Pregnancy + Skincare: What you should know, and what I learned along the way

Before we begin, a little *disclaimer.* I am an aesthetic PA and I share this information based on research and clinical guidance, but I’m not your ob/gyn or personal healthcare provider. Always check in with your own doctor for guidance that’s tailored to you and your pregnancy.

Pregnancy changes everything, from how you sleep, to what you eat, to how your skin reacts. For many of us, it’s the first time we really pause and look closely at the ingredients in our products. Suddenly, you’re starting to second guess everything - maybe you notice some breakouts, maybe you notice melasma (“the mask of pregnancy” - patchy darkness on you’re forehead, cheeks, or upper lip) popping up.

The truth is: your skin goes through just as many ups and downs as the rest of your body during pregnancy. Hormones shift, circulation changes, and your body’s priority is now growing a tiny human. Skincare during pregnancy is not complicated, so don’t make it that way. And I am happy to report - you probably don’t have to change much from what you are already using.

Ingredients to Pause During Pregnancy

• Retinoids (Vitamin A derivatives): These are some of the most effective anti-aging ingredients, but they’re a no-go in pregnancy. While topical retinoids deliver far lower systemic absorption than oral isotretinoin (you may know it as Accutane), several case reports and observational studies have suggested potential associations between topical use and congenital anomalies.

• Hydroquinone: Often used for brightening and depigmenting the skin, has a very high systemic absorption rate when applied topically. Although no strong human teratogenicity data exist, the significant absorption raises concern for potential fetal exposure.

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Ingredients That Tend to Be Safe (and Helpful)

• Vitamin C: Brightens and supports collagen, safe to use daily. This product is about to be your best friend. I discuss some of my favorite vitamin c’s here. If you find that your vitamin C is causing breakouts, try this one. If there is time to splurge on a product, it would be vitamin C during pregnancy.

• Niacinamide: Calms redness, supports the barrier, and reduces uneven tone.

• Hyaluronic acid: A lifesaver for dehydration and plumpness. HA away my friends.

• Azelaic acid: One of the few actives considered safe and effective for acne and pigmentation during pregnancy. I love this one.

• Salicylic acid: Generally considered safe for use during pregnancy when used in low concentrations (2% or less) and for limited periods. This is great news for all my acne prone friends. I used this one for both my pregnancies and everyday since.

• Benzoyl Peroxide: considered safe to use during pregnancy, as only a very small amount is absorbed through the skin and it is rapidly metabolized, making systemic exposure minimal. If you are using it, it’s okay to keep using it.

• Glycolic Acid: concentrations of 10% or less is generally considered safe in pregnancy, as absorption is minimal and it can help with common concerns like dullness and breakouts. Yes, you read that right - keep using glycolic.

Sunscreen Becomes Essential

One of the biggest changes I noticed was pigmentation, especially around my cheeks and forehead. Melasma is something I battle to this day. It’s strongly linked to sun exposure and hormones. Getting into your hot car can exacerbate it. Daily sunscreen, rain or shine (I’m not kidding) isn’t just a recommendation, it’s non-negotiable. I recommend a mineral tinted sunscreen, like this one. *to be honest, I recommend this pregnant or not.*

A special shoutout to my favorite pregnancy product

If dark spots and hyperpigmentation have you down, splurge on this.

Final Thoughts

Pregnancy is a season of change, and your skincare routine doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs to support you. As you can see, you actually don’t have to completely overhaul your routine. Pregnancy is a temporary chapter of your life, so roll with it. We’ll save breastfeeding & skincare for another day….

Pregnant with my first (ps- where did my butt go? We’ll never know.) vs.

pregnant with my second.