These doctor-recommended beauty products and treatments address common concerns — hello, hormonal acne — without harming you or your baby.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding come with their own set of joys and pains, and a long laundry list of things to consider for you and your baby — among them, the best skin care for pregnancy. When you’re already going through so many changes, finding new skin-care products that work with your existing and new skin concerns can be tricky and a bit stressful, but there are plenty of options to help you fully bask in your best pregnancy glow.
Start by weeding out what won’t work for the next few months while you’re pregnant and nursing. If you ever have any uncertainty about the safety of a product, it’s probably a good idea to run your current skin-care lineup by both your dermatologist and gynecologist at the start of your pregnancy. According to Morgan Rabach, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, ingredients such as retinol and hydroquinone should be avoided by pregnant and nursing women.
[Editor’s note: The use of salicylic acid during pregnancy has been debated but the American Academy of Dermatology — as well as one expert in this very story — deem topical salicylic acid acceptable when used for a limited time, but please consult with your board-certified dermatologist.]
Next, know the types of skin changes to expect. For example, it’s not uncommon to battle a bit of acne during this time. “Breakouts are a big concern during pregnancy, says Dr. Rabach. “All the hormones surging are similar to teenagers, which leads to more breakouts than usual.”
She also shares that pregnant women can also see more pigmentation issues than they would have pre-pregnancy. “Melanin-stimulating hormones, which are the same type of hormone as estrogen, [can] increase and cause dark spots,” says Dr. Rabach, resulting in melasma, a pigmentation condition that causes dark patches on the face or cheek, or general discoloration in other spots on the body.
Some women may see the formation of a dark line on the center of the stomach — it’s called the linea nigra. “The linea nigra comes from the melanin stimulating hormones and resolves after pregnancy on its own,” says Onyeka Obioha, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles who specializes in treating hyperpigmentation and skin of color.
There’s also a pregnancy-specific rash called pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP), which Obioha says, “women can get during their third trimester of pregnancy, but it is only known to affect a woman’s first pregnancy.” It shows up as itchy patches often on or around stretch marks. There’s no known cause for PUPPP and it clears up after delivery.
“In general, patients should understand that PUPPP is a well-recognized condition, usually limited in duration, and does not imply any increased maternal or fetal risk — so, no need to worry,” says Hilda Hutcherson, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City.
With so much to keep in mind, it can be quite overwhelming to shop for the right dark spot correctors, itch-relief creams, and sun-protecting products while pregnant. Read on to find out which dermatologist-recommended skin-care replacements you can easily swap into your routine to keep you and your baby safe.
Best Mineral Susncreen: Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion Sunscreen SPF 50+
Why It’s Worth It: With regard to sunscreens, Dr. Rabach says that a mineral product is the safest way to go while pregnant or breastfeeding. “I usually recommend physical blockers during pregnancy that are not chemical-based,” she explains. “That’s basically your zinc and your titanium.” One of her favorites is the Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion, a zinc oxide sunscreen, which contains enzymes that help repair any existing sun damage. It also goes on sheer and serum-like, so it’s darker-skin-tone-friendly.
Best Indulgent Mask: Peter Thomas Roth Therapeutic Sulfur Acne Treatment Masque
Why It’s Worth It: “Sulfur products are safe to use during pregnancy to help with any breakouts,” says Dr. Obioha. You can find sulfur treatments in either a prescription-strength cleanser or as an over-the-counter spot treatment or mask. Although Dr. Obioha prefers prescription sulfur washes, she recommends Peter Thomas Roth’s Therapeutic Sulfur Acne Treatment Masque as an alternative. “Sulfur is anti-inflammatory, so it won’t increase cell turnover and cause any chemical exfoliation, but it’s still effective in treating acne,” she explains. Use this mask once per week to safely clear up your blemishes fast.
Best Antioxidant Serum: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Why It’s Worth It: The Best of Beauty-winning SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is a gentle but highly effective serum that’s excellent for daily use to combat signs of aging, including fine lines, loss of elasticity, sun damage, and dullness, says Dr. Green. In addition to brightening, the potent blend of antioxidant ingredients — vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid, which stabilize one another and increase potency — protects skin against damaging free radicals that can contribute to aging.
Best for Hyperpigmentation: SkinMedica Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum
Why It’s Worth It: The SkinMedica Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum is one of Dr. Rabach’s favorites to help diminish hyperpigmentation and brighten skin. “It has different ingredients like phenylethyl resorcinol, niacinamide, and tetrapeptide-30, which help even out your skin tone,” says Dr. Rabach. These brighteners not only balance melanin production in skin, but also help prevent new spots from appearing. Because this serum doesn’t include retinol and hydroquinone, which aren’t safe during pregnancy, it’s a great option for expecting mothers to treat melasma.
Best Exfoliator: Caudalie Glycolic Peel Mask
Why It’s Worth It: In low concentrations of 5% to 10%, glycolic acid is a pregnancy-safe alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that fights skin dullness and uneven texture. The Caudalie Glycolic Peel Mask is a 10-minute facial-like experience that will brighten dark spots and exfoliate away dead skin. If you’re looking for a non-retinol mask to help clear marks while pregnant or nursing, Dr. Rabach recommends this indulgent treatment mask.
Best Vitamin C Serum: Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Serum Brightening Skin Corrector
Why It’s Worth It: Vitamin C is one ingredient that women likely already have incorporated into their routines long before pregnancy. The good news is, you don’t have to ditch it once baby is on board. Because it’s a known skin-brightener, Dr. Obioha often adds vitamin C to her patients’ skin-care routines to treat hyperpigmentation that’s often associated with pregnancy, like melasma. Because of its strong antioxidant properties, vitamin C serums also target existing skin concerns women may have, like reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Dr. Obioha recommends the affordable but effective Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Serum Brightening Skin Corrector, which pairs vitamin C with hyaluronic acid to brighten skin and minimize the look of fine lines.
Best Body Lotion: CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Why It’s Worth It: Dry skin is a common complaint during pregnancy since hormone changes can cause your skin to lose both elasticity and moisture. But even when your skin is craving hydration, gentle is the way to go with both face creams and moisturizers, says Andrea Braden, MD, FACOG, IBCLC, a board-certified OB/GYN in Decatur, Georgia. She also notes anything with harsh fragrances can lead to unwanted rashes or outbreaks. This ceramide-rich drugstore pick is her go-to since it doesn’t contain any parabens, phthalates, or other irritants, and restores and maintains the skin’s barrier. CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion also features hyaluronic acid to help lock that hydration boost in and banish dryness for good.
Best Dark Spot Corrector: Biossance Squalane + 10% Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum
Why It’s Worth It: Pregnancy can cause the melanocytes in the skin to darken and become more pronounced, leaving what’s called “pregnancy mask” or scattered areas of melasma on the face, says Michelle Harsh, ARNP, FNP-BC, a board-certified nurse practitioner based in Boca Raton, Florida. One way to combat that is with a gentle, vitamin C-rich product. Biossance’s Squalane + 10% Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum contains a 10% concentration of the antioxidant, along with white shiitake mushroom extract and licorice root extract, both of which can help prevent further spots from popping up.
Best Acne Spot Corrector: Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch The Original
Why It’s Worth It: To clear breakouts quickly and safely, Dr. Rabach recommends using a hydrocolloid pimple patch like The Original Mighty Patch from Hero Cosmetics. “Hydrocolloid draws water and pus from the red, inflamed pimple into the patch to reduce pain and inflammation overnight,” she explains. Although hydrocolloid has traditionally been used in treating wounds, because it absorbs fluid from the skin, it can also be used to treat zits safely. The added bonus is that since the pimples are covered by the patch, you can’t pick at them.
Best for Itch Relief: Cortizone-10 Maximum Strength
Why It’s Worth It: According to Dr. Rabach, itchy rashes during pregnancy are common and thought to be a result of the increased levels of hormones in the body. If the itchiness is getting bad, Cortizone-10 Maximum Strength is formulated with aloe, vitamin A, and vitamin E to provide quick relief to irritated skin.
Best Tinted Sunscreen: IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50+
Why It’s Worth It: It’s always nice to streamline your beauty routine — who wouldn’t benefit from a few extra minutes here and there? — but when you’re pregnant and tired beyond belief, a multitasking product can make a world of a difference. The Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream from IT Cosmetics is a one-and-done option that not only accentuates your pregnancy glow with firming and plumping hyaluronic acid, but also provides true, buildable coverage, rather than a barely-there tint. It’s perfectly safe for pregnant and nursing women and even has SPF 50 mineral sunscreen built in, says Dr. Braden.
Best Cleanser: Tata Harper Regenerating BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Why It’s Worth It: Recommended by Limor Weinberg, MSN, ARNP, FNP-BC, a board-certified nurse practitioner in Miami, Tata Harper’s Regenerating BHA Exfoliating Cleanser is a gentle face wash that does more than sweep away the day’s makeup and any dirt or environmental pollutants your skin may have picked up along the way. (Remember to consult your dermatologist, as this product contains salicylic acid.) It’s formulated with natural ingredients, such as apricot seed powder, to exfoliate and promote cell turnover. Hello, pregnancy glow. It also contains aloe vera, which soothes and hydrates the skin.
Best Skin-Brightener: The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
Why It’s Worth It: In terms of acne, one ingredient that is safe is the compound azelaic acid. It comes from a wheat plant and is basically a natural pigmentation regulator,” says Dr. Rabach. It also helps slough away dead skin, which can clog pores and cause breakouts. The Ordinary’s Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% is an inexpensive treatment that’s just as potent as pricier competitors. The acid is suspended in a lightweight gel-cream that helps the formula glide on easily.
Best for Larger Pores: Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum
Why It’s Worth It: Gentle is the name of the game when seeking out a glycolic acid that’s safe for use during pregnancy — remember just 5 to 10% is the sweet spot. At 10%, Drunk Elephant’s T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum is right on the cusp, but Dr. Green says it’s perfectly safe for both pregnant and nursing women and works wonderfully to gently exfoliate the skin, improve radiance, and minimize enlarged pores. Take note if you have skin that skews oily and acne-prone: This serum will enhance the effects of your other products by keeping pores clear, says Dr. Green.
Best for Breakouts: Paula’s Choice Clear Regular Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment
Why It’s Worth It: There has been much debate over whether or not benzoyl peroxide is safe for pregnant women. According to Dr. Rabach, it also has an FDA category C safety rating — meaning there have been no adequate and well-controlled studies done in humans for this particular ingredient. Because of this, proceed with caution. Some dermatologists say to avoid benzoyl peroxide (BP) altogether, but Dr. Obioha believes it’s OK to use it as a spot treatment in no more than a 2.5% concentration. She says to check with your ob-gyn first before using any product with BP, but if you’re cleared, it’s an effective option to clear breakouts and minimize redness.
Best Budget-Friendly Serum: Physicians Formula Skin Booster Vitamin
Why It’s Worth It: Start your day with a healthy dose of vitamins — for your skin, that is. The concentrated Physicians Formula Skin Booster Vitamin Shot, recommended by Rachael Cayce, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles, wakes up skin with a punch of vitamins C and B3. It also contains licorice root extract, which helps lighten any dark spots associated with skin conditions like melasma or even existing acne scars. Because it’s so lightweight, it layers beautifully with other products — for best results, use it in tandem with your favorite face cream.
