Hormonal changes during pregnancy can noticeably affect your skin. From "pregnancy glow" to the "mask of pregnancy" (melasma) and hormonal acne, your skin might look and feel completely different than it did before pregnancy. If you follow a consistent skincare routine, you might be wondering whether your favorite products are still safe during pregnancy. Here’s a guide to pregnancy-safe skincare products and tips for adjusting your skincare routine so your skin stays healthy.
Do You Have to Change Your Skincare Routine if You’re Pregnant?
Although your skin acts as a protective barrier, it isn’t entirely impermeable. Pregnancy changes how your body absorbs skincare ingredients, so some products should be avoided if you’re pregnant. Also, because pregnancy can make your skin more reactive, skincare products used for years could now cause irritation or redness.
Skincare Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy
Certain skincare ingredients can pose risks during pregnancy, so it’s important to know what to avoid. Retinoid, retinol, hydroquinone, and salicylic acid are some of the skincare ingredients you should avoid while pregnant.
Retinoids & Retinols:
Retinoids and retinol-Vitamin A derivatives are powerhouse anti-aging ingredients, however, using retinol during pregnancy isn’t recommended. “Even though retinol is used topically – on your skin, it can be absorbed into the bloodstream and may contribute to Vitamin A toxicity.”
Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent often used to treat melasma or dark spots. It has a relatively high absorption rate, up to 45% compared to other topical ingredients, and because there isn't enough data to confirm its safety when pregnant, it’s best not to use.
Salicylic Acid
Topical use in small amounts is generally safe to use, but products with a high-concentration of salicylic acid should be avoided.
Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Products
Being pregnant doesn’t mean you have to stop your skincare routine, you may just need to make a few adjustments.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that brightens the skin, protects against free radical damage, promotes collagen production, and reduces hyperpigmentation, including melasma or dark spots that many pregnant people experience due to hormonal changes. A study found that Vitamin C is considered safe for use during pregnancy.
Hyaluronic Acid
It’s normal to experience dry and itchy skin during pregnancy as your body prioritizes fluid supply for your baby. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring humectant that draws moisture into the skin. It’s gentle, safe for pregnancy, and great for sensitive skin.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps with skin texture, gently exfoliates, “and is safe to use during pregnancy.”
Shop the Best Skincare Products Safe for Pregnancy
- Vintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum
- Vintner's Daughter Active Renewal Cleanser
- Vintner's Daughter Active Treatment Essence
- Biologique Recherche CRÈME MASQUE VERNIX VG
Being pregnant doesn’t mean you need to stop using skincare products, however, with the right pregnancy-safe products, you can still address skin concerns and keep your skin healthy and radiant all pregnancy long. If you have questions about pregnancy-safe skincare products or would like a personalized skincare routine, our estheticians will create a targeted plan just for you. Reserve a skincare consultation by filling out our form online or calling us at (703) 531-9350.
FAQs
As always, it’s important to consult with your doctor or healthcare provider to determine what skincare products and routines are safe and best suited for you during pregnancy.
What does pregnancy-safe skincare mean?
Pregnancy-safe skincare refers to products formulated without ingredients that may pose risks to a developing baby or cause heightened irritation due to hormonal skin changes during pregnancy.
Why should I change skincare products during pregnancy?
Certain topical ingredients may be absorbed into the bloodstream so it’s important to know what ingredients are safe to use during pregnancy.
Should I stop my skincare routine completely when pregnant?
No, you don’t need to stop using skincare products. Most individuals usually just need to swap out a few products that aren’t pregnancy-safe ingredients.
How does pregnancy affect the skin?
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause:
- Acne or breakouts
- Melasma dark patches
- Increased dryness
- Skin sensitivity
- Fluctuations in oil-production
