Routine
A pregnancy-safe skincare routine, step by step
The safest pregnancy routine is short: a gentle cleanser, a fragrance-free moisturizer and a daily mineral sunscreen. Pause retinoids and hydroquinone, and ask your prenatal clinician before adding any active. This routine follows our main pregnancy skincare guide.
A pregnancy-safe skincare routine is a gentle cleanser morning and night, a fragrance-free moisturizer, and a broad-spectrum, water-resistant mineral sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every morning. Stop all retinoids (retinol, adapalene, tretinoin, tazarotene) and hydroquinone. For acne or melasma, azelaic acid is thought to be safe and low-strength salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide may be used in limited amounts, but only after you check with your obstetrician or dermatologist.
- Keep the base routine simple: gentle cleanser, fragrance-free moisturizer and mineral SPF 30+.
- Pause retinoids of every kind and hydroquinone for the whole pregnancy.
- Add targeted actives such as azelaic acid only after checking with your prenatal clinician.
Morning routine
Pregnancy-safe morning skincare routine
This routine applies the guidance in our main skincare during pregnancy guide, which explains the evidence for each ingredient. Here we turn it into daily steps. Pregnancy studies in humans are limited, so the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) bases much of its guidance on animal studies and reports from people who used products while pregnant, and recommends checking with your obstetrician or dermatologist before using acne treatments.
| Step | What to use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Cleanse | Gentle, fragrance-free cleanser or a water rinse | Up to twice a day and after sweating; no harsh scrubbing |
| 2. Optional serum | Vitamin C, only after checking with your clinician | A dermatologist quoted by the AAD suggests morning vitamin C for color changes |
| 3. Moisturize | Fragrance-free moisturizer, for example with hyaluronic acid or ceramides | Lighter gel if oily, richer cream if dry |
| 4. Sunscreen | Broad-spectrum, water-resistant mineral sunscreen, SPF 30+ (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or both) | Essential, because sun darkens melasma; reapply outdoors |
Why mineral? Our pregnancy guide follows the AAD’s suggestion of zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide sunscreens during pregnancy. Compare formats in mineral vs chemical sunscreen; a tinted mineral formula also helps blend any white cast.
Evening routine
Pregnancy-safe night skincare routine
| Step | What to use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Cleanse | Same gentle cleanser; remove sunscreen and makeup | Lukewarm water, fingertips only |
| 2. Treatment (only if approved) | Azelaic acid for acne or uneven tone | The AAD says it is thought to be safe; ask first |
| 3. Moisturize | Fragrance-free moisturizer or barrier cream | A richer cream on dry nights |
| 4. Body | Moisturizer on belly, hips and breasts | For stretch marks, evidence for any product is limited |
Where you used retinol at night before pregnancy, leave that step empty or replace it with azelaic acid once your clinician agrees. Plain moisturizer on its own is a perfectly good night routine.
Common concerns
What can you use for acne and melasma while pregnant?
Azelaic acid first
The AAD lists azelaic acid as thought to be safe; our guide notes a 2023 review listing it among preferred topical acne treatments in pregnancy. See hormonal acne for context.
Benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid
The AAD says benzoyl peroxide is considered safe in limited amounts and salicylic acid generally safe for a limited time. Stay at 2% salicylic acid or lower unless told otherwise.
Sun protection above all
Daily mineral SPF, reapplication, a wide-brimmed hat and shade. Hydroquinone is on the avoid list. Read more on melasma.
Moisturize, expect modest results
Our guide notes limited evidence; centella or hyaluronic acid products with daily massage may help modestly. See stretch marks.
What to pause
Which skincare ingredients should you avoid during pregnancy?
Generally fine
- Gentle cleansers and fragrance-free moisturizers.
- Mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.
- Azelaic acid, after checking with your clinician.
- Plain fragrance-free ointments or rich creams for very dry spots.
Pause or avoid
- All retinoids: retinol, retinal, adapalene, tretinoin, tazarotene and isotretinoin.
- Hydroquinone.
- Oral spironolactone and tetracycline-class antibiotics (ask your doctor).
- Salicylic acid above 2%, such as stronger peels.
- Fragranced products and many essential oils, which our guide lists for sparing use.
Not covered yet: our pregnancy guide does not give guidance on niacinamide, tranexamic acid or lactic acid. Ask your clinician about these directly rather than assuming they are fine. To check labels for retinoids or fragrance, use our guide to reading an ingredient list.
Two versions
Starter vs extended pregnancy routine
| Version | Morning | Evening | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter (most people) | Cleanser, moisturizer, mineral SPF 30+ | Cleanser, moisturizer | Nothing extra needed |
| Extended (with clinician approval) | Cleanser, vitamin C, moisturizer, tinted mineral SPF | Cleanser, azelaic acid, moisturizer | A gentle hydrating mask if dry; no peels or scrubs |
Change one thing at a time and patch test new products; skin can be more reactive in pregnancy. After delivery, ask before restarting retinoids or other actives, especially if you are breastfeeding. For other routines, browse the routines hub.
Safety and professional-help boundaries
When to call your doctor about skin in pregnancy.
- If you used a retinoid pill or isotretinoin and then learned you were pregnant, contact your clinician promptly.
- Severe itching, especially on the palms and soles later in pregnancy, needs medical attention; it can signal cholestasis of pregnancy.
- A widespread rash, or facial, lip or tongue swelling or trouble breathing after using a product, needs urgent help.
- Painful, deep or scarring acne should be seen by a dermatologist, who can work with your obstetric team.
- Tell your clinician if you were taking spironolactone or a tetracycline antibiotic when you became pregnant.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to common questions
What is a pregnancy-safe skincare routine?
A gentle cleanser, a fragrance-free moisturizer and a daily broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Add any active only after checking with your obstetrician or dermatologist.
Is retinol safe during pregnancy?
No. Retinol and all other retinoids, including adapalene and tretinoin, are on the pregnancy avoid list. Stop them as soon as you know you are pregnant.
Can I use azelaic acid while pregnant?
The AAD says azelaic acid is thought to be safe, and it is often suggested for pregnancy acne and uneven tone. Check with your clinician before starting.
Is salicylic acid safe in pregnancy?
Low-strength salicylic acid, 2% or lower, is generally considered safe for a limited time, according to the AAD. Avoid stronger peels and talk to your clinician first.
Can I use benzoyl peroxide while pregnant?
The AAD says experts consider it safe in limited amounts. Use it sparingly, such as a wash or spot treatment, after checking with your clinician.
What sunscreen is safe during pregnancy?
Our guide follows the AAD in suggesting a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher with zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or both. Use it daily and reapply outdoors.
Can I use vitamin C serum while pregnant?
A dermatologist quoted by the AAD suggests morning vitamin C for color changes in pregnancy. Ask your clinician about the specific product you want to use.
Is niacinamide safe during pregnancy?
Our pregnancy guide does not cover niacinamide, so we cannot give a verified answer. Ask your obstetrician or dermatologist before using it.
How can I prevent melasma during pregnancy?
Sun protection is the most important step: daily mineral sunscreen, reapplication, a wide-brimmed hat and shade. Hydroquinone should be avoided while pregnant.
When can I restart retinol after pregnancy?
Ask your clinician before restarting, especially if you are breastfeeding. Breastfeeding has its own considerations for retinoids and other actives.
Editorial Record
- Editorial status
- awaiting expert review
Related pages
Continue from here
Sources reviewed
Evidence behind this routine
- American Academy of Dermatology: Safe acne treatment during pregnancy.
- American Academy of Dermatology: Skin care tips dermatologists use.
- American Academy of Dermatology: How to fade dark spots in skin of color (sun protection and iron oxide sunscreen).
- American Academy of Dermatology: Acne, tips for managing.
Sources support the general editorial guidance shown here. They do not replace personal medical advice from a qualified clinician.