Best face lotion for pregnant women

Which type should you choose?

An expensive lotion is not automatically more effective than a cheaper one, even if the jar looks ready for its own dressing room. Compare ingredients rather than treating price as a performance score.2

What makes a useful moisturizing formula?

For dry skin, look for a combination of humectants, which draw in water; occlusives, which reduce moisture loss; and emollients, which soften rough skin. Examples include hyaluronic acid as a humectant, dimethicone or petrolatum as occlusives, and shea as an emollient. Ceramides are fats that help hold moisture in the skin. These are general moisturizing features, not a substitute for reviewing the rest of a pregnancy formula.2

Fragrance free does not mean allergen free. Botanical ingredients can still cause reactions, especially in sensitive skin. Look beyond the fragrance free wording for ingredients such as lavender, citrus oils, peppermint oil and rose oil.2

Which lotion ingredients should you avoid during pregnancy?

Read the ingredients on the product you plan to use. Avoid retinoids, including retinol, adapalene and prescription tretinoin, during pregnancy. Avoid hydroquinone, a skin lightening ingredient, too. A lotion sold for wrinkles or dark spots needs the same ingredient check as any other moisturizer.1

Discuss benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid above 2% with your dermatologist and limit their use during pregnancy. Other ingredients to discuss and use sparingly include parabens, phthalates, phenol, triclosan and essential oils such as rosemary, basil, jasmine and sage. These are not all blanket bans: some require limited use, while others have insufficient pregnancy research.1

How should you apply face lotion?

Use moisturizer in the morning and evening. A moisturizer holds water in the skin; it does not need a supporting cast of toners, eye creams and face oils. Adding more products increases the chances of side effects, so introduce fewer new products at once.4

1. 1Start with a gentle cleanser. Cleanser comes before lotion, both morning and evening.
2. 2If you use an appropriate serum or prescribed treatment, apply products from lighter to thicker textures. Follow your prescriber's directions for medication.
3. 3Apply moisturizer. After bathing, pat rather than completely drying your skin, then moisturize within three minutes to retain water.
4. 4Finish the morning routine with broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen rated SPF 30 or higher. During pregnancy, choose zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or both. Also use shade and protective clothing.

Do not assume that sunscreen in a moisturizer or makeup gives complete protection. Sunscreen is the final morning step; it is not needed at night.4

What should you expect from the lotion?

Moisturizer reduces water evaporating from the skin. Regular use supports hydration, and consistent moisturizing can reduce eczema symptoms and flares. If your skin stays dry despite an appropriate moisturizer and gentler washing, see a dermatologist rather than repeatedly switching lotions.24

Dark facial patches during pregnancy need sun protection, not just a richer lotion. Sunlight can darken pregnancy related pigment changes. Most skin color changes fade within a few months after birth, although some freckles remain.5

What if you have eczema or use prescription skincare?

Pregnancy can trigger eczema or make existing eczema worse. Choose a fragrance free cream or ointment and speak with your dermatologist and obstetrician about treatment. Moisturizer helps repair skin, but eczema can also need prescribed treatment. Many eczema treatments can be used during pregnancy, sometimes only on specific areas or in smaller doses. Follow the instructions for your treatment rather than treating every medicated cream as an ordinary moisturizer.3

Tell your obstetrician and dermatologist about all medications and prescription skincare you use when pregnant or trying to conceive. Your treatment plan can need changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding.1

When should you stop using a lotion or get help?

Test a new product before incorporating it into your routine. If you develop irritation or contact dermatitis, an inflammatory skin reaction, stop using the product and make a dermatologist appointment.4

Contact your pregnancy care provider if you have persistent itching without a rash. This can signal cholestasis, a potentially serious pregnancy condition, and should not be managed by trying another lotion.5