Chances are, you’ve heard of “pregnancy glow,” when a pregnant woman’s face looks naturally bright and healthy due to all the hormones her body is churning out. But we often don’t talk about other skin-related side effects of pregnancy, such as acne, sensitivity, and skin discoloration (known as melasma).
With all the changes happening to your body during pregnancy, who has time to deal with skin changes too? But what if your regular skincare routine isn’t working now that you’re pregnant? Or if you’re worried whether your pre-pregnancy products might no longer be safe? Fortunately, there are many products out there that are not only safe to use while you’re pregnant, they’re also budget-friendly. Plus, they don’t require you to add a ton of time to your morning and evening routines.
Last week in our series on pregnancy-safe beauty products, we talked about which skincare ingredients you’ll want to avoid during pregnancy. Today, we’ll share ingredients that are pregnancy-safe, along with dermatologist-recommended products to help you out.
Pregnancy-Safe Skin Care Products
Try not to let that list of ingredients to avoid stop you from following a solid skincare routine that’s still safe for pregnancy. There are still plenty of skin care products available that will help you combat dryness and breakouts and dryness while keeping your skin clean and healthy:
- Hyaluronic acid (this moisturizer has pregnancy-safe anti-aging properties)
- Gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers and cleansers
- Benzoyl Peroxide (this is safe in small amounts, but make sure to check in with your dermatologist first)
- Vitamin C serum (used for its anti-aging, brightening, and antioxidant qualities)
- Salicylic acid in low doses (like those found in over-the-counter face washes)
- Azelaic acid (comes from a wheat plant and is a natural pigmentation regulator)
Dermatologist-Recommended Pregnancy-Safe Skin Care Products
These doctor-recommended skin care products and treatments address common concerns without harming you or your growing baby.
Cleansers
Cetaphil Skin Cleanser (Unscented)
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser
Neutrogena Skin Balancing Gel Cleanser
Vitamin C Products
Derma-E Vitamin C Serum
Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Serum Brightening Skin Corrector
Acne-fighting Products
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
Paula’s Choice Clear Regular Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment with 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide
Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Acne Treatment Masque
Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch
Anti-aging Products
Caudalie Glycolic Peel Mask
SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator
Promise Radiant Glow Hydrating Face Cream
Moisturizers
For Normal/Dry Skin: Cerave Moisturizing Cream
For Dry Skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Face Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid
For Extra-Dry Skin: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream
For Normal/Oily Skin: Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Face Moisturizer with SPF 15
For Sensitive Skin: Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion
Solutions for Stretch Marks
Bio-Oil
Glow Organics Body Butter
Mambino Oh Baby! Anti-Stretch Body Oil, Omega + 7 Super Plants