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It’s totally normal for your skin to change during pregnancy, so you may need to switch up your beauty routine to more sensitive pregnant skincare products.
If you’re noticing all kinds of weird and not-so-wonderful changes to your skin recently, it’s just another pregnancy symptom we can blame on those good old hormones!
Whether your skin is dry as a bone, strangely oily, or breaking out in dark spots or acne, it’s common for pregnancy to be a time of particularly sensitive skin.
Getting the right pregnant skincare products in your stash is step one to feeling a lot better.
It’s also important to avoid certain chemicals that may be harmful to your baby.
So what pregnancy skincare products should you be looking out for, and what should you be avoiding?
Keep reading, mama.
We’ve got you covered.
FYI, the specific products on this list aren’t endorsed by our medical expert, Dr. Kiarra King, but the ingredients and other info in this article have her approval.
In this article: 📝
- What skincare should you avoid when pregnant?
- What skincare should I use during pregnancy?
- How can I keep my skin clear during pregnancy?
- What’s the best pregnancy skin care product?
- What skincare products are safe to use during pregnancy?
What skincare should you avoid when pregnant?
Your pregnancy-safe skincare guide starts here, mama.
If you notice any of these ingredients in your go-to skincare products, it’s best to put them to the back of the cupboard for now (actually, until you stop breastfeeding, to be on the safe side).
- Salicylic acid
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
- Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs)
- Retinol and retinoids
- Hydroquinone
- Benzoyl Peroxide
- Parabens and phthalates
These ingredients are typically found in common anti-aging formulas and acne treatments.
But fear not, there are still a whole bunch of amazing skincare products for pregnant women.
While everyone’s skin is different, here’s our guide to the best pregnant skincare products.
What skincare should I use during pregnancy?
If you want to switch up your routine, here are some of the best skincare products for pregnant women, along with some favorites from our Peanut moms-to-be.
1. Stretch mark creams
Stretch marks can be hard to prevent, but by making sure your skin is nice and moisturized, you can reduce the chance of them developing.
There are lots of options on the market, but ones using ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, and virgin olive oil are safe choices.
Best stretch mark cream: Mama Mio Tummy Rub Butter ‒ “I’m 21 weeks and no stretch marks, I love the texture, it’s thick but soaks in well.”
2. Bump scrubs
With stretch marks can come itching, and with itching, dry skin isn’t far behind.
Pair a gentle exfoliator with your stretch mark cream to give your bump a pamper.
Best bump scrub: Mama Mio Tummy Rub Scrub ‒ “This product is fabulous, I use it every other day, all over my body not just tummy. It’s a light scrub so not harsh. Skin feels amazing after and top it off with the tummy rub, what an amazing combination. Have recommended to both pregnant and mon pregnant friends.”
3. Mineral-based sunscreen
Look for sunscreens containing zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.
These natural sunscreens act as a barrier defense, as opposed to chemical sunscreens, which soak into the skin.
Best mineral-based sunscreen: Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion ‒ “Needed something mineral based for vacation while pregnant. This sunscreen smells amazing and did a great job. Loved it.”
4. Natural moisturizers
Moisturizers containing aloe vera and Vitamin E are great for itchy skin.
So if you’re suffering from extremely dry skin, look out for these ingredients.
Best natural moisturizer: DERMA E Vitamin E 12,000 IU Cream ‒ “Leaves my skin so soft and smooth and it feels like a water type of cream when I’m putting it on it, feels really fresh.”
5. Sulfur skin treatments
Although the smell may be hard to stomach, look for over-the-counter sulfur cleansers or treatments for acne.
It’s a great natural anti-inflammatory and exfoliant.
Best sulfur skin treatment: Belli Skincare Acne Control Spot Treatment ‒ “Helps get rid of acne so quickly. Switched to this when I became pregnant since so much acne medication is not safe when pregnant. This seems to get rid of pimples even better than my non-pregnant creams. Does smell slightly stinky but not bad enough to not use.”
How can I keep my skin clear during pregnancy?
Choosing the right face moisturizer for pregnancy will be dependent on how exactly your skin is changing, and what specific treatment or help your skin needs.
Look out for these ingredients:
6. Hyaluronic acid
Unlike a lot of other acids, hyaluronic acid pregnancy skincare is completely safe.
It’s a great multipurpose ingredient, hydrating, plumping, and boosting your pregnancy glow.
Best hyaluronic acid: Honest Beauty Hydrogel Cream ‒ “I had to stop using all of my retinol creams since I’m pregnant. Was looking for something hydrating and safe for my skin. I LOVE this! It is a bit thick, but I love that about it. It keeps my skin so hydrated.”
7. Vitamin C
A skin-brightening ingredient, vitamin C can be a great help if you’re suffering from dark spots, hyperpigmentation, or melasma.
Best vitamin C serum: Tree of Life Vitamin C Brightening Facial Serum ‒ “My face broke out due to pregnancy hormones and after using this for only 1 day, I saw results from the very next morning.”
8. Azelaic Acid
The last acid we’ll mention (promise), this one is a goodie for all things acne treatment.
Best azelaic acid: Azelaic Acid 10% Facial Serum ‒ “I have tried a lot of stuff to help my awful pregnancy acne and nothing worked except consistent use of this product. I really also like all ingredients used. It’s a perfect cocktail for skincare.”
What’s the best pregnancy skin care product?
Well, that’s a tough choice, there are so many amazing pregnancy skin care products out there!
But we love this bundle by Mama Mio:
9. Bloomin Lovely Gift Set
A full-body pamper sesh in a gift box!
You’ll get the viral Tummy Rub Butter for your bump, Lucky Legs gel to soothe puffy ankles, Boob Tube cream for growing breasts, and Megamama Shower Milk for a gentle yet revitalizing foaming cleanser.
“Would totally recommend these products! The hormones were sending my skin crazy and I had a horrid rash and couldn’t use much on my skin but these really soothe my skin. Loved that I can just pick the bag up and take away with me, it has everything you need! The cooling leg gel has been a lifesaver! Will buy again. 😍”
What skincare products are safe to use during pregnancy?
Generally speaking, products that are derived from natural ingredients and are free from harsh chemicals, soaps, and fragrances may be your new go-to’s to keep your skin calm and refreshed.
If you’re unsure, always check with your pharmacist or doctor.