Your body and your health go through a lot of changes during pregnancy — but does your skin care routine need to be refreshed, too?
Dermatologists say yes: When you’re pregnant, you should pay attention to the products you use on your skin, hair, and nails. If you already use a routine or treatment plan that works, it can feel tricky to make updates, especially during a time with a lot of other changes.
“Your skin will change throughout pregnancy — some shifts are temporary, and others may need medical guidance,” says board-certified dermatologist Heather Rogers, MD, FAAD.
Melasma in lighter skin
Melasma in darker skin
Melasma in darker skin
Melasma: Many people find melasma — patches or freckle-like spots on your face — especially frustrating to experience during pregnancy.
Will my skin change during pregnancy?
You’ve likely heard of glowing skin as a sign of pregnancy. Along with your glow, “pregnancy brings a surge of hormonal changes that can trigger skin concerns.” says Dr. Rogers. She adds, “this time is further complicated by the stress of wanting to do what is best for yourself and your baby.”
Pregnancy affects everyone’s skin differently. You might develop one or more of these conditions:
Dermatologists say the best pregnancy skin care routine is a simple one.
According to board-certified dermatologist Shoshana Marmon, MD, PhD, FAAD, your basic pregnancy skin care routine should include three steps:
Cleanse your skin up to twice daily and after sweating. You can find gentle cleansing tips at Face washing 101.
Moisturize regularly with a moisturizer made for your skin type.
Protect your skin from the sun by seeking shade, wearing sun-protective clothing, and applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 or higher to all skin not covered by clothing.
Choose a physical sunscreen that contains zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or both during pregnancy to avoid skin irritation.
To reduce the risk of irritating your skin, Dr. Marmon adds, “it’s a good idea to check the ingredients and look for products that are free of fragrances and harsh chemicals like alcohols and sulfates.”
Dr. Rogers also recommends applying a product containing vitamin C in the morning, and one containing glycolic acid in the evening. These can help prevent and treat changes to your skin’s color.
What should pregnant patients know about their skin health?
Pregnancy can bring positive changes to your skin and hair, like a healthy glow and increased hair volume and growth, but it's also normal to experience challenges like acne or hyperpigmentation.
─ Shoshana Marmon, MD, PhD, FAAD
Be kind to your skin, focus on gentle care, and consult a dermatologist if you have concerns. Safe, effective solutions exist, and you don’t have to navigate these changes alone!
─ Heather Rogers, MD, FAAD
Is skin care safe during pregnancy?
You want to take care of your baby, but with so many options, it can be confusing to determine which skin care products to use during pregnancy.
“Pregnancy is often the first-time people truly consider what they are putting on their skin. It can be a bit daunting at first, but [dermatologists] are here to help you through,” says Dr. Rogers.
You can safely use a lot of skin care products during pregnancy. However, some ingredients can pose a risk to your baby. If you’re pregnant or trying to become pregnant, tell your obstetrician and dermatologist about all the medications and prescription skin care you use. They can help update your treatment plan during pregnancy and breastfeeding, if necessary.
Read the label
To check if a product is safe to use during pregnancy, look at the ingredients portion of the product’s label.
Ingredients to avoid during pregnancy
Some prescription and over-the-counter skin care ingredients can put your baby at risk of birth defects, and should not be used during pregnancy.
According to Dr. Rogers and Dr. Marmon, you should avoid prescription skin care or over-the-counter products with these ingredients while you’re pregnant:
Retinoids, including both prescription acne treatments like isotretinoin, tretinoin, and tazarotene, along with over-the-counter skin care containing retinol like adapalene.
Hydroquinone, an ingredient that lightens skin tone.
Finasteride, which treats hair loss.
Spironolactone, a medicine that dermatologists use to treat acne and hair loss.
Tetracycline, doxycycline, and minocycline, which are types of antibiotics.
5-Fluorouracil, a chemotherapy cream used to treat skin cancer.
Ingredients to use sparingly during pregnancy
Some ingredients are safe to use on a limited basis while you’re pregnant. Other ingredients haven’t been researched enough to know how safe they are during pregnancy. Because of this, Drs. Rogers and Marmon say you should discuss these ingredients with your dermatologist and limit how often you use them during pregnancy:
Salicylic acidat high doses (greater than 2%), an acne-fighting and exfoliating ingredient.
Benzoyl peroxide, an acne-fighting ingredient.
Parabens, ingredients that preserve products so they last longer.
Check for ingredients like: methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, or ethylparaben.
Phthalates, which help fragrances and skin care products stay on your skin.
Check for ingredients including: diethylphthalate, dibutylphthalate, and dimethylphthalate.
Phenol, an ingredient that preserves skin care products and sometimes exfoliates skin.
Triclosan, an antibacterial ingredient that helps preserve products.
Essential oils, including rosemary, basil, jasmine, and sage oils.
How can a dermatologist help during pregnancy?
Your dermatologist knows how to keep your skin looking and feeling good while you’re pregnant — even if your skin has changed over the course of your pregnancy.
“[Dermatologists] are uniquely trained to diagnose and manage pregnancy-related skin conditions, suggest safe and effective treatments, and help you avoid potentially harmful ingredients throughout your pregnancy,” says Dr. Marmon.
