This includes skincare—and more specifically, the use of retinol, an ingredient that's linked to brighter, smoother skin.
Learn more about the benefits and risks here.
Pregnancy comes with many changes.
“Oral vitamin A products have been shown to cause congenital disabilities, including cardiac, craniofacial, and nervous system anomalies,” explains Michele Farber, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist.
While there is no definitive evidence about using topical retinoids during pregnancy, Dr. Farber advises to "exercise caution given the high risks." Ahead, the best alternatives for pregnant women.
“Vitamin C is great for stimulating collagen, improving discoloration, and combating environmental damage,” says Dr. Farber.
Peptides are chains of amino acids that “help give the skin the building blocks for collagen,” says Dr. Farber.
A 2019 study found that “bakuchiol and retinol both significantly decreased wrinkle surface area and hyperpigmentation, with no statistical difference between the two compounds.”