Unknown to many, these two products are not suitable for someone pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding.
According to Healthline Tretinoin is a medication used to treat acne and sun-damaged skin. Tretinoin is the generic name for synthetic vitamin A.
Retinol is:
- a natural form of vitamin A
- milder and less irritating to sensitive skin
- available without a prescription
- found in many over-the-counter cosmetics and skin care products
Tretinoin is:
- a synthetic version of vitamin A
- stronger than retinol
- only available with a prescription
- not as well tolerated by sensitive skin
Dr.Laura Munyazi Mwangi who is the founder of Dr Alora Skin and Hair product has advice for retinol users.
Laura is a pharmacist, aesthetician and an Organic skincare formulator. Taking to her socials to advise her customers, she advised
“Retinol can be dangerous during —leading to developmental issues in the unborn baby.
Retinol and similar Vitamin A derivatives should be avoided during pregnancy.”
She took to her socials to advise potential mums and nursing mums on what to use for clear skin.
Niacinamide: Great for brightening and calming skin.
Azelaic Acid: Fights acne and hyperpigmentation safely.
Aloe Vera Gel: Soothing and hydrating for all skin types.
To the young mother in this story: My heart goes out to you.
Janet Chencha, known to many as Jaycee is the founder and CEO of Juicy Skin & Coils Kenya. Among the products she sells is products with Retinol.
She explains that there are different types of retinol.
“There are many forms of Retinol and all work differently.
Retinol is something that has a lot of research behind it and that’s why you are told what categories of people shouldn’t use it and that’s how it’s known what skin conditions or concerns it’s good for. It’s not this evil thing that people are trying to sell to you. It’s a powerful ingredient with great benefits but not suitable for everyone.”
According to JayCee, Oral retinol is the one that causes birth defects.
Isotretinoin also known as Accutane is an oral retinol normally prescribed for people with acne. It has to be prescribed and used under the direction of a doctor.
Kenyans online have shared their experiences and views.
Myra Denousse: When I was put on Isotretinoin oral and retinoids, the first thing the dermatologist asked was if I intended to get another child. I said no and she told me even up to 2/3 years, it’s still working in your system. I can’t say it should be removed from the market because it’s often used as a last resort for acne treatment, especially cystic acne which is what I had, I had tried everything else and was so desperate, not to mention mine was hereditary and hormonal, best decision I ever made. One day I’ll gather the courage to share my photos, it truly helped my self-esteem.
Mumbua Mwanthi: Retinol is contra-indicated in pregnancy but people don’t listen! oh, they want to look good for their men at the expense of the babies.Alafu the same men will leave them in the desert without water.
Ma Jay: vitamin A is clearly contraindicated in pregnancy and anything reproductive health but people never listen, all they want is flawless skin.
Akinyi Ogada: Thank God I’m allergic to that retinol.
I wanted clear plumpy skin, then got me The ordinary retinol …si mwiliimekataa .I got this burning-like feeling the whole time . I left and I’ve never tried any product with retinol again.
Wasonga Kondiek: Women never listen. Most of them are so obsessed with skin care products that have very highly toxic chemicals. Retinol is just one of the many they use.
Retinol is used at night or before you go to sleep, as it can break down in the sunlight and worsen your skin sensitivity.
Tretinoin should be used at night and before bed to avoid exposure to sunlight. Talk with your doctor before using retinol or retinoids.
Because of the risk of side effects like skin irritation, redness, and peeling skin, it may be best to ease into using a product by applying OTC retinol every other day or so. This helps your skin get used to the product.
If you aren’t seeing the results you want with retinol, talk with your dermatologist about switching to retinoids. It is important to note that, high doses of retinol may increase the risk of skin cancer.
by PENINAH NJOKI
