Pregnancy is an exciting journey filled with many changes—not just in your body, but also in your skin. While every pregnancy is unique, many women experience noticeable shifts in their skin due to hormonal fluctuations. Some women develop that famous “pregnancy glow,” while others may notice dryness, sensitivity, acne, or changes in pigmentation.
The good news? With the right approach, you can keep your skin healthy, comfortable, and radiant throughout your pregnancy.
Common Skin Changes During Pregnancy
- Increased sensitivity – Your skin may react more easily to products or environmental factors.
- Dryness or oiliness – Hormones can alter your skin’s moisture balance.
- Breakouts – Acne may appear even if you’ve never had it before.
- Hyperpigmentation (melasma or “mask of pregnancy”) – Dark patches can develop on the face, particularly in areas exposed to the sun.
- Itching or stretching – As your belly grows, the skin can feel tight and dry.
Pregnancy Safe Skin Care Routine
When in doubt, the best pregnancy skin care routine is a simple one. Overloading your skin with too many products can increase irritation and make it harder to know what’s helping or hurting, even if you regularly use these products already. We recommend the following:
1. Cleanse Gently
- Wash your face up to twice daily (and after sweating).
- Choose a mild, fragrance-free cleanser.
Skip harsh scrubs and strong acne washes that may irritate your skin.
2. Moisturize Regularly
- Apply a moisturizer suited to your skin type (lightweight for oily skin, richer cream for dry skin).
- Look for products labeled fragrance-free and free from harsh alcohols or sulfates.
3. Protect Your From the Sun
- Sunscreen is more important than ever during pregnancy, since hormones make skin more prone to dark spots.
- Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30+ sunscreen every day.
- Opt for physical (mineral) sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are less likely to irritate sensitive skin.
Don’t forget hats, shade, and sun-protective clothing for extra defense.
Safe Add-Ons for Pregnancy Skin Care
For women concerned about changes in skin tone, you can add these to your routine:
- Vitamin C serum (morning) – Helps brighten and protect against discoloration.
- Glycolic acid (evening) – Gently exfoliates and supports smoother, more even-toned skin.
What to Avoid While Pregnant
- Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) – Includes Retin-A, retinol, tretinoin, adapalene, and tazarotene. These can cause birth defects.
Oral acne medications like isotretinoin (Accutane) – Extremely unsafe during pregnancy. - High-strength salicylic acid (oral or high-concentration peels) – Small amounts in cleansers/toners are usually fine, but avoid high doses.
- Hydroquinone – A strong skin-lightening agent that can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
- Certain essential oils – Tea tree, rosemary, clary sage, and others may trigger contractions or cause irritation. Always check with your doctor.
At the end of the day, when you’re pregnant we want to keep you and your baby happy and healthy and taking care of your skin is part of that. Keep your skin care simple and gentle, and avoid products that could harm your baby or irritate your skin. Always talk to your dermatologist or OB/GYN before starting a new product while pregnant.
The information presented in this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If you have questions or concerns, please call our office or make an appointment with a medical professional. Savannah River Dermatology is located at 575 Furys Ferry Rd in Augusta, Ga. Our office can be reached at 706-691-7079.
