Safe Skincare During Pregnancy

by Lindsay Boyers, MD
Dermatology

Are you trying to get pregnant, or are you already pregnant? Not sure how to modify your skincare routine to keep your baby safe and healthy? Below, you will find my recommendations for safe ingredients and products, along with those you should avoid.

Safe Ingredients

• Benzoyl Peroxide
• Azelaic Acid
• Glycolic Acid
• Niacinamide
• Vitamin C
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Kojic Acid
• Peptides
• Mineral Sunscreen
• Salicylic Acid (less than 2%)

Avoid These Ingredients

• Retinoid
• Hydroquinone
• Arbutin
• Chemical Sunscreen

Face Washes

• Salicylic Acid Washes, Less than 2%.
• Recommended Products:
  • Natrium Niacinamide Cleansing Gelee 3%
  • Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Salicylic Acid
  • The INKEY List salicylic acid cleanser
  • La Roche-Posay Purifying Foaming Facial Cleanser

Niacinamide and zinc are safe and can be effective for anti-inflammatory / anti-acne care.

Acne/Rosacea

• AHAs (azelaic acid, glycolic) Help with Pigmentation and Rosacea
• Niacinamide and Zinc Anti-Inflammatory/Anti-Acne
• Recommended Products:
  • The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
  • Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
  • Glytone Enhance Brightening Complex

Vitamin C 

• Protects Against UV Damage and Prevents / Treats Melasma and Hyperpigmentation
• Recommended Products
  • Skin Ceuticals Phloretin CF (for acne-prone skin)
  • Skin Ceuticals CE Ferulic
  • Skin Better Alto Defense Serum

Anti-Aging

• Consider non-retinol products for anti-aging benefits. Bakuchiol, for instance, is a plant-based alternative to retinol.
• Recommended Products:
  • Alastin Restorative Skin Complex
  • Colorescience Pep Up
  • Skinbetter Intensive Treatment Lines
  • The INKEY List Bakuchiol

Eye Treatment

• These products help improve the appearance of tired eyes resulting from difficulty sleeping. Be sure to use sunscreen and moisturizers on the skin around the eyes.
• Recommended Products
  • Colorescience Total Eye
  • Colorescience Total Eye Concentrate
  • Skinfix Remedy 911 Ointment
  • Skinbetter Interfuse Treatment Cream Eye

Moisturizers

• Hyaluronic acid moisturizers instantly plump skin and help improve fine lines and wrinkles. Remember to avoid retinol products.
• Recommended Products:
  • CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
  • Vichy Mineral 89 Skin Fortifying Daily Booster
  • The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

Sunscreen

• Mineral-based sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, iron oxide) help prevent melasma and aging.
• Recommended Products:
  • Alastin Hydratint Pro Mineral SPF 36 (tinted)
  • CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
  • CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Mineral Sunscreen Sheer Tint SPF 30
  • Cotz Mineral Sunscreen
  • ISDIN Eryfotona Ageless Ultralight Emulsion SPF 50

Stretch Marks

Although strong evidence for treatments is lacking, consider trying thick moisturizers (Alastin TransFORM Body Treatment, La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm), massaging the skin, and/or Trofolastin Anti-Estrias Centella cream (apply 1-2 times daily starting at 12th week of pregnancy).

Let’s Talk

If you have questions about your skincare during pregnancy, I am happy to meet with you. Schedule an appointment with me today and let’s talk!