Pregnancy-Safe Skincare: The Complete Guide
Pregnancy brings a wave of hormonal changes that can affect your skin in almost every way, some welcome, like the pregnancy glow, and others less so, such as increased sensitivity, dryness, or dark patches.
On top of that, several common skincare ingredients are best avoided while you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The good news is that with the right products and a little know-how, you can keep your skin healthy and glowing throughout.
Skin Changes and Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy
Rising hormone levels and increased blood flow during pregnancy can bring on the pregnancy glow, but they can also lead to dryness, sensitivity, redness, or breakouts, and many people notice patches of darker pigmentation known as melasma. Our guide to changes to the skin during pregnancy covers what to expect, including stretch marks, melasma, acne, eczema, and rosacea flare-ups.
At the same time, a number of common skincare ingredients are best avoided while pregnant or breastfeeding, including retinoids (Retin-A, retinol, and retinyl palmitate), high-strength salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, hydroquinone, formaldehyde. If you want to learn more, see our full guide to skincare ingredients to avoid during pregnancy for the details. The entire Lucy Bee skincare range has been independently reviewed and confirmed safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so you can shop with confidence.
Building a Pregnancy-Safe Routine
A gentle, pregnancy-safe routine swaps out the ingredients to avoid for safer alternatives that still tackle common concerns like dryness, dullness, and pigmentation. Here is how to build one, and why each step matters:
- Cleanse gently - Organic Reviving Cleansing Cream. Removes impurities and makeup without stripping the skin, which is especially important as pregnancy hormones can leave skin more reactive and prone to dryness.
- Tone & exfoliate - Organic Exfoliating Tonic with AHA & PHA. A gentle chemical exfoliant that smooths texture and brightens dull skin, offering a pregnancy-safe alternative to the retinoids and high-strength acids that are best avoided.
- Nourish & moisturise - Organic Radiance-Boosting Face Cream. Hydrates deeply and helps ease the dryness and tightness that can come with pregnancy skin changes.
- Protect every morning - SPF 50 Face Sunscreen. Pregnancy hormones can make skin more prone to pigmentation and melasma, so daily SPF is essential for protecting against further dark patches.
For a full morning and evening routine using only pregnancy-safe products, see our simple pregnancy-safe skincare routine.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What skin changes are normal during pregnancy?+
Hormonal changes and increased blood flow can bring on a pregnancy glow, but they can also cause dryness, sensitivity, redness, breakouts, and patches of darker pigmentation known as melasma. Stretch marks and a dark vertical line on the stomach, called linea nigra, are also common. Read more in our guide to changes to the skin during pregnancy.
Which skincare ingredients should I avoid when pregnant?+
It is best to avoid retinoids such as Retin-A, retinol, and retinyl palmitate, along with high-strength salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, hydroquinone, formaldehyde, and aluminium chloride. See our full list in skincare ingredients to avoid during pregnancy.
Is the full Lucy Bee range safe to use during pregnancy?+
Yes. The entire Lucy Bee range has been independently reviewed and tested to confirm it is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you are unsure, we always recommend speaking to your healthcare practitioner for personalised advice.
Can I still exfoliate during pregnancy?+
Yes, gentle exfoliants such as an AHA and PHA tonic are generally fine during pregnancy. It is best to avoid high-strength salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide treatments and harsh physical scrubs, and to patch test any new product first if your skin feels more sensitive than usual.