damage to pregnant women.

Furthermore, topical retinoids, such as retinol serums, are safe for pregnant women. However, many doctors advise against these products as a preventative measure.

What Anti-Aging Product Can I Use Instead of Retinol During Pregnancy? Bakuchiol!

As mentioned previously, retinol is an incredible asset for any anti-aging skincare routine. This is due to its ability to increase healthy cell turnover and create healthier, younger-looking skin overall. Luckily, if you are pregnant, there are a multitude of substitutes that offer the same anti-aging benefits.

For example, vitamin C serums such as Endocare's C Ferulic Edafence Serum contain powerful antioxidants. These offer protection against harmful free radicals. Free radicals are responsible for breaking down our skin's collagen and are one of the leading causes of aging skin. The topical application of vitamin C serums makes them a safe and easy anti-aging treatment for pregnant women. These types of products also help to treat hyperpigmentation, making them suitable for stubborn dark spots and acne scars.

Moreover, rosehip oil, often found in serums, is safe for pregnant women. It also helps to reduce the appearance of stretch marks after pregnancy. This is because rosehip oil stimulates metabolic changes within the skin. This helps to provide a brighter and blemish-free complexion. The Bia Facial Oil by Codex Beauty utilises rosehip to soothe, regenerate and heal the skin.

Finally, Bakuchiol is an effective alternative to retinol that's also suitable for use during pregnancy. Bakuchiol is a natural alternative to retinol. It also has a gentler nature. Despite this, bakuchiol helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as create a firmer and even surface for the skin.

Bakuchiol & Pregnancy: Is Bakuchiol Safe to Use During Pregnancy?

As with every skincare product, it's best to consult a medical professional if you are uncertain about the effects of any ingredients. That being said, studies show bakuchiol to be safe for use when pregnant.

Bakuchiol is an antioxidant made from the seeds of the corylifolia plant. Due to its natural properties and origin, bakuchiol offers less irritation and harmful effects on unborn children. This makes it an effective alternative to retinol.

Is Bakuchiol the Same as Retinol? What Are the Main Differences?

Even though bakuchiol and retinol offer the same incredible benefits for anti-aging, there are some major differences between the two ingredients.

One difference is that bakuchiol is a natural substance. It is formed using a particular plant, rather than being manufactured in a highly controlled setting. On the other hand, retinol is synthetic.

Moreover, bakuchiol is less abrasive. This makes it suitable for daily use as part of both your morning and evening skincare routine. As a result, bakuchiol can offer more consistent and improved results in a shorter span of time. However, retinol can only be used as part of your night-time routine. This is because retinol removes a layer of dead skin from the upper surface of the skin, making you more vulnerable to sun damage.

Finally, due to its more natural properties, bakuchiol is less irritating for those with sensitive skin. As a result, bakuchiol is less likely to leave your skin damaged and inflamed.

In contrast, retinol is irritating for those with sensitive skin. This is due to its ability to dry out the skin very quickly. This is why it is advised to add retinol into your skincare routine gradually, so that your skin can become familiar with the product.

How Safe Is Anti-Aging Skincare During Pregnancy?

We advise that you consult your doctor before using any skincare product during pregnancy. Adding on to this, there are a few products not recommended for use during pregnancy.

For example, clinical advice recommends steering clear of any vitamin A derivatives, as well as oral retinoids. This includes retinol, retinyl acetate, retinyl linoleate, retinyl palmitate and retinyl proprionate.

Furthermore, many medical professionals dismiss the use of salicylates, such as salicylic acid. Thus, it is important to make sure that you are not using any exfoliants or undergoing any facial treatments that contain this ingredient.

Again, as with any skincare product, make sure to check the label or consult a professional before using any product that you are unsure of.

What Is the Best Bakuchiol Pregnancy Product?

At Dermoi, we offer a wide selection of skincare products, all applicable to different types of skin. Our favourite bakuchiol product is the ‘Bakuchiol Reface Pads’ from Indeed Labs.

Packed with bakuchiol and powerful niacinamide, this anti-aging product helps to repair damaged skin and the effects of sun damage. As well as this, your complexion appears fuller, and plumper.

What Are the Benefits of Using Bakuchiol for Anti-Aging?

Bakuchiol is more suited for regular use when compared to retinol. Therefore, this makes it a staple anti-aging piece in both your morning and evening skincare routine. Adding on to this, bakuchiol also causes less irritation. As a result, your skin remains plumper and less inflamed. This allows a more even complexion to form. Finally, many studies suggest that due to its more subtle properties, the positive effects of bakuchiol last longer than retinol. In summary, bakuchiol is a powerful force against aging skin.

Pregnancy is both an exciting and uncertain time, which can often make your skincare routine less consistent. However, this doesn't mean that you can't maintain and upkeep your radiant-looking skin. If you're looking to boost your anti-aging pregnancy skincare routine, why not try using bakuchiol and reinventing your anti-aging routine?