There are many things to think about during pregnancy; skincare should be the last thing on your list to cause confusion.

If you are trying to become pregnant or find out you’re expecting, there are a few changes to make to your skincare regimen. While some studies and practitioners will tell you that certain concentrations of ingredients are safe for use during this time, we always err on the side of caution and recommend avoiding the following ingredients:

Retinoid or Retinol. Across the board, these products are known to have the potential for fetal harm. Put your Retin-A and other over-the-counter retinols in the back of your cabinet for the foreseeable future! What to use instead? Ask your dermatology provider about Azelaic Acid, or consider switching to over-the-counter glycolic acid products. Some chemical peels are safe for use during this time, but make sure you clear it with your medical provider first.

Benzoyl Peroxide: Always check with your medical provider before using during pregnancy or nursing.

Salicylic Acid: This Beta Hydroxy acid is commonly used to treat acne, but you should check with your provider before using during pregnancy. Sal Acid has low absorption rates through the skin; however, since its oral form can be dangerous during pregnancy, we typically recommend avoiding topical formulations out of an abundance of caution.

As always, we do not dispense medical advice via Instagram. We recommend checking all skincare products that you are using with your Derm or OB provider to ensure that they are safe and appropriate during pregnancy.