A Holy Grail Skincare Routine for Pregnant and Nursing Moms

These products are so good, you'll keep using them way after the baby arrives.

February 27, 2023

By: Jessica Butler

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Photo By: AleksandarNakic

A Solid Routine for Pregnant & Nursing Skin

On top of all the life changes that come with pregnancy, you just might need to adjust your skincare routine as well. When you’re expecting, you may find that your skin becomes extra sensitive to certain ingredients — and others are actually labeled harmful. Here’s your guide to a quick, nourishing routine to use during and after your pregnancy.

Cetaphil Cream to Foam Cleanser

Keeping it simple is key, and it doesn’t get simpler than Cetaphil. This ultra-gentle cleanser transforms from a cream to a foam texture as you work it into your skin, which keeps your skin hydrated while breaking down excess oils. Some other gentle cleanser options are the Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser and Cerave Hydrating Cream to Foam Cleanser. If your skin is on the oily side, try double cleansing!

BUY IT: Amazon, $13.99

The Inkey List Polyglutamic Acid Serum

Think hyaluronic acid, but better. Polyglutamic acid can hold up to four times more moisture than HA and it’s perfect for treating dryness and rough patches on the skin. Apply it to a wet or damp face and top off with your favorite moisturizer for best results!

BUY IT: The Inkey List, $12.74

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10% Suspension Brightening Cream

It’s very common for shifting hormones to result in acne when you're expecting. However, some of your regular acne treatments are out of the question during pregnancy and nursing, including most retinoids, Tazorac and Accutane, BHAs, AHAs, and some formulas of benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Luckily, there are great alternatives on the market for your skin, like azelaic acid. This one from the Ordinary is gentle and it’ll counteract dullness, texture, acne, and redness.

BUY IT: Sephora, $11.10

Cetaphil Rich Hydrating Night Cream

Moisturizer is a must, whether you’re pregnant or not. Your skin can change a lot within those nine months, so assess your current skin type and we’ll help you find the right consistency! If your skin is dry, opt for a rich cream, like Cetaphil Rich Hydrating Night Cream. It has no added fragrance (great for sensitive skin types!) and contains hyaluronic acid, provitamin B5, vitamin E, vitamin C, and olive extract.

BUY IT: Amazon, $18.47

Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer

For combo to oily skin, this lightweight pick from Vanicream will do the trick. It contains hyaluronic acid and essential ceramides in a smooth gel cream. The simpler your moisturizer, the better.

BUY IT: Target, $15.99

The Inkey List Bakuchiol Moisturizer

However, if you’re still looking for a little something extra in your moisturizer and you miss your retinoids, try bakuchiol! It’s known as a plant-derived, pregnancy-safe alternative to retinol, and this one will hydrate your skin while gently reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

BUY IT: The Inkey List, $11.04

HATCH Sunny Mama Mineral Face Sunscreen

This sunscreen was formulated with expecting mothers in mind! It contains 100% non-nano Zinc as a mineral UV filter and plenty of antioxidant-rich botanical extracts for healthy, radiant skin. For more mineral sunscreen options, check out these from Sun Bum, Badger, and Pipette.

BUY IT: Amazon, $42.00

Pipette Belly Oil

What about the belly and body? We’ve got you covered! This oil contains plant-derived squalane and vitamin E, which will boost hydration and add moisture. Plus, it’s great for calming itchy, tight skin as your belly grows.

BUY IT: Amazon, $17.99

Evereden Soothing Belly Mask for Stretch Marks

Take some time to relax and treat yourself to the cutest belly mask. The plant-derived sheet mask is said to firm, hydrate, and soothe belly skin in an attempt to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes, and your belly will look glowy and gorgeous.

BUY IT: Amazon, $12.00

Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream

Once your baby is here and you start nursing, you’ll want to protect your skin in other ways. This lanolin-based nipple cream is more of an ointment and it’s ultra moisturizing and soothing to chapped, irritated skin. It even makes for an amazing lip balm. If you’re steering clear of lanolin or experience allergies, opt for this Mother Earth Organic Nipple Butter instead!

BUY IT: Amazon, $9.12

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