Which skincare is safe during pregnancy?

Something beautiful is growing, and right now your skin is acting up. Precisely at the moment you want to be extra careful about what you use, you're unsure what's allowed and what's not. That's perfectly understandable.

Good news. A large part of a gentle acne routine remains perfectly safe during pregnancy. There are a few ingredients you'd better set aside for a while, and a few that are beneficial during this period. Below, I'll calmly go through it, question by question.

Gentle, hydrating products that support your skin barrier are usually safe during pregnancy.

Most mild, hydrating products can simply continue to be used. Ingredients that support your skin barrier, such as niacinamide and phospholipids, are safe and keep your skin calm. Your skin is often more sensitive during pregnancy, so the milder and fragrance-free your routine, the better.

Which ingredients should you avoid during pregnancy?

Retinoids and strong essential oils are best put aside for a while.

During pregnancy, avoid all retinoids, which are vitamin A derivatives such as retinol, tretinoin, and isotretinoin, as they can affect your baby's development. Strong essential oils, which are fragrant plant extracts, have also not been sufficiently researched and are therefore not recommended, especially in high concentrations or on large areas of skin.

Can I use azelaic acid during pregnancy?

Yes, azelaic acid is one of the best-researched and safest acne ingredients during pregnancy.

Azelaic acid has a gentle anti-inflammatory effect, reduces redness, and supports your skin barrier. This makes it an excellent choice for hormonal acne during this period.

Can I use salicylic acid if I am pregnant?

Low concentrations may sometimes be okay, higher doses are not recommended.

In low concentrations, salicylic acid is often safe, but higher doses or use over your entire face are not recommended, as more of it can be absorbed into your body. If you are unsure, it's better to opt for PHAs, which are very gentle acids, or for azelaic acid. These are milder and better researched.

Which acne treatments can I still do during pregnancy?

Gentle, non-invasive treatments are usually safe.

Consider LED therapy, meaning blue light for inflammation and red light for recovery, hydrating treatments, and gentle techniques that respect your skin barrier. Avoid strong peels, microneedling, microdermabrasion, and high concentrations of acids, as your skin is more sensitive now.

Can I use retinol during pregnancy?

No, all forms of vitamin A are not recommended during pregnancy.

Retinol and other vitamin A derivatives should be completely avoided during pregnancy, as they can affect your baby's development, even in small amounts. During this period, switch to safe alternatives such as niacinamide or azelaic acid.

Does breastfeeding help with acne, or does it make it worse?

During breastfeeding, your acne can calm down just as well as temporarily flare up.

This varies from woman to woman. During breastfeeding, your hormones, the signaling substances that control sebum and sensitivity, are still in flux. As a result, your skin may sometimes calm down, but it can just as easily flare up. The most important thing remains a mild routine with products that are safe for you and your baby.

Why does my acne get worse during pregnancy?

Hormonal fluctuations can temporarily trigger your acne.

During pregnancy, certain hormones rise, increasing your sebum production, your natural skin oil, which causes pores to clog faster. Your immune system also works differently, which can make existing inflammations more active. This is normal, and with a gentle approach, you can usually keep your skin well under control.

Are Belskin products safe during pregnancy?

Some Belskin products contain vitamin A derivatives (Renew Serum) and these should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not use these products for a while. During this period, focus on gentle, barrier-supporting ingredients that are safe, such as azelaic acid, niacinamide, phospholipids, and hyaluronic acid. If you want to be sure which routine is right for you, allow yourself to be personally guided by Sofie, or consult your doctor. More about what our formulas consist of can be read in Are Belskin products natural, vegan, and safe?

Are you unsure about a product you are currently using? Feel free to send an email to info@belskin.com or schedule an appointment. We are happy to help you, especially during this period.