As a beauty editor, one of the first things I did when I found out I was pregnant was take stock of my skin care routine. Pregnancy comes with its own unique challenges for skin: extra dryness, rosacea, acne, hyperpigmentation and heightened sun sensitivity are just a few. Plus, if you prefer to err on the safe side with potentially harmful ingredients (such as retinoids, high-potency salicylic acid and chemical sunscreens), you may want to swap some products in your arsenal for gentler solutions.
Sign up for the BestReviews newsletter: Exclusive deals and expert picks, in your inbox.
Ahead, I share the products I’ve been leaning on to help my pregnancy-related skin care woes.
In this article: Medicube Kojic Acid Turmeric Brightening Body Wash, 10% Azelaic Acid Serum with Niacinamide & Hyaluronic Acid and EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF, Oil-Free Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide
Pregnancy can bring a host of not-so-fun skin changes, from hormonal acne and increased sensitivity to melasma and heightened dryness. To complicate matters further, some common active ingredients warrant extra caution. (Recommendations can vary based on individual health circumstances, so it's always wise to consult your OB-GYN and dermatologist for your individual concerns.)
During my pregnancy, I experienced heightened skin dryness, mild rosacea on my face and hyperpigmentation across my chest. To address dryness, I loaded up on gentle yet deeply hydrating moisturizers, serums and cleansers loaded with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides and glycerin to replenish moisture and support the skin barrier. I added an azelaic acid facial serum and a vitamin C-powered body wash to address my rosacea and hyperpigmentation, respectively.
My non-pregnancy skin care routine includes retinol and chemical sunscreen. Though common recommendations and recent studies are mixed on whether these cause potential harm, I personally prefer to err on the safe side with a similarly effective alternative. I swapped my retinol for bakuchiol (a plant-derived retinol alternative free of vitamin A derivatives) and traded my chemical sunscreen for a zinc oxide-based alternative.
Medicube Kojic Acid Turmeric Brightening Body Wash
This gentle body wash contains vitamin C, turmeric and niacinamide to help clear hyperpigmentation, which can occur during pregnancy.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Moisturizing Milky Cleanser
With a minimalist, fragrance-free formula, this milky cleanser is one of two in my pregnancy skin care rotation. It’s gentle and hydrating.
LANEIGE Water Bank Cleansing Foam
This ultra-hydrating cleanser leaves my skin feeling supple and soft with absolutely no tightness. It’s gentle yet tough enough to remove makeup.
10% Azelaic Acid Serum with Niacinamide & Hyaluronic Acid
When I developed mild rosacea during pregnancy, this 10% azeliac acid serum helped calm my redness.
Rhode Glazing Milk Ceramide Facial Essence
Layering this fragrance-free ceramide-packed facial essence under my moisturizer has helped my skin feel even more hydrated.
AESTURA ATOBARRIER365 Cooling Hydro Soothing Water Cream Moisturizer
Formulated with hyaluronic acid and ceramides, this soothing, lightweight moisturizer is free from fragrance, parabens, mineral oils and artificial dyes.
Sun Bum SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Lip Balm
I keep this mineral SPF 30 lip balm handy in my purse to keep my pout moisturized and protected from the sun while on the go.
EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF, Oil-Free Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide
I love this lightweight, mineral sunscreen because it’s oil-free and designed to be safe for rosacea and hyperpigmented skin, both of which are common in pregnancy.
COSRX The Blue Peptide Bakuchiol Plump Glow Serum
Powered by 0.25% bakuchiol, this low-irritation formula can help improve the look of pores, texture and overall skin clarity.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.
