If you're pregnant or planning to have a baby, you've probably come across a long list of things to avoid. From certain foods to medications, some things that are safe for others can be dangerous during pregnancy.
Among these, one alarming beauty product that many doctors warn about is retinol, a popular ingredient in many anti-ageing and acne products.
Recently, Dr Laraib Shahid, PharmD, reacted to a TikTok video explaining why pregnant women are advised to stop using retinol.
The video shows heartbreaking images of children born with birth defects, such as cleft palate syndrome and underdeveloped skulls, possibly linked to retinol use during pregnancy.
But why is retinol considered dangerous for expectant mothers?
What is retinol?
Retinol is a form of Vitamin A that is widely used in skincare products. It’s commonly found in anti-ageing creams, serums, and acne treatments.
Retinol works by speeding up cell turnover, which helps to reduce wrinkles, acne, and dark spots. While it’s highly effective for skincare, its strength is what makes it risky for pregnant women.
Why retinol is dangerous during pregnancy
According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), Foetal Retinoid Syndrome is a condition where mental and physical birth defects can occur if a mother takes retinoids during pregnancy.
Retinoids, like isotretinoin (commonly known as Accutane), are used to treat severe acne but are known to cause developmental issues in a foetus.
The risk of birth defects varies, with reported malformation rates in liveborn infants ranging from 5% to 20%.
These defects can affect the skull, face, brain, heart, and other organs, depending on when the exposure occurs during pregnancy. Because of these risks, retinoids should not be used by pregnant women.
Specific birth defects linked to retinol use
Shahid reacted to a TikTok video that highlighted several birth defects that have been linked to retinol use during pregnancy. These birth defects include:
@scotsman.x POV: you took it personal
♬ Let It All Work Out - lil wayne’s intern
Cleft palate: A condition where a baby’s mouth or lip doesn't fully form, leaving a gap.
Cranial defects: The skull may not develop properly, leading to severe issues with the brain and head formation.
Heart defects: Babies may be born with holes in their hearts or other serious cardiovascular problems.
Eye and ear deformities: Some babies may be born with malformed eyes or ears, leading to vision or hearing problems.
Intellectual disabilities: Retinoid exposure can also affect brain development, leading to cognitive problems later in life.
Doctors have been aware of these risks for decades, which is why retinol is often on the list of things to avoid during pregnancy.
How does retinol harm the baby?
Retinol affects the development of the baby’s organs in the womb. During pregnancy, the baby’s body is rapidly developing, especially in the first trimester.
Retinoids can interfere with this process by altering the way cells grow and divide. This can lead to malformations in the baby’s face, skull, heart and brain.
In South Africa, birth defects are a significant health concern. According to the Western Cape Government In South Africa, it is estimated that 1 in every 40 babies has one or another birth defect and 1 in 10 will develop an inherited disorder during their lifetime.
What are the causes of birth defects?
The causes of many birth defects are still unknown.
Genetic disorders are caused by genetic or hereditary factors, i.e. they can recur in the same family and can be passed from one generation to the next.
Some disorders are caused by external or environmental factors, such as viral infections, medicines, and alcohol that harm the unborn baby; they are not hereditary.
Multi-factorial disorders arise from the interaction between genetic factors and environmental influences; they can recur in families.
Can birth defects be cured?
At present birth defects cannot be cured. However, in some of these disorders, much can be done to alleviate or prevent certain disabilities that could manifest themselves.
Can birth defects be prevented?
Yes, an increasing number of birth defects can be prevented:
- By taking 0.4 mg of folic acid before falling pregnant and during pregnancy.
- By avoiding harmful substances during pregnancy, e.g. alcohol.
According to a peer-reviewed study published by the National Library of Medicine on the safety of skincare products during pregnancy, women experience several physiological changes, including increased androgen levels, which can lead to acne and excessive hair growth.
Common acne treatments like retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid, as well as ingredients in sunscreens, skin-lightening agents, and hair removal products are often used during pregnancy.
While the absorption of these topical products is generally low, there have been four reported cases of birth defects linked to the use of topical retinoids, consistent with retinoid embryopathy.
However, this link remains debated, as two studies involving over 200 women found no increased risk of major birth defects or retinoid-related issues.
Despite this, experts recommend that pregnant women avoid using topical retinoids until more comprehensive data is available.
Pregnancy is a time of joy, but it also comes with a lot of responsibilities, especially when it comes to your health and your baby’s development.
As Shahid and many other medical professionals suggest, it’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider about what you can and can’t use while pregnant.