Pregnancy can change your skin in ways you may not expect.
You might suddenly experience pregnancy acne, increased sensitivity, dryness, pigmentation, redness or changes in skin texture - even if your skin has always been easy to manage.
At the same time, you may find yourself looking at the ingredients in your skincare products much more carefully.
Is retinol safe during pregnancy? What about salicylic acid? Can you use vitamin C? What skincare ingredients should you avoid while pregnant? And what can you use instead?
These are common questions, and pregnancy is a good time to simplify your skincare routine and speak with your doctor, dermatologist or obstetrician about any ingredients you're unsure about.
In this guide, we'll look at pregnancy-safe skincare ingredients, skincare ingredients to avoid during pregnancy, pregnancy acne, pigmentation, hydration and how to build a simple pregnancy skincare routine.
Why Does Your Skin Change During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy involves significant hormonal and physiological changes, and these can affect the way your skin looks and feels.
Some people experience a healthy-looking pregnancy glow, while others experience:
- Breakouts and acne
- Increased oiliness
- Dry or dehydrated skin
- Increased sensitivity
- Redness
- Changes in pigmentation
- Melasma
- Darker areas of existing pigmentation
- Stretch marks
- Changes in skin texture
Because your skin may become more sensitive during pregnancy, it can also be tempting to completely overhaul your skincare routine.
However, you don't necessarily need to stop using every skincare product you own.
Instead, focus on understanding which ingredients may need to be avoided or limited and which gentle ingredients can help support your skin.
What Skincare Ingredients Should You Avoid During Pregnancy?
One of the biggest questions people search for when they're pregnant is:
“What skincare ingredients are not safe during pregnancy?”
The answer isn't always as simple as a list of “good” and “bad” ingredients because safety can depend on the ingredient, concentration, formulation, frequency of use and your individual circumstances.
However, there are some ingredients that dermatologists and medical organisations recommend avoiding during pregnancy.
What Skincare Ingredients Can You Use During Pregnancy?
The good news is that pregnancy doesn't mean you have to abandon skincare altogether.
There are plenty of gentle skincare ingredients that can help support hydration, comfort and healthy-looking skin.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a popular hydrating ingredient that helps the skin attract and retain water.
It can be particularly useful if pregnancy has left your skin feeling dry, tight or dehydrated.
Hyaluronic acid isn't an exfoliating active, so it can be an easy ingredient to incorporate into a simple hydration-focused routine.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, is another versatile skincare ingredient.
It can be found in products designed to support the appearance of the skin barrier, hydration, uneven skin tone and redness.
If your skin becomes more sensitive during pregnancy, choosing a straightforward formula containing niacinamide may be preferable to layering several strong active ingredients.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant commonly used in skincare to support brighter, more even-looking skin.
It can be particularly appealing during pregnancy if you're experiencing changes in pigmentation or dull-looking skin.
However, not every vitamin C formulation is equally gentle. If your skin becomes sensitive during pregnancy, introduce new products gradually and choose a formulation your skin tolerates comfortably.
Peptides
Peptides are another ingredient to consider if you're looking for a pregnancy skincare routine focused on maintaining healthy-looking skin.
They can be incorporated into hydrating and moisturising formulations without relying on retinoids.
Moisturising Ingredients
Don't underestimate the importance of a good moisturiser during pregnancy.
Ingredients that support hydration can be particularly useful if your skin becomes dry or sensitive.
Look for moisturising formulations containing ingredients such as:
- Hyaluronic acid
- Glycerin
- Ceramides
- Fatty acids
- Squalane
- Vitamin E
The best moisturiser for pregnancy is ultimately one that your individual skin tolerates well.
How to Treat Acne During Pregnancy
Many women are prone to breakouts when they are pregnant and want to use actives to assist with this. If you are after a safe alternative to a retinoid product, then glycolic acid is one of the most effective ingredients you can use.
You may be wondering if a 10% glycolic acid product is safe during pregnancy. While glycolic acid in large quantities is not recommended during pregnancy, it is safe in small doses.
Glycolic acid and azelaic acid are also great pro-aging ingredients as they also help with brightening skin, reducing fine lines, and reducing skin pigmentation.
Lactic acid is another sensitive skin hero ingredient and is the gentler, yet effective, exfoliator of the acids group.
Skin that is also prone to breakouts will also benefit from pregnancy safe skincare products that help to deliver deep hydration, such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide (Vitamin B3). Plant-based oils that help regulate sebum production such as Sage are also great ingredients.
How to Treat Hyperpigmentation During Pregnancy
If you are affected by hyperpigmentation, then you may want to look into using these natural skin lighteners as they are safe to use whilst pregnant.
Kakadu Plum is believed to have one of the world’s highest natural amounts of Vitamin C making it an excellent ingredient to help diminish the appearance of dark spots.
Liquorice is a powerful brightening antioxidant high in anti-inflammatories – making it great for post-inflammatory pigmentation and redness/scarring after breakouts.
Pregnancy Skincare for Wrinkles and Fine Lines
Vitamin C is an antioxidant hero ingredient and safe to use during pregnancy. Not only does vitamin C repair environmental damage, boost collagen and elastin production but it also inhibits the overproduction of pigmentation.
Peptides are a string of amino acids that help make collagen and elastin, smooth fine lines, and minimise the appearance of pores.
Omega Fatty Acids (Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 9) are unsaturated fatty acids. If you have sensitive skin or are prone to irritation, then these could be a useful ingredient for you. They play a role in maintaining youthful, healthy-looking skin as well as helping with roughness, scaling and skin hydration.
Other pregnancy-safe antioxidants to try in your skin care products include:
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin B3
- Green tea
Dry Skin & Stretch Marks During Pregnancy
In addition to drinking plenty of water, moisturizing products that have coconut oil, cocoa butter, and hyaluronic acid (HA) can improve hydration. Hyaluronic Acid helps to bind water molecules to the skin surface, giving all day long hydration and helping maintain that pregnancy glow. And when it comes to stretch marks, one strategy to prevent them is frequently moisturizing prone zones to help the skin stretch naturally as your bump grow.
Skin Care Products and Treatments to Avoid During Pregnancy
When looking for pregnancy safe skin care products or treatments these are considered unsafe for use while pregnant and/ breastfeeding because they can either cause harm to a fetus when they enter the bloodstream and/ breastmilk or cause irritation in sensitive skin:
- Retinol
- Hydroquinone (a skin-lightening agent)
- Salicylic acid in high doses, in a chemical peel or taken orally.
- Cosmetic treatments such as Botox, fillers and lasers
- Exfoliating treatments such as microdermabrasion, peels or exfoliation masks
Avoid products with these ingredients:
Avage, Fabior, Tazorac (tazarotene) Avita (tretinoin) Differin (adapelene) Panretin (alitretinoin), Retin-A, Renova (tretinoin) Retinoic acid, Retinol, Retinyl linoleate, Retinyl palmitate, Targretin gel (bexarotene)
AVOID: Retinols, or any Vitamin A derivatives
These powerful substances are found in some anti-aging moisturizers and treatments for acne, pigment disorders, and plaque psoriasis. Retinoids are a type of vitamin A that speeds up cell division and prevents skin collagen from breaking down. This may sound great, but retinoids are one of the skin-care ingredients that experts recommend that pregnant or breastfeeding women stay away from. Steer clear of the oral form of the retinoid Accutane as well.
AVOID: Salicylic acid
Salicylic acid is a heavy hitter for treating acne. Its deep exfoliating action clears blocked pores to minimise bacteria and reduce congestion. When it comes to skincare for pregnant women though, it is not on the ‘safe’ list in high doses so it is best to skip this ingredient entirely.
Stay away from leave-on acne lotions, gels, and creams, as well as at-home peels, which can contain salicylic acid or retinoids.
AVOID: Hydroquinone (For hyperpigmentation)
A depigmenting agent, hydroquinone is used to lighten darkened areas of skin by suppressing the formation of melanin in the skin. Research has shown hydroquinone to be problematic during pregnancy, so it is one to avoid.
Limit use of products containing these ingredients:
Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) Azelaic acid, Benzoyl peroxide, Beta hydroxy acids (BHA), Beta hydroxybutanoic acid, Betaine salicylate, Citric acid, Dicarbonous acid, Hydroacetic acid, Hydroxyacetic acid, Hydroxycaproic acid, Salicylic acid, Trethocanic acid, Tropic acid, 2-hydroxyethanoic acid
LIMIT: Hydroxy Acids
Hydroxy acids such as beta hydroxy acid (BHA) and alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) are found in products to reduce signs of aging and to treat certain skin disorders, including acne, skin inflammation and redness. Because oral salicylic acid is not safe during pregnancy, doctors also recommend avoiding excessive or frequent use of skin products containing BHAs/AHAs. Small amounts applied topically to the skin are considered safe.
You can consult with your doctor or dermatologist to get the all clear with using this ingredient whilst pregnant. Please ensure you use sun protection since BHA/AHAs can cause sensitivity to sunlight.
AMPERNA® Skincare Regime
If you are looking for gentle and stress-free skincare during your pregnancy journey, here is the recommended AMPERNA products for your regime.
Step 1: The Full Range The Full Range | Sensitive Skincare Products | AMPERNA®
*Note, only use the 10% Pro+ Resurfacing Lotion once a week to not overuse during pregnancy.
Step 2: Add on the Pro+ Bio Day Mineral CC SPF15 Pro+ Bio Soothing Day Mineral CC SPF15 | AMPERNA®
Step 3: Add on Pro+ Bio Resurfacing Retinol Serum Alternate Pro+ Bio Resurfacing Retinol Serum ALT | AMPERNA®
*Note, only use once a week or as tolerated during pregnancy.
Step 4: Do not forget about the rest of your skin, include our shower-power couple Wash & Lotion Duo Wash + Lotion Duo | Cruelty Free Skincare | AMPERNA®
You can read all about the safe ingredients we use in our formulations by following the links below.
AMPERNA® Ingredients
Please note the only AMPERNA® product NOT recommended to use while pregnant or breastfeeding is the Pro+ Bio Resurfacing Retinol RX.
AMPERNA® Pro+ Bio Resurfacing Retinol ALT serum contains azelaic acid salt, niacinamide, liquorice root extract and zinc and copper gluconates to help calm redness and improve the skin’s texture. Hero ingredient bakuchiol is a great plant-based retinol alternative for super sensitive skin. It can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, help restore firmness, refine skin texture and help even out skin tone. AMPERNA®’s unique probiotic complex delivers good bacteria to your skin gently and effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pregnancy-Safe Skincare
What skincare ingredients should I avoid during pregnancy?
Topical retinoids and retinol are generally recommended to be avoided during pregnancy. Hydroquinone should also be avoided, while high-dose salicylic acid should be avoided or discussed with your healthcare professional. Prescription medications require individual medical advice.
Is retinol safe during pregnancy?
No. Retinoids, including topical retinol products, are generally recommended to be avoided during pregnancy. If you're currently using retinol and become pregnant, speak with your doctor or obstetrician about your individual circumstances.
What can I use instead of retinol during pregnancy?
Pregnancy skincare can focus on hydration, antioxidants, peptides and sun protection instead of retinoids. Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are commonly used alternatives, although individual skin tolerance varies.
Is salicylic acid safe during pregnancy?
The guidance depends on the concentration and how it is used. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends avoiding high-dose salicylic acid, particularly concentrations above 2%, and discussing its use with your healthcare professional.
What is the best skincare routine during pregnancy?
A simple routine focused on gentle cleansing, hydration, moisturising and daily sun protection is a good foundation. Any active ingredients should be considered based on your individual skin and discussed with your doctor, dermatologist or obstetrician where appropriate.
Can you use vitamin C during pregnancy?
Vitamin C is commonly used in pregnancy skincare routines and can provide antioxidant benefits. However, if your skin becomes more sensitive during pregnancy, introduce new vitamin C products gradually and choose a formulation that your skin tolerates.
What can I use for pregnancy acne?
Start with gentle cleansing, hydration and sun protection rather than automatically reaching for strong acne treatments. Some acne ingredients and medications aren't appropriate during pregnancy, so speak with your doctor or dermatologist about suitable options.
Can you use skincare while breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding has different considerations from pregnancy, and the safety of individual ingredients can vary. If you're breastfeeding, check your skincare ingredients with your healthcare professional, particularly if you're using prescription treatments or active ingredients.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/pregnancy-safe-skin-care#safe-alternatives
https://www.babycenter.com/pregnancy/your-life/safe-skin-care-during-pregnancy_1490031
https://www.babylist.com/hello-baby/pregnancy-safe-skin-care
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/beauty/skin/a26020928/pregnancy-safe-skincare/
https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/www.mamamia.com.au/pregnancy-safe-skincare/amp/
https://www.esmi.com.au/blogs/pregnancy-safe-skincare-ingredients/
