Pregnancy is an exciting time filled with anticipation, joy, and wonder. It’s also a time when you receive a long list of what you can and cannot put on your skin!
Some of this advice will come from best-selling books, trusted websites, or experts like your OBGYN. Other advice may come from friends and family, offering valuable insights based on their experiences.
However, much advice, especially from sources like Instagram and TikTok can be questionable and lack scientific evidence or the backing of a professional.
As a licensed skincare expert, I’m here to help you cut through the noise. I will share which skincare products and treatments are safe and which ones you should avoid for the safety of your pregnancy.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, and this information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with your OBGYN on any questions you may have.
Skincare Do’s and Don’ts During Pregnancy
Your skincare routine does not need to change drastically during pregnancy, but there are a few important shifts you should make if you’re currently using any of the products from the “Don’ts” list below.
You may also want to consider adding products and treatments from the “Do’s” list to support your skin’s changing needs.
Do’s
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is safe to use during pregnancy and can be very effective in managing melasma, a common side effect of pregnancy.
As a tyrosinase inhibitor, Vitamin C helps reduce the enzymatic reaction that causes your skin to produce excess pigment. Consider adding a Vitamin C product like Environ’s Mela-Even Cream to your skincare routine.
Facials: You don’t have to give up facials during pregnancy unless your doctor advises otherwise, or if you experience specific pregnancy-related skin sensitivities.
Moisturizers: One of the most common changes during pregnancy is increased skin dryness and reactivity, along with intense itchiness on the body.
It’s essential to use products that deeply hydrate and nourish your skin. My favorite duo for body care is Environ’s Derma-Lac Lotion and Environ’s A, C & E Body Oil which help keep your skin smooth, even, and healthy while preventing stretch marks.
For deep facial hydration, consider adding Biologique Recherche’s Crème Masque Vernix and Crème Dermo-RL to give your skin the moisturizing support it needs during pregnancy.
Don’ts
Exfoliants: Exfoliants can be used on your skin if they have AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs. Lactic acid, glycolic acid, mandelic acid (AHAs), salicylic acid (BHAs), and gluconolactone or lactobionic acid (PHAs) are all safe while you’re pregnant. However, exfoliants not on this list should be used with discretion and with consultation from your OBGYN.
My recommended exfoliant for my pregnant clients is Biologique Recherche’s Lotion P50. All of the lotions from the P50 family are pregnancy safe except for Lotion P50 1970 and P50 1970V.
Retinoids: Some retinoids are safe to continue, but most prescription retinoids should no longer be used if you are pregnant.
If you’re using Retin-A, Tazorac, Differin, or any other Vitamin A products prescribed by your dermatologist, you should stop using it during your pregnancy. High-dose oral retinoids like Accutane are a Class X drug and unsafe to take during pregnancy.
However, if your retinoid contains Retinyl Palmitate, Retinyl Acetate, or Retinyl Propionate, you’re in the clear.
You may notice that your prenatal vitamin contains Vitamin A, likely as Beta Carotene or Retinyl Palmitate. That's because Vitamin A is not inherently unsafe during pregnancy, just in extremely high systemic doses.
Want to keep retinoids in your skincare routine? Consider Vitamin A products like Environ's C-Quence Serum 1-4 and Environ’s AVST Moisturiser 1, which are safe for use during pregnancy.
If you’re unsure about which products are right for you during your pregnancy, reach out to Anna Babayan for a personalized skincare consultation. You’ll receive a curated lineup of products designed for your skin’s needs by an expert esthetician that are all pregnancy safe!
