Skincare While Pregnant: What You Should Know

Salicylic acid is a common over-the-counter acne-clearing ingredient. However, It is not recommended when pregnant. Willow bark is naturally derived salicylic acid and should be avoided as well.

Retinol and other topical retinoids (derivatives of Vitamin A) should be avoided while pregnant or breastfeeding. Consider using a pregnancy-safe retinol alternative such as bakuchiol or beta carotene to help minimize fine lines, boost collagen, and reduce acne breakouts.

Benzoyl peroxide is another popular acne treatment ingredient. However, it is best to avoid it during pregnancy. While limited studies have been conducted on its effects, the general recommendation is to err on the side of caution. Instead, opt for gentler, pregnancy-safe alternatives like sulfur or azelaic acid to manage acne effectively.

Hydroquinone is widely used for skin lightening and treating hyperpigmentation. During pregnancy, it's important to steer clear of this ingredient as it has a high absorption rate into the bloodstream. Instead, consider using safer alternatives like vitamin C, licorice root extract, or niacinamide to address pigmentation issues without risk.

Chemical sunscreens, such as oxybenzone and avobenzone, can penetrate the skin and potentially affect hormone levels. During pregnancy, it's safer to use physical (mineral) sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These ingredients sit on the skin's surface and provide effective protection without being absorbed into the body.

Many people assume that because essential oils provide so many benefits, they are all completely safe. However, essential oils need to be treated properly to be safe, and they can be very dangerous if you don’t know how to use them.

The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy states that essential oils are extremely concentrated and can pose a risk to anyone, pregnant or not. It’s absolutely essential that you don’t ingest any essential oil unless under the guidance of a naturopath or aromatherapist who is qualified in this.

I also can’t stress enough the importance of diluting an oil before applying it to your skin to avoid toxicity in your system.

Essential Oils To Avoid: 

• Birch
• Camphor
• Hyssop
• Mugwort
• Parsley seed or leaf
• Pennyroyal
• Sage
• Tansy
• Tarragon
• Thuja
• Wintergreen
• Wormwood

Essential Oils Okay To Use (when properly diluted):

• Benzoin
• Bergamot
• Black Pepper
• Chamomile
• Clary Sage
• Cypress,
• Eucalyptus
• Frankincense
• Geranium
• Ginger
• Grapefruit
• Juniper
• Lavender
• Lemon
• Mandarin
• Marjoram (sweet),
• Neroli, Petitgrain
• Rose
• sandalwood
• Orange (sweet)
• Tea Tree
• Ylang Ylang

The good news is that most acne flare-ups occur in the first trimester. As your pregnancy progresses and estrogen levels naturally rise, you may notice your pimples fading away.

As you’re busy preparing for your baby shower and prepping the nursery, we’ve done the work for you and outlined some great pregnancy-safe ingredients to help keep your skin clear and glowing.

Charcoal is excellent for absorbing toxins, in fact, it can absorb thousands of times its own weight in toxins, and it’s also great for controlling sebum in the skin. Try our Charcoal Clay Cleanser by Skin Script as your first cleanse to beautifully clean and purify the skin before going in with your second cleanser. Also, check out Sorella Apothecary Purifying Powerclay Mask for a healing mask to draw out impurities, regulate oil production, and reduce redness.

This is one pregnancy-safe ingredient that should be top of your list. Mandelic acid helps to effectively, yet gently, exfoliate the skin and increase cell turnover so you can rock that pregnancy glow. Mandelic acid is also naturally anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and suppresses overactive melanin production.

Follow up your charcoal cleanse with this Mandelic Toner to provide the type of acne support you need throughout your pregnancy.

Vitamin C is an all-star skincare ingredient that is safe to use during pregnancy. It is considered to be the #1 healthy-aging antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that reduces the signs of extrinsic aging and improves overall skin health. This multi-benefit ingredient will help with everything from boosting collagen for more youthful skin to brightening dark spots for a luminous glow.

Sorella Apothecary Pomegranate Acai Antioxidant Serum is a 20% vitamin C serum that contains powerful antioxidants, brightening, and hydrating ingredients to rejuvenate tired skin and minimize signs of stress and fatigue. Experiencing dry skin? Sorella's Blueberry Milk Moisturizer is as lush as it sounds, providing vitamin C, firming peptides, and moisturizing in one.

Highly underrated, azelaic acid is an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory active that works wonders to fight an array of skin concerns. It’s effective in reducing redness, swelling, and irritation associated with conditions like acne and rosacea, and reducing hyperpigmentation. It also possesses gentle exfoliating properties, promoting cell turnover and reducing the appearance of acne scars. Azelaic acid is a safe alternative to hydroquinone to address pigmentation while pregnant.

Try this Lemon Lightening Serum by Sorella Apothecary for a real skin treat that brightens the skin.

Niacinamide is known to reduce inflammation, regulate oil production, improve skin texture, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It is also effective in treating hyperpigmentation, reducing redness, and protecting the skin from environmental stressors. Niacinamide can be a good substitute for retinol during pregnancy and can help lighten dark spots, which is a great option if you’re struggling with pregnancy-related melasma.

This novel brightener not only inhibits tyrosine, therefore reducing melanin production, but it’s a great exfoliator as well, leading to an overall more even complexion. In addition, kojic acid has antimicrobial properties reducing breakouts and promoting clearer skin.

Glycolic acid is an AHA that is considered safe to use in pregnancy. To ensure safety, choose an option with a 7% concentration or lower. It excels at exfoliating to boost cell turnover, smoothing wrinkles, and reducing the appearance of dark spots.

Chemical sunscreens such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate are absorbed into the bloodstream at significant levels. Choosing a chemical-free mineral sunscreen may be the safest option for yourself and your little ones.

Prenatal vitamins help a woman to ensure she is getting more than enough nutritional support for her and her developing fetus. What many don’t realize is that not all prenatal supplements are created equal. Most of these supplements contain biotin and iodine; both of which can irritate the hair follicle and contribute to acne breakouts. One prenatal we highly recommend that doesn’t contain either biotin or iodine is this natural alternative from Mama’s Select .

Now that we’ve given you the rundown on all the great skincare ingredients you CAN use to achieve that glowing skin while pregnant, you have one less thing to worry about and can focus on the rest of your to-do list. Here’s to a healthy and happy pregnancy for you and your little one!