Women sacrifice a lot during pregnancy. And the beautiful thing is that they are pleased to do anything. For some women, to bear the pregnancy hardship is no problem. However, it will be hard if they should avoid some cosmetics and skincare.
During pregnancy, women are not allowed to apply many products to their bodies. This is so because some products have a dangerous substance that can affect the growing babies. However, some products are completely safe. Therefore, pregnant moms should be cautious with the substance and ingredients in their cosmetics and skincare products.
For instance, products of acne treatment, cosmetics, makeup, hand, and body lotions with Retinyl (palmitate & linoleate) are considered a substance that moms should stay away from.
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What is Retinyl Palmitate/vitamin A palmitate? (Skincare and Retinyl Palmitate)
Retinyl Palmitate (synonyms: Retinol Palmitate, Palmitate-A) is the ester of vitamin A mixed with palmitic acid. It is a saturated fatty acid that is different from retinol. It is included in the chemical compound called retinoids.
This substance is important for many skincare products because of the small molecular structures. The tiny molecules can penetrate the outer layers of skin easily. Besides, it will repair the lower layer of skin.
According to Wikipedia, Retinyl palmitate is used as an antioxidant and a source of vitamin A added to low-fat milk and also a constituent of some topically applied skincare products.
Is retinyl palmitate safe during pregnancy?
Some research states that high doses of Vitamin A are not recommended during pregnancy, particularly early pregnancy. The oral retinoids might cause birth defects, called cranial neural crest defects.
According to Le Douarin & Kalcheim, also Kanzler, et al. the cranial neural crest is a migratory population of cells, which gives rise to a broad variety of derivatives, cartilage, nerves, connective tissue, bones, and plays an essential role in the development of the vertebrate face and neck.
Based on the Wisderm website, excessive intake of retinyl palmitate during pregnancy may lead to maternal toxicity and adverse effects on the developing offspring.
The feeding of 10,000-15,000 IU/kg of retinyl palmitate to female rats during gestation and lactation has been shown to lead to malformations in the forelimbs and hindlimbs of the offspring.
In addition, applying Retinyl Palmitate directly to the skin is not likely to cause harmful effects on the baby. Retinyl palmitate can’t cross the placental membrane. We don’t have to worry about products containing retinol/retinyl palmitate.
Dr. Margaret Miller, the OWH Science Program Director, explained that research showed no evidence that the product retinyl palmitate was absorbed when applied to the skin. Since it is used topically, the product was not a threat to the baby.
In any case, the total amount of Vitamin A (retinol, retinoic acid) that gets down into the skin is only a tiny fraction of what is applied so that dose is generally insignificant when compared to the daily consumption of Vitamin A.
The recommended dose of vitamin A supplements during pregnancy
Pregnant women of different ages will need vitamin A supplements with different doses. For pregnant women age 18 and younger, it is recommended to take 750 mcg of retinol activity equivalents (RAE) per day.
Meanwhile, pregnant women age 19 and older require 770 micrograms RAE per day.
Do not take over 3,000 micrograms (mcg) or 10,000 IU per day at any time during pregnancy. And remember that the total amount of vitamin A (retinyl palmitate) you get every day includes what you get from foods that you eat and what you take as a supplement.
Besides, overdosing preformed Vitamin A forms such as retinyl palmitate leads to adverse physiological reactions. Moms need to discuss it with their doctors, and health professional before taking it.
Read another article about Tums Pregnancy Class during Pregnancy, Is it safe?
FDA Pregnancy Category of Retinyl Palmitate
Based on the old FDA Pregnancy Risk letter Categories (A, B, C, D, or X), Retinyl Palmitate gets Category C. It means that either study in animal have revealed adverse effects on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in women, or studies in women and animals are not available.
Category C is the confusing category. It could be safe or probably safe, or it could be potentially harmful.
Is there a natural Retinyl palmitate alternative to skincare?
In order to avoid the possible side effects, moms can take the natural retinyl palmitate alternative. Rosehip seed oil is an excellent source of trans-retinoic acid.
The oil will not leave any harmful effects such as skin irritation and negative effect on the pregnancy.
