Pregnancy does some wild things to your skin. One day, you’re glowing like a dewy goddess, and the next, you’ve got acne, dryness, and a mysterious rash that came out of nowhere. The trickiest part? Your usual skincare lineup might not be safe anymore.
I learned this the hard way when I slathered on my usual moisturizer one morning and ended up with an allergic reaction. I’d used that cream for years without an issue, but pregnancy had other plans. Hormones can make your skin suddenly sensitive to things you’ve used forever, so even pregnancy safe products might not work the way they used to. It’s a fun little surprise, right up there with heartburn and weird cravings.
But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. This 7 step pregnancy safe skincare routine will help you keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and mostly under control while avoiding any ingredients that could be harmful to you or your baby. Plus, I’ll recommend pregnancy friendly products that you can actually use.
1. Gentle Cleansing: Keep It Simple
Pregnancy hormones can make your skin extra sensitive, so the last thing you want is a harsh cleanser stripping it dry. Fragrance free, non foaming cleansers are your best bet. And if you’re dealing with breakouts, skip anything with high concentrations of salicylic acid. Stick to low dose versions under 2 percent or safer alternatives like azelaic acid.
Pregnancy Safe Cleansers:
- La Roche Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser – Soothes dry or sensitive skin.
- CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser – Packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
- Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water – A gentle, no rinse option for makeup removal.
2. Hydration Boost: Because Dry Skin is Real
Pregnancy can leave your skin dehydrated thanks to hormonal shifts, so keeping your moisture barrier happy is essential. Hyaluronic acid is a pregnancy safe ingredient that pulls moisture into your skin, keeping it plump and fresh.
Pregnancy Safe Hydrating Serums:
- The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2 percent + B5 – Lightweight, no fuss hydration.
- Paula’s Choice Hyaluronic Acid Booster – Perfect for layering under moisturizer.
- Vichy Mineral 89 – A pregnancy safe hydration hero.
3. Treatment and Brightening: What to Use Instead of Retinol
Retinol is a big no no during pregnancy, but that doesn’t mean you have to skip skin treatments altogether. Bakuchiol is a plant based alternative that offers similar anti aging benefits. For brightening and hyperpigmentation, also known as pregnancy melasma, vitamin C and azelaic acid are great options.
Pregnancy Safe Treatment Products:
- The Inky List Bakuchiol Moisturizer – A pregnancy safe alternative to retinol that helps with fine lines and skin texture.
- Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum – Brightens without irritation.
- The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% – A gentle brighening and acne fighting option.
4. Moisturizing: Lock in That Hydration
Your skin is working overtime during pregnancy, so a good moisturizer is essential. Look for ceramides, glycerin, and squalane, which lock in hydration without clogging pores.
Pregnancy Safe Moisturizers:
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream – Lightweight yet deeply hydrating.
- CeraVe Moisturizing Cream – A classic, no fuss option for dry skin.
- Palmer’s Pregnancy Deep Facial Moisturizer – A rich, non-comedogenic cream that hydrates and soothes pregnancy-sensitive skin.
5. Sun Protection: The Most Important Step
If pregnancy wasn’t already fun enough, it can also bring melasma, also known as the pregnancy mask. The best way to avoid this is daily sunscreen. Avoid chemical sunscreens with oxybenzone and instead use mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Pregnancy Safe Sunscreens:
- CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 – A tinted, hydrating mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide.
- Supergoop! Mineral Sheerscreen SPF 30 – Sheer and easy to wear under makeup.
- Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50 plus – A great clean, reef safe formula.
6. Body Care: Because Your Belly Deserves TLC Too
Your belly, hips, and thighs are expanding rapidly, and with that comes itchiness, dryness, and potentially stretch marks. While genetics play the biggest role in whether or not you get stretch marks, keeping skin well moisturized may help.
Pregnancy Safe Body Oils and Lotions:
- Bio Oil Skincare Oil – A cult favorite for stretch mark prevention.
- Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks – Hydrating and rich in vitamin E.
- Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter – Non greasy and deeply nourishing.
7. Extra Care: Pamper Yourself Because You Deserve It
Pregnancy is exhausting, and your skin probably needs a little extra love. Whether it’s a hydrating face mask or a soothing lip treatment, small skincare indulgences can make a big difference.
Pregnancy Safe Extras:
- Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask – Keeps lips soft and hydrated overnight.
- Farmacy Honey Potion Plus Mask – A gentle, pregnancy safe hydration boost.
- Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hydrogel Mask – A hydrating mask with hyaluronic acid to quench dry skin.
Final Thoughts
A pregnancy safe skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Just remember:
✔ Keep it gentle and hydrating
✔ Avoid retinol, hydroquinone, and chemical sunscreens
✔ Swap in pregnancy safe alternatives like bakuchiol, vitamin C, and azelaic acid
If your skin suddenly starts rejecting your old favorites, like mine did, don’t panic. Pregnancy hormones love surprises. Just switch things up, patch test new products and focus on what feels good for your skin. Ensure to seek professional medical advice if you are ever in any doubt.
