Best Pregnancy-Safe Skin Care Products, As Recommended by a Dermatologist

Noticing any changes in your skin now that you’re pregnant? Maybe your once dry skin now has a constant oily sheen, or maybe your skin has gotten so sensitive that only the gentlest cleansers will do.

Pregnancy can cause a number of skin changes, ranging from melasma (skin discoloration) and stretch marks to increased sensitivity and acne. While it can be tempting to try to deal with it using anything and everything in the skin care aisle, dermatologists recommend sticking with gentle products to prevent skin irritation and to keep your skin from absorbing any ingredients, such as retinoids, that could be harmful to fetal development.

Want to know the details about what skin care products should be avoided during pregnancy? Check out our guide on Pregnancy-Safe Skin Care. As far as what’s safe, here’s what to look for according to Dr. Lisa Zhang, dermatologist at DermSurgery Associates in Houston:

• Gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers
• Hyaluronic acid (a moisturizer with pregnancy-safe anti-aging properties)
• Benzoyl Peroxide (safe in limited amounts, but it is recommended to check with your dermatologist first before using)
• Vitamin C serum (used for its brightening, anti-aging and antioxidant properties; apply in the morning before sunscreen)
• Salicylic acid in low doses, usually found in over-the-counter face washes (not safe in high doses, in masks or when taken orally)