6 Skincare Tips During Pregnancy From Dermatologists
Pregnancy brings significant changes to skin health, requiring thoughtful adjustments to skincare routines as dermatologists emphasize. Leading experts provide clear guidance on how to adapt skincare practices safely during this transformative time. These evidence-based recommendations focus on gentle ingredients, simplified routines, and effective alternatives to help expectant mothers maintain healthy skin throughout pregnancy.
Embrace Gentle, Safe Skincare During Pregnancy
One piece of advice my dermatologist gave me during pregnancy was simple but life-changing: "Focus on gentle, safe, and hydrating skincare rather than chasing active ingredients." Suddenly, all those retinols, strong acids, and chemical peels were off the table. I realized pregnancy wasn't the time to experiment—it was the time to nurture.
I switched my routine to soft, fragrance-free cleansers, rich moisturizers, and sunscreen I could trust every day. I leaned heavily on products with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide for hydration and soothing, and I added a mineral sunscreen to protect my skin without harsh chemicals. My nightly ritual became all about calm, replenishing layers—no scrubs, no harsh treatments—just hydration, protection, and mindfulness.
The change was subtle but powerful. My skin felt balanced, glowy, and resilient, and I learned that skincare during pregnancy isn't about "fixing"—it's about honoring your skin's new needs.
Simplify Routine When Hormones Change Skin
A dermatologist once emphasized the importance of simplifying rather than expanding skincare during pregnancy. She explained that hormonal fluctuations can make even familiar products reactive, so minimizing variables protects both skin balance and fetal safety. I replaced retinol and strong exfoliants with gentler alternatives—niacinamide for tone correction and lactic acid for mild resurfacing. Daily sunscreen became non-negotiable, using a zinc-based mineral formula instead of chemical filters. I also added a fragrance-free moisturizer rich in ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier, which often weakens with hormonal dryness. The biggest shift wasn't in brand names but in mindset—focusing on consistency and hydration over aggressive correction. That adjustment calmed irritation, improved texture, and reduced anxiety around product safety. It reaffirmed that healthy skin during pregnancy depends more on restraint and stability than on novelty.
Replace Retinoids With Pregnancy-Safe Alternatives
A dermatologist advised me to avoid retinoids during pregnancy and focus on gentle, hydrating products. I switched to a mild, hydrating cleanser like CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, used a fragrance-free moisturizer such as EltaMD PM Therapy, and ensured sun protection with Neutrogena Sheer Zinc SPF 50. I also replaced retinol-based acne treatments with safer options like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. These changes helped manage skin issues while ensuring safety for both me and my baby.
Protect Skin Barrier With Hydrating Products
One piece of advice a dermatologist gave me regarding skincare during pregnancy was to avoid products with retinoids and salicylic acid due to their potential to cause harm to the developing baby. Instead, I was advised to focus on gentle, hydrating products that support my skin's natural barrier.
As a result, I switched to a more pregnancy-safe routine, opting for products with hyaluronic acid for hydration, gentle cleansers without harsh exfoliants, and sunscreen with mineral ingredients like zinc oxide. I also incorporated a nourishing moisturizer with ceramides to keep my skin calm and balanced. These adjustments helped me maintain a glowing complexion without compromising my pregnancy's safety.
Resume Tretinoin After Delivery, Use SPF
I am 32 weeks pregnant. I just went into the Dermatologist this week to check in, as I was experiencing some new dark spots. He reassured me that these were normal and no cause for concern. We discussed tretinoin, the anti-aging Rx, which is prohibited while you are pregnant. He told me that as soon as I deliver, I can go back on it, and that it is safe during breastfeeding. In the meantime, I will continue to use SPF and OTC solutions. Additionally, he told me that after childbirth I may lose some of the hair I've grown since being pregnant. He said I could go on Minoxidil, or a supplement like Nutrafol. During pregnancy, I've been using many more oils to avoid stretch marks. I am also quite dehydrated, so drinking a lot of water and using a lot of moisturizer.
Calm System Inside Out With Omegas
Given my history with psoriasis, my dermatologist's best advice was to focus on calming my system from the inside out, which resonated perfectly with my holistic health philosophy. I immediately simplified my routine, replacing active serums with a diet rich in omega-3s from fish and flaxseed to manage inflammation. Topically, I used only a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser and pure calendula-infused oil to keep my skin soothed, hydrated, and free from flare-ups.
