A Guide to the Best Pregnancy-Friendly Skincare, According to a Dermatologist

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When you’re pregnant, there are so many changes to your body – not to mention hormonal changes. For me, my sensitive skin became even more sensitive, my dry skin got drier, and products I used to use were no longer cutting it. I'd have a pregnant glow one minute and acne the next. My skincare routine began to transform and I found myself constantly Googling skincare ingredients I should avoid. If you’re experiencing a similar situation, I got you covered. I spoke with board certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Sheila Farhang, to bring you a guide to the best pregnancy-friendly skincare. From sunscreen to a gentle cleanser to a brightening complex for dark spots on the skin, these are the items you’ll want in stock for the next 40 weeks (plus more, if you’re nursing).

What Skincare Ingredients Might Be Unsafe for Someone Who Is Pregnant or Nursing?

Dr. Farhang reports that, “Topical retinoids such as tretinoin are not recommended during pregnancy. Some dermatologists are comfortable with allowing use during breastfeeding.” That means any skin creams or serums with retinol should be avoided. Another skincare ingredient that she doesn’t recommend is hydroquinone for skin conditions such as melasma, and advises caution with any strong peel or chemical peel.

“It is a personal preference as far as what a mama-to-be is comfortable with applying on their skin,” Dr. Farhang adds, and always advises checking with your doctor regarding skincare.

What Are Some Alternate Skincare Ingredients or Products for a Pregnant Person?

According to Dr. Farhang, some dermatologists recommend salicylic acid (as long as it’s 2% or less) for the skin, because “this ingredient helps decrease oil production which in turn should help unclog pores.” She adds that, “Pregnant or nursing individuals could also use ingredients such as vitamin C, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. Gentle cleansers and moisturizers without any active ingredients can be a safe bet if someone is unsure.”

In terms of a sunscreen product, Farhang recommends “switching to a physical (mineral-based) sunscreen formulated with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide over a chemical especially during pregnancy especially for application on the entire body. Chemical sunscreens are still considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding so it is a personal preference.”

So, scroll down to check out Dr. Farhang’s skincare picks, as well as some pregnancy-safe skincare that’s beloved by users – including a vitamin C serum with over 94,900 5-star Amazon reviews. They’ll keep your skin looking and feeling your best through every trimester.

Expert Pick: A Gentle, Pregnancy-Safe Cleanser

With a combination of niacinamide, glycerin, and more, this gentle face cleanser can leave your face feeling super hydrated. You can use it daily on normal to sensitive skin to maintain a strong skin barrier, and it's even great for removing eye and face makeup. It's recommended by Dr. Farhang and backed by over 25,900 5-star Amazon reviews.

A Wildly Popular & Gentle Cleanser

Backed by over 36,000 5-star Amazon, this face wash is a popular pick and left one fan raving, "It has been an absolute life saver through my pregnancy." It's a gentle formula that free of parabens, fragrance, and sulfates, and will hydrate as it cleans your skin.

Pimple Patches for a Pregnant Person

According to Dr. Farhang, "There isn’t anything great for hormonal acne so I usually recommend unmedicated hydrocolloid patches." These acne patches come in 3 different sizes and can be used for all skin types. Just cleanse the area, apply a patch, and you can get pimple recovery and relief.

Expert Pick: Pregnancy-Safe Sunscreen

Dr. Farhang recommends this SPF 50 mineral sunscreen. It's water and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes and its lightweight formula is formulated for all skin types. Plus, Bliss has a non-greasy feel and can nourish your skin has it protects it from UV rays.

Expert Pick: A Thick, Moisturizing Cream for a Pregnant Person's Face & Body

This Charlotte Tilbury moisturizer not only nourishes skin, it can also diminish the look of wrinkles and leave it looking plumper and more glowing. Packed with vitamin C and E, plus hyaluronic acid, it's recommended by Dr. Farhang for pregnant skin.

A Wildly Popular Pregnancy-Safe Moisturizer

This pregnancy-safe moisturizer comes with over 118,000 5-star Amazon reviews, and left one fan to rave, "while I was pregnant I ended up getting eczema (never had it before in my life) I started putting this on it right away and in less than a week made a huge difference." Rich and smooth, it promises 24 hours of hydration.

Expert Pick: A Pregnancy-Friendly Complex for Dark Spots

Dealing with dark spots? Dr. Farhang recommends this brightening complex. Strong, yet gentle, you can use it in the morning and evening, for more glowing and bright skin. One fan noted, "In 3 weeks I have seen improvements."

Expert Pick: Pregnancy-Safe Gel for Dark Spots, Acne, Rosacea

Another Dr. Farhang rec, this gel can be used in the AM and PM by all skin types. Your skin tone can look more even and refined, and that's thanks to salicylic acid, licorice root, and azelaic acid. Lightweight and oil-free, it's also free of fragrances and parabens.

A Fan-Favorite Option for Stretchmarks

With over 49,000 5-star Amazon reviews, this non-greasy body oil is beloved for the way it evens out and brightens skin tone, and how it reduces stretch marks. This shopper reported, "I have used this oil since I found out I was pregnant and I’m almost 8 months without a stretch mark. I love it."

A Highly-Rated & Pregnancy-Safe Vitamin C Serum

Backed by over 94,900 5-star Amazon reviews, this vitamin C serum is a fan-favorite. It can boost radiance, reduce dark spots, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and it's recommended to use before moisturizers. One user raved, "Since using this product, my skin has become less red and more smooth and my pregnancy acne has gone away!"

Meet the Expert

Millennial skincare expert, cosmetic surgeon, and board certified dermatologist Dr. Sheila Farhang is known for her integrative approach to skin and has been named a top derm influencer by Women’s Health and Forbes. 

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