This is the best explanation about topical retinoids I have seen so far by a dermatologist on the internet. It seems at this point saying people should avoid all topical retinoids is superstition. I've been doing my own research - and by that I mean I have a scientific PhD and I have been reading all primary research articles -and there has only been some case studies claiming a link between birth defects and topical retinoids. Those articles literally have 1 patient and all of those studies had confounding factors. When you look at studies including a decent number of patients there is literally no difference whatsoever between those using topical retinods and those who do not. Also, it is questionable if topical retinoids even make it past the skin into the blood.
Hi Dr. Liu! Is it okay to use chemical sunscreens while breastfeeding? I love Korean chemical sunscreens with the newer filters especially :). Thank you!
Can someone explain why derms say azelaic acid is safe in pregnancy with such certainty, but when you look up the literature it says there isn't enough data to say so. This is from the FDA: There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of topically administered azelaic acid in pregnant women. The experience with FINACEA® Gel, 15%, when used by pregnant women is too limited to permit assessment of the safety of its use during pregnancy. Dermal embryofetal developmental toxicology studies have not been performed with azelaic acid, 15%, gel. Oral embryofetal developmental studies were conducted with azelaic acid in rats, rabbits, and cynomolgus monkeys. Azelaic acid was administered during the period of organogenesis in all three animal species. Embryotoxicity was observed in rats, rabbits, and monkeys at oral doses of azelaic acid that generated some maternal toxicity. Embryotoxicity was observed in rats given 2500 mg/kg/day (162 times the maximum recommended human dose based on body surface area), rabbits given 150 or 500 mg/kg/day (19 or 65 times the maximum recommended human dose based on body surface area) and cynomolgus monkeys given 500 mg/kg/day (65 times the maximum recommended human dose based on body surface area) azelaic acid. No teratogenic effects were observed in the oral embryofetal developmental studies conducted in rats, rabbits and cynomolgus monkeys. An oral peri- and post-natal developmental study was conducted in rats. Azelaic acid was administered from gestational day 15 through day 21 postpartum up to a dose level of 2500 mg/kg/day. Embryotoxicity was observed in rats at an oral dose that generated some maternal toxicity (2500 mg/kg/day; 162 times the maximum recommended human dose based on body surface area). In addition, slight disturbances in the post-natal development of fetuses was noted in rats at oral doses that generated some maternal toxicity (500 and 2500 mg/kg/day; 32 and 162 times the maximum recommended human dose based on body surface area). No effects on sexual maturation of the fetuses were noted in this study. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy.
Could you give percentages of the ingredients (tolerance level). For example, what percentage of Vitamin C is safe for pregnancy? 20%? Same for Salicylic acid, AHA and lactic acid. I want to know the specific percentages so I can avoid harmful effects
Hi there, I'm 8 weeks pregnant and i did not know that we are not supposed to use retinol during this time. I have been using olay 24 retinol night cream until now, but after scrolling over the internet about it, now I'm scared, please help.
Just an FYI for those of us with pre-eclampsia risks they start having us take a baby aspirin every day from 13weeks. So the salicylic acid topically is likely more than fine per absorption levels.
Hi Dr. Liu. I’m currently 19 weeks pregnant and having severe acne. My doctor prescribed me Clindamycin. However, I’m just starting The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% and my doctor said i can continue using it. She didn’t explain further about how to use it together. How would you recommend using both of them? Thank you!
@@afifayasmeen1123 hi both! i do a lot of research and what I can tell by my personal (researched) knowledge is that, acne while being pregnant you can use following things: 1. A gycolic acid cleanser (Dermalogica one has a clean ingredients list.) 2. Sulphur (wash off mask) like the one by Sunday's Riley. 3. Azelic Acid 4. AHA's like Gycolic or Lactic Acid 5. Hydrocolloid patches (The big mighty pimple patch is pregnancy safe!) 6. Mineral sunscreen that is non-comedogenic like (Innisfree tone up no sebum sunscreen spf50) or Vanicream broad spectrum sunscreen spf50
Hey! hi could you please look into the ingriends of the "cerave skin renewing nightly exfoliating treatment" and give your expert advice on whether or not it will be pregnancy safe? it has AHA's!
Hello, i have a question : the mauritia flexuosa fruit oli is it considered like vitamin A.? Is it allow to use this ingredient in a cream during the pregnancy? Thank you in advance ☺️
im not pregnant but i am an adult and i apply 2% salicylic acid liquid from neutrogena to half of my body, the lower half so legs, thighs, feat, buttocks etc. in order to treat ingrown hairs, but now that you mentioned poisoning and systematic absorption im actually a little bit scared to continue... it has helped me so much , i use it everyday and i dont get razor bumps anymore or ingrown hairs.. but i might have to stop because of your fear mongering :(
unless you have broken and inflamed skin barrier, its most likely fine. the the salicylate poisoning is theoretical but most expecting moms just don't want to take on
Hello Dr. Liu... I am not pregnant as of now but I have started to try to conceive. I have acne-prone skin and I have been using Paula's Choice 2% BHA exfoliant (in the morning) and also Salicylic acid spot treatments occasionally (at night) whenever I see any acne popping up. The spot treatments I use are Mario Badescu drying lotion and Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel. Can I continue using these? Also, I was considering using Inkey list salicylic acid cleanser too. If I continue using them all will it be too much Salicylic acid during this time or even after I get pregnant?
