Safe, Supportive Routines for Every Stage

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey—but let’s be real, it comes with its share of hormonal upheaval, skin flare-ups, and ingredient confusion. Whether you’re planning to conceive, deep in your third trimester, or navigating the postpartum fog, your skin needs care that evolves with you. In this guide, we’ll unpack how pregnancy affects your skin, the ingredients to avoid, and how to build a clean, effective routine for every phase—rooted in science, but always down-to-earth.

How Skin Changes Before, During, and After Pregnancy

Hormonal shifts begin even before that positive test. As estrogen and progesterone levels climb, you might notice breakouts, oiliness, or dryness. During pregnancy, skin changes can include:

• Hyperpigmentation (melasma)
• Increased sensitivity or redness
• Stretch marks from skin expansion
• Dry, itchy patches
• Breakouts from oil production and stress

And it doesn’t all go back to normal after delivery. Postpartum skin may continue to shift for up to three years, especially if you’re breastfeeding or experiencing hormonal imbalances. That means your skincare should evolve too.

Skincare Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy

Certain ingredients are considered unsafe or controversial during pregnancy due to potential absorption and risks to fetal development. Always consult with your healthcare provider, but here’s a widely accepted list:

Ingredient	Why to Avoid	Commonly Found In
Retinoids (Retinol, Retin-A, Tretinoin)	Linked to birth defects in high doses	Anti-aging creams, acne treatments
Salicylic Acid (in high doses)	May be unsafe in large concentrations	Acne treatments, exfoliants
Benzoyl Peroxide	Limited safety data during pregnancy	Acne treatments
Hydroquinone	High absorption rate; safety not established	Skin-lightening creams
Formaldehyde	Known carcinogen; linked to miscarriage	Nail polish, hair treatments
Essential oils like clary sage, rosemary (in high concentrations)*	Can stimulate uterine contractions	Some natural skincare or aromatherapy products

*There are many more, these are just a few!
Source: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Mayo Clinic, NIH

Ingredients That Are Safe—and Beneficial

Good news: there are many gentle, nourishing ingredients you can lean on for a pregnancy-safe skincare routine.

• Hyaluronic Acid – Hydrating and safe
• Vitamin C (ascorbyl glucoside) – Brightens and supports collagen without the risks of retinoids
• Zinc Oxide – A physical SPF that’s safe for pregnancy
• Oat extract, calendula, chamomile – Calm inflammation and sensitivity
• Natural oils like jojoba, almond, and avocado – Support moisture and elasticity

Skincare Regimen by Stage

Before Pregnancy

Focus on reducing inflammation and switching to clean, pregnancy-safe formulas.

• Cleanse: Lavender Foaming Face Wash (gentle, pH-balanced) This is one of my favorites because lavender is naturally antimicrobial and antibacterial which can help control bacteria on the skin, naturally.
• Tone: Clean Sweep Facial Toner. Can help absorb excess oil that can be caused from hormonal imbalances.
• Hydrate: Barrier Defense Serum (ceramides + hyaluronic acid). A lightweight moisturizer that keeps skin moisturized, but without too much oil which can contribute to breakouts.
• Moisturize: Face Cream with green tea, kokum butter. The Face Cream is one of my favorite products! It adds moisture, but doesn’t clog pores!
• Protect: Daily sunscreen (zinc-based)

During Pregnancy (by trimester)

First Trimester: Keep it simple—your skin is adjusting.

• Gentle cleanser: More often than not, you can continue with the Lavender Face Wash, since it’s gentle and also help retain moisture in your skin.
• Toner: like Brighten + Boost (gotu kola + chamomile). Gotu Kola, a traditional herb long used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, is known for its ability to support circulation and reduce inflammation. During pregnancy, many women experience swelling—particularly in the legs and feet—due to slowed blood flow and increased fluid retention. Preliminary research suggests that Gotu Kola may help ease this swelling by improving microcirculation and offering anti-inflammatory benefits. These properties make it a supportive ingredient for those dealing with pregnancy-related puffiness or discomfort.
• Moisturize: Wrinkle Defense Serum topped with Face Cream for hydration.

  Hyaluronic acid is one of those skincare ingredients that really lives up to the hype—especially when it comes to hydration and skin resilience. Think of it like a tall glass of water for your skin. Its main job? Attracting and holding onto moisture. That’s crucial during pregnancy, when your skin’s barrier can get a little out of whack, making it more prone to dryness, irritation, or environmental stress.

  As we get older (and yes, pregnancy counts as a time of big hormonal shifts), our bodies naturally produce less hyaluronic acid. That drop can lead to drier, thinner skin—sometimes even a bit of sagging. A topical boost helps fill in those gaps, literally plumping the skin with hydration. Bonus: daily mineral sunscreen helps lock in those anti-aging benefits, no matter the season.

  And let’s not forget stretch marks. Research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that hyaluronic acid can noticeably improve their appearance over time. When your belly is stretching to make room for baby, that little bit of extra support can make a big difference.

Second Trimester: Support elasticity and fight melasma.

• Add Vitamin C-rich Beauty Balm or a Age Defense Serum. Ascorbyl glucoside is a gentle, stable form of Vitamin C that’s often found in clean skincare—and it can be a great addition during pregnancy. While your prenatal diet usually takes care of internal vitamin C needs for you and baby, using it topically can help support your skin through some of the common changes that come with pregnancy. It’s especially helpful for brightening up dark patches (like melasma) and softening the appearance of fine lines, all without the harshness of stronger actives. As always, it’s a good idea to check with your provider before adding anything new to your routine, just to be safe.
• Use mineral SPF religiously!
• Belly Butter or Belly Oil for stretch mark support. I’m recommending the Unscented Body Butter, because often times scents can trigger nausea during pregnancy. Better to stick to products with little or no scent until you know! Pro Tip: Keep some Ginger Chews nearby for those moments of nausea! They help a LOT!

Third Trimester: Soothe sensitivity and prep for postpartum.

• Cleanse with Cleansing Oil (great for dry, itchy skin). It’s best to switch to an oil cleanser if your skin feels dry during your last trimester! Oil Cleansing is great because it helps you retain the natural oils produced by your body and doesn’t disrupt your microbiome. Plus, it feels amazing on your skin.
• Use calming tonics like Age Defying Tonic. It contains an ingredient that is a great retinol-alternative: Bakuchiol.

  If you’re looking for a pregnancy-safe alternative to retinol, bakuchiol is one of the best ingredients out there. Derived from the babchi plant, this gentle botanical offers many of the same benefits as retinol—without the risk. Here’s how bakuchiol can support your skin during pregnancy and beyond:

  • Softens fine lines and wrinkles: Bakuchiol has been shown to reduce the appearance of early signs of aging, helping skin look smoother and more refreshed.

  • Supports collagen production: One of its standout perks is the ability to encourage collagen synthesis, which plays a major role in keeping your skin firm and elastic.

  • Refines skin texture: With consistent use, bakuchiol can help even out rough or bumpy patches, giving your skin a more polished feel.

  • Fades dark spots: Early research suggests it may also help diminish discoloration, including the stubborn melasma that can pop up during pregnancy.

  • Protects with antioxidants: It offers antioxidant protection, meaning it helps shield your skin from everyday stressors and environmental damage.

  • Soothes sensitive skin: Unlike retinol, bakuchiol is much less likely to trigger irritation, making it ideal for anyone with sensitive or reactive skin.

  • Pregnancy-friendly: Because it doesn’t carry the same risks as vitamin A derivatives, bakuchiol is widely considered a safer choice during pregnancy when retinoids are off the table.

• Perennial Balm for perineal area (Simple Mama line). As your body prepares for birth, the skin around the perineum—between the vaginal opening and anus—goes through a lot. Gently massaging this area in the weeks leading up to delivery can help improve skin elasticity and reduce the chances of tearing. A nourishing perineal balm, like ours, helps soften and condition this delicate tissue with soothing botanicals, making massage more comfortable and supporting recovery. It’s a small act of care that can make a big difference in how you feel during and after childbirth.

Postpartum

Support healing and hormonal recovery.

• Keep cleansing gentle and minimal
• Reintroduce serums like Wrinkle Defense or Pomegranate Oil as hormones stabilize
• Hydrate well (inside and out)
• Consider Skin Rescue for irritated patches or Diaper Balm for diaper rash (safe for mama and baby!) Skin Rescue is a go-to balm for so many of the little things that come up with baby skin—think diaper rash, cradle cap, dry cheeks, and even tiny cuts or scrapes. It’s made with calming botanicals like calendula, chamomile, and yarrow, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and skin-repairing properties. Because it’s free from synthetic fragrances and harsh preservatives, it’s safe enough for daily use on even the most delicate skin. A little goes a long way to soothe irritation and support the skin’s natural healing process.

Final Thoughts

Pregnancy is a season of transformation. Let your skincare reflect that. Choose formulas that are simple, nurturing, and designed to evolve as you do. Whether you’re spritzing on a calming toner for pregnant women or soothing dry cheeks with a clean face product postpartum, know that taking care of your skin is part of taking care of you.

**This post is for educational purposes and not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult with your provider for skincare concerns during pregnancy.