Our Top Three Skincare Products You Need During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a weird time for your skin.

Each trimester can bring on new issues, or reveal glowing skin. You could still be battling your typical skin dilemmas, or you might be suffering from new ailments like acne or hyperpigmentation. One thing is for certain, you’ll likely need to change up at least a few, if not all, of your skincare products.

Unfortunately, many of the most popular skincare ingredients are considered not safe during pregnancy. This includes products containing retinoids, retinols, hydroquinone, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and more. The bad news — this means you’ll likely have to ditch your acne medicine and wrinkle creams. The good news — we’re sharing our top three skincare products that we’ve found to be great, if not better, alternatives. 

1.) The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

This will be your holy grail if you’re suffering from pregnancy acne, or given that it’s 2021, if you’re suffering from mask-ne. Azelaic Acid is one of the few acne fighting ingredients that is pregnancy safe. The Ordinary’s Azelaic Acid Suspension is a light weight cream, and like most of The Ordinary’s products, comes at a lightweight cost of only $8. We recommend applying the cream at night over your problem areas. Make sure to layer it with lotion as it tends to dry out the skin.

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

2.) Skinceuticals CE Ferulic Vitamin C Serum

A good vitamin C serum is necessary during pregnancy as hyperpigmentation and discoloration is a common side effect for many women. The market for vitamin C serums, however, is a little oversaturated. While there are a number of great vitamin C serums out there in we prefer Skinceuticals CE Ferulic Vitamin C Serum above the rest for two main reasons. First, it is consistently ranked best overall by dermatologist, beauty mags and consumers, and for good reason. The serum boasts both brightening benefits and protection against free radicals and environmental stressors. This is thanks to its three main ingredients:

• 2% phloretin

  • This antioxidant neutralizes damaging free radicals, helps improve cell turnover, and improves the appearance of discoloration

• 10% L-ascorbic acid

  • This highly potent form of pure vitamin C neutralizes damaging free radicals and protects against oxidative stress while providing visible anti-aging benefits

• 0.5% ferulic acid

  • A plant-based antioxidant, ferulic acid neutralizes free radicals and enhances the antioxidant benefits of phloretin and vitamins C and E

The second reason we love this company and serum is, due to their dedication to research and proven clinical trials. The skincare industry can be a lot of talk at times, it’s refreshing to see a company that has the data to back up their claims, and that data is especially reassuring during pregnancy. You can relax knowing you’re not only getting the best product out there, but also the safest.

Skinceuticals CE Ferulic Vitamin C Serum

3.) EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 44

Of course no skincare recommendation list would be complete without an SPF, especially since your skin tends to be more sensitive during pregnancy. There are two main types of sunscreen: chemical and mineral. Chemical sunscreen is absorbed into the skin where it converts UV rays to heat. This differs from mineral sunscreen which sits on top of the skin and reflects UV rays. In general, mineral sunscreen is considered to be the safer option, however many prefer chemical sunscreen as it tends to go on clear. Most dermatologist agree that mineral sunscreen is the preferred sunscreen for those expecting or breastfeeding. Luckily, there are plenty amazing mineral sunscreens out there. Our favorite happens to be EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 44. We find the slight tint makes for easier application so you don’t have that dreaded mineral ghost face a lot of the non-tinted SPFs leave behind. It also contains hyaluronic acid to help hydrate your skin, and it’s non-comedogenic so it will not irritate or cause breakouts. A win-win-win.

EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 44

As always, if you are ever unsure about a product please check with your OBGYN or dermatologist. There are so many rules around pregnancy that it is only natural to feel overwhelmed. If you are ever hesitant, get a second opinion.