Article brought to us from Beverly Hills Physicians
Doctor reveals why retinoids, essential oils and harsh exfoliants aren’t pregnancy-safe
Key Points:
- Beauty expert reveals the most common skincare mistakes pregnant women are still making that aren’t pregnancy-safe
- Moms-to-be often continue using retinoids, high-concentration salicylic acid, and certain essential oils without realizing these should be avoided during pregnancy
- Expert explains that pregnancy-safe skincare focuses on gentleness, barrier protection, and avoiding harsh actives that can worsen sensitivity and pigmentation
Pregnancy brings dramatic changes to the skin. Increased sensitivity, unexpected pigmentation, persistent dryness, and sudden breakouts can leave expectant mothers feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to adapt their skincare routines. Despite this, pregnant women often continue following habits that make these issues worse, unaware that what worked before pregnancy may now be doing more harm than good.
Dr. Kevin Hayavi, Medical Director and Managing Partner at Beverly Hills Physicians, a premier medical group offering comprehensive beauty and wellness services across Southern California, has seen countless moms-to-be struggling with preventable skin problems.
“Hormonal shifts during pregnancy make skin far more reactive than usual,” explains Dr. Hayavi. “Expecting mothers don’t realise that their usual skincare arsenal needs a complete rethink during this time.”
Below, Dr. Hayavi reveals the most common pregnancy skincare mistakes and explains what expectant mothers should be doing instead to protect their changing skin.
The Hormone Effect: Why Your Skin Needs Different Care
Pregnancy hormones famously affect mood and energy levels, but they also fundamentally alter how skin behaves. Oestrogen and progesterone levels surge, increasing oil production, triggering melanin activity, and making the skin barrier more permeable and sensitive.
Hayavi lists the six top skincare mistakes during pregnancy:
1. Continuing to Use Retinoids
One of the most common mistakes is continuing retinoid use during pregnancy. These vitamin A derivatives, found in many anti-aging and acne treatments, should be completely avoided when expecting.
Women may be unaware that retinoids hide under various names on ingredient lists: retinol, retinoic acid, tretinoin, adapalene, and tazarotene all fall into this category. Even “natural” alternatives like bakuchiol, while generally considered safer, should be discussed with a healthcare provider before use.
2. Using High-Concentration Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a go-to ingredient for treating acne and clearing pores, but high concentrations should be avoided during pregnancy. While low doses (under 2%) in face washes that are rinsed off are generally considered acceptable by most healthcare providers, leave-on products with higher concentrations or body treatments like chemical peels can deliver larger doses that may not be safe.
“Pregnancy acne is frustrating, and it’s tempting to reach for stronger treatments,” notes Dr. Hayavi. “But high-dose salicylic acid treatments aren’t worth the risk. There are safer alternatives that work effectively without the concerns.”
3. Relying on Essential Oils
The appeal of “natural” skincare during pregnancy is understandable, but not all natural ingredients are safe. Undiluted essential oils like rosemary, sage, and clary sage may affect hormones or stimulate contractions, while citrus oils can increase photosensitivity and worsen pregnancy-related pigmentation known as melasma.
4. Over-Exfoliating Sensitive Skin
When pregnancy hormones trigger breakouts or texture changes, the instinct is often to exfoliate more frequently or use stronger scrubs. This approach backfires spectacularly on pregnancy-sensitised skin.
Physical scrubs with rough particles, daily acid exfoliation, or harsh brushes strip away the protective barrier, leaving skin raw, inflamed, and even more prone to the problems you’re trying to solve.
5. Skipping Sun Protection
Up to 70% of pregnant women develop melasma, those brown or gray patches that appear on the face due to increased melanin production. UV exposure makes this pigmentation significantly worse, yet many expectant mothers skip daily SPF or use chemical sunscreens that may not be ideal during pregnancy.
Mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are the safest choice during pregnancy. These physical blockers sit on the skin’s surface rather than being absorbed, providing effective protection without the concerns associated with some chemical filters like oxybenzone.
6. Using Benzoyl Peroxide in High Concentrations
While lower concentrations of benzoyl peroxide (under 5%) used as spot treatments are generally considered acceptable, high-concentration leave-on products should be avoided. Benzoyl peroxide works by creating free radicals that kill acne-causing bacteria, but this oxidative stress isn’t ideal for pregnancy skin that’s already dealing with increased inflammation.
What Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Should Look Like
Instead of harsh actives and complicated routines, pregnancy skincare should focus on gentleness and barrier support.
Niacinamide is a pregnancy-safe superstar that helps with both acne and pigmentation while supporting the skin barrier. Azelaic acid, when approved by a doctor, can address breakouts and melasma without the risks associated with retinoids or hydroquinone. Hyaluronic acid provides essential hydration, while ceramides and fatty acids help repair and strengthen the compromised barrier.
“The goal during pregnancy is to support your skin through a temporary period of dramatic change while keeping both you and your baby safe,” advises Hayavi. “Simple, gentle routines focused on hydration and protection are far more effective than aggressive treatments.”
Dr. Kevin Hayavi, Medical Director and Managing Partner at Beverly Hills Physicians, commented:
“My first piece of advice to expectant mothers is always to patch test any new product, even those labeled pregnancy-safe. Apply a small amount to your inner forearm and wait 24 hours to check for reactions. Your skin’s tolerance has changed, and what worked before may no longer suit you.
“Switch to mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide rather than chemical filters. Apply it every morning, even on cloudy days, to prevent melasma from worsening. This single change can make an enormous difference to post-pregnancy pigmentation.
“Prioritize barrier-friendly moisturizers containing ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin to help repair and maintain your skin’s protective function without any safety concerns. Keep your routine simple with just three to four products rather than layering multiple actives.
“Finally, remember that pregnancy skin changes are typically temporary. Breakouts, sensitivity, and even some pigmentation often improve after delivery once hormones settle. Focus on maintaining skin health rather than chasing perfection during these nine months.”
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About Beverly Hills Physicians
Beverly Hills Physicians is a premier medical group offering comprehensive beauty and wellness services, from plastic and cosmetic surgery to bariatric weight loss, gynecology, and podiatry, across Southern California. Their team of board-certified plastic surgeons and weight-loss specialists deliver exceptional care in fully accredited, spa-like facilities.
With over 20 surgeons and nearly 200 years of combined experience, BHP brings the prestige of Beverly Hills to multiple neighborhoods including Pasadena, Oxnard, Thousand Oaks, and more. They extend their reach to patients nationwide and internationally, offering flexible access through numerous locations and virtual consultations.
Article brought to us from Beverly Hills Physicians
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