Found: The Best Pregnancy Skincare Routine To Follow Now

Pregnancy changes everything. Your hormones, your body, and yes, even your skin.

As a pregnant woman, I am often asked by other pregnant women what I do to keep my skin so good. So I thought, why not share everything I’ve learned (and tried) about pregnancy skincare routine with you?

Because honestly, I wish someone had told me half of these things before I started googling at 2 a.m., wondering if my face wash was secretly dangerous.

Short answer?

Yes.

You need to change your skincare routine when you’re pregnant.

But don’t ditch your skincare altogether.

Your skin needs just as much (if not more) tender loving care now than ever before.

Hormones are doing wild things, and your skin is feeling it.

Let’s talk about the what, why, and how of pregnancy skincare routine, from one pregnant mama to another.

Why You Shouldn’t Skip Pregnancy Skincare Routine

Your skin is your largest organ, and during pregnancy, it feels everything.

From sudden acne breakouts to melasma (aka “pregnancy mask”), a common skin condition that causes dark, patchy spots, usually on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip.

Taking care of your skin isn’t just about looking good (although yes, we love that glow!).

We use skincare to strengthen the skin barrier, calm irritations, and maintain the skin’s integrity through the nine months of stretching, swelling, and sweating.

That said, does it mean you can continue with your normal skincare routine?

Nope.

I had to swap out a few favorites myself.

There are some ingredients you shouldn’t use when you’re pregnant, even though on a normal day, they’d be perfectly fine.

The Big “NO” List of Ingredients to Avoid While Pregnant

Here are the heavy hitters to avoid and why:

1. Retinoids (Retinol, Tretinoin, Adapalene)

Retinoids, when absorbed into your bloodstream, especially in high doses, have been linked to serious birth defects.

Even small amounts in over-the-counter creams can pose a risk, which is why dermatologists and OB-GYNs strongly recommend avoiding them altogether during pregnancy.

In short, avoid products with these names: “anti-aging,” “vitamin A derivative,” “retinyl palmitate.”

I know, it hurts. Retinol was my ride-or-die, but trust me, you’ll glow without it.

2. Salicylic Acid (High Doses)

High-dose salicylic acid, especially in peels or oral forms, is related to aspirin and may affect fetal development if absorbed in large amounts.

That’s why high-strength or leave-on versions should be avoided during pregnancy.

Yes, small amounts (under 2%) in wash-off products like cleansers are generally safe.

Since they don’t sit long on the skin, your body absorbs very little, making them a safer choice for tackling pregnancy breakouts without risking the baby’s safety.

Salicylic acid might also appear on ingredient lists as beta hydroxy acid (BHA), willow bark extract, or sodium salicylate.

If you’re unsure, it’s best to skip it or ask your OB or dermatologist.

3. Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is a powerful skin-lightening agent, but it gets absorbed into the bloodstream more than most topical products.

Since we don’t fully understand how it might affect a growing baby, it’s safest to avoid it entirely in your pregnancy skincare routine.

You’ll usually find hydroquinone in products that treat dark spots, melasma, or hyperpigmentation, often labeled as “fade creams,” “skin lightening,” or “brightening” treatments.

There are safer alternatives that still help with dark spots, like azelaic acid or niacinamide.

More on safe products later.

4. Chemical Sunscreens (Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, Octinoxate)

Chemical sunscreens like oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate can interfere with your hormones by acting as endocrine disruptors.

That means they can mimic or block natural hormones in your body, which may affect both you and your growing baby.

Although we don’t yet fully understand all the long-term effects, many experts recommend avoiding these ingredients during pregnancy just to be safe.

During pregnancy, it’s safest to switch to mineral sunscreens.

Look out for these names on product labels: oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone, homosalate, octocrylene, and octisalate.

Instead, choose products labeled “mineral sunscreen,” “zinc oxide,” or “titanium dioxide.”

5. Essential Oils

Certain essential oils, especially clary sage, rosemary, and jasmine, have compounds that may stimulate the uterus and trigger early contractions when used in large amounts.

That’s why they’re not recommended during pregnancy.

Other essential oils can cause allergic reactions, nausea, dizziness, or headaches, especially if you’re already sensitive to strong scents or have a history of allergies.

The risk isn’t the same for everyone, but it’s best to avoid essential oils unless your healthcare provider says it’s safe.

Look out for these names on product labels: clary sage oil, rosemary oil, jasmine oil, camphor, cinnamon bark oil, and pennyroyal.

Always check ingredient lists, and avoid essential oils unless approved by your healthcare provider.

The “YES, PLEASE” List of Safe and Skin-Loving Alternatives

Let’s talk about what’s actually safe and still works, even with all the hormone chaos.

1. Mineral Sunscreens (Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide)

Mineral sunscreens protect against melasma and UV damage by sitting on top of the skin and reflecting harmful rays, unlike chemical sunscreens that are absorbed.

This makes them not only effective but also much gentler for your changing skin. They’re safe even if you have extra-sensitive pregnancy skin, and they lower your risk of triggering dark spots or irritation.

Look for ones that list zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the main active ingredients.

I use mine all the time, even when it’s windy. Trust me, it makes a difference.

2. Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid is a multitasking superstar during pregnancy.

It fights acne by clearing clogged pores and calming inflammation.

It also helps reduce redness from rosacea and fades dark patches caused by melasma or hormonal changes.

The best part is that it’s completely safe to use while pregnant because it doesn’t absorb deeply into the bloodstream.

You’ll often find it in prescription creams or over-the-counter gels labeled for acne, brightening, or rosacea relief.

I like to apply it in the evening after cleansing, and it keeps my skin happy and calm.

3. Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that’s gentle, safe, and very effective in calming inflammation, reducing redness, improving skin hydration, and fading dark spots caused by hormonal changes.

It also strengthens your skin barrier, which is crucial when your skin feels extra sensitive or dry.

You’ll often find it in serums, moisturizers, and even sunscreens designed for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

This is one of my everyday staples. It works like a charm and layers well under makeup too.

4. Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)

Vitamin C, especially in its pure form, L-ascorbic acid, helps brighten dull skin by fading dark spots and evening out skin tone, something many pregnant women deal with due to hormonal changes.

It also acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting your skin from environmental stressors like pollution and UV damage.

Use it regularly and you’ll find your skin looking fresher and more radiant, even on tired days.

I have my vitamin C in my facial cleanser and my serum.

It’s really improved my skin. Get some vit-C in your skincare if you don’t have already.

5. Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a powerful moisture magnet that holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water.

During pregnancy, your skin can get dry or feel tight due to hormonal shifts.

This ingredient draws moisture into the skin, leaving it plump, soft, and smooth without clogging pores.

It’s safe, gentle, and works well for all skin types, even if your skin is sensitive.

Apply hyaluronic acid to damp skin right after cleansing, so it has water to bind to.

Then follow up with a moisturizer to lock it in.

If you skip the moisturizer, it may pull moisture from your skin instead, leaving you drier.

Look for it in serums, gels, or creams labeled as “hydrating” or “plumping.”

I use it twice a day, and it’s honestly the reason I don’t look like I’ve been up all night (even though I have, most of the time).

Now that you know what to use and what not to, here’s a skincare routine that’s proven to help you keep your skin radiant while riding the prego rollercoaster.

A Practical Pregnancy Skincare Routine (Morning + Night)

Morning:

Gentle Cleanser (fragrance-free)

Vitamin C serum (10–15%)

Niacinamide or Hyaluronic Acid serum

Moisturizer with ceramides

Mineral sunscreen (SPF 30+)

Evening:

Cleanser

Azelaic acid or niacinamide (alternate nights)

Hyaluronic acid or light oil (like squalane)

Night cream

Once Weekly:

Gentle exfoliation with lactic acid or a papaya enzyme mask

This is just a guide. For my routine, I use a vitamin c cleaner, vitamin c toner, and than a light weight day cream, both night and day.

You can mix, match, and combine whatever makes sense to you. It’s more about your preference.

The most important thing is to avoid the no-no products and stick to the safer ones.

Glow up with your pregnancy skincare routine

Pregnancy is beautiful. Your skin may not always feel that way, but with the right pregnancy skincare routine, you can glow safely and confidently.

So, mama, don’t stop your skincare game.

Just switch the rules and play smarter.

If you’re ever unsure about a product, check with your OB or dermatologist. And when in doubt, go simple, go safe, and go steady.