I’m 41 and pregnant and my whole skincare routine has gone out the window because I just found out some skincare products can cause baby deformation?! I had no idea that I was that serious, I was lowkey I was going to keep using retinol and Vitamin A until I read it can cause birth defects. 

Pregnancy can also make your skin unpredictable—one day it’s glowing, the next it’s breaking out. I’ve had to adjust my skincare routine to keep up with the hormonal shifts, and today, Today I’m sharing my new pregnancy skincare tips. From fighting my dark freckles (even though they are totally trending now) to keeping dryness at bay, here’s how I’m keeping my routine simple, effective, and pregnancy-safe! 

When researching natural skincare products, I came across Medicube which is a Korean skincare brand. I was on a mission to have healthy skin during pregnancy. I started with their Vitamin C and now have found other products that have been helpful and safe to use during pregnancy. 

Step-by-Step Morning Skincare Routine

• Turmeric brightening soap: Let’s start with the cleanser. I have very sensitive skin and if you follow me on TikTok, you may recognize this soap from Honeyglow, which I often refer to as my blancaculo. Not only does it actually lighten your tu sabes lol, I also use it on my face to brighten up dark spots, including freckles. It is made from turmeric and kojic acid and makes for a more gentle cleanser than other ingredients like glycolic acid. It’s also good for sensitive skin during pregnancy. I recommend using this in your morning and nighttime skincare routine for faster results. I leave the soap on my face for about a minute or two before rinsing.

• Ponds Moisturizer: A good pregnancy-safe moisturizer helps protect the skin barrier and prevent irritation. Look for ceramide-rich formulas, but any barrier-supporting moisturizer works here. I’m not going to lie, the turmeric soap can dry your skin if you don’t follow up with a good moisturizer. Let’s talk about a classic—Ponds. If you’re Latina, tu sabes que esta es la mejor crema. You know this is the holy grail. I mean, this little jar has been around for generations, and there’s a reason why our abuelas, mamás, and tías swear by it. It’s affordable, it’s effective, and it just works. This pregnancy-safe moisturizer is super hydrating, which is amazing for my skin, especially now that pregnancy hormones are making everything a little drier. It’s rich but not heavy, and it absorbs beautifully. It just looks perfect under makeup during the day. You don’t even need a primer. It gives your skin that smooth, plump base that makes foundation glide on like a dream.

Here’s some advice for the young girls watching this video right now: If you want to age gracefully, the two skincare products you absolutely cannot skip out on are Vitamin C and sunscreen. I’ve been using Vitamin C and sunscreen religiously since I was 20 years old and it’s safe to say that it has paid off now that I’m in my 40’s. So, as many of you know, I’m 41 and one of the biggest adjustments I’ve had to make is saying goodbye to retinols. If you’re not familiar, retinols are a powerhouse ingredient for anti-aging, but they’re a no-go during pregnancy because they can potentially harm the baby.

• Vitamin C serum:  Vitamin C has been my absolute savior when it comes to keeping my skin bright, even, and youthful during this time. It’s a safe and effective alternative for pregnancy. I’ve been loving this vitamin C serum from Skin Deva. It’s lightweight, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t irritate my skin. I use it every morning after cleansing, and it gives me that glow I need to feel confident. At night, I use Medicube’s Vitamin C serum. The texture on this one is a little bit thicker than the one I use at night, so I would not recommend using this one during the day, especially underneath makeup. Now, I know some of you might be wondering, ‘Can vitamin C really replace retinols?’ And honestly, while it’s not a direct substitute, it’s been amazing for maintaining my skin’s texture and brightness. I have recently learned of other lesser known alternatives to retinol, including some really wild ones like salmon semen, so keep reading to hear more about those!

Now, let’s talk about sunscreen—because if there’s one product you cannot skip pregnant or not, it’s this! Pregnancy hormones can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, and trust me, you do not want to deal with melasma or dark patches. That’s why I’ve been extra diligent about wearing sunscreen every single day, rain or shine.

• Sunscreen: The most crucial step — especially for preventing melasma during pregnancy — is applying mineral sunscreen daily. Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide formulas are generally considered the safest. I’ve been using the Biore UV SPF 50 (weightless moisturizer) because it’s lightweight, non-greasy, and doesn’t leave a white cast. It’s also pregnancy-safe, which is super important. I apply it as the last step in my morning routine, right after my vitamin C serum. Sometimes I opt for a tinted sunscreen that has glow serum & anti aging serum. And don’t forget to reapply if you’re spending time outside—your skin will thank you!

Step-by-Step Nighttime Skincare Routine

Before I tell you about my nighttime skincare routine, let’s start with what inspired my quest to find pregnancy-safe alternatives. As you know by now, retinols should be avoided completely during pregnancy. I was scrolling online one day, on the hunt for retinol alternatives and came across this wild story about Haley Bieber and her salmon semen face masks—sí, como lo oyes, ¡salmon semen! I was like, ‘What even is Korean skincare, and why is everyone obsessed with it?’ That’s when I fell down the rabbit hole and discovered how next-level their products are. Now, I’m hooked, and I’m sharing all the deets on how you can glow up, too—especially if you’re pregnant and need something safe but effective. Trust me, you’re gonna want to hear this!

Now, let’s talk about Korean skincare for a second because, honestly, they’re doing something magical over there. Did you know that South Korea is one of the top countries when it comes to skincare innovation? According to recent stats, the Korean beauty market is worth over $13 billion, and it’s growing every year. Why? Because their products focus on hydration, gentle ingredients, and long-term results—perfect for pregnancy skin!

If you’re looking for a retinol alternative, Korean skincare has some amazing options. Instead of retinol, try bakuchiol, a plant-based ingredient that’s just as effective but way gentler on your skin. It helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles without the irritation. Another great option is centella asiatica, which is super calming and helps with redness and inflammation. And don’t forget about snail mucin—it sounds a little weird, but it’s packed with nutrients that hydrate and repair your skin.

I have yet to try these interesting anti-aging products but let me know in the comments if you’ve tried any of the Korean skincare retinol alternatives I mentioned. Here’s what my pregnancy-safe night routine looks like right now. 

I rotate between a few products that are safe and effective during pregnancy. I use TXA, niacinamide, and azelaic acid, along with this PDRN pink collagen serum. These are all gentle but really do the job—niacinamide helps calm my skin and keep it balanced, while azelaic acid is my go-to for breakouts and dark spots. It’s like having a little skincare dream team.  

Next I follow up with my little secret weapon: this red light therapy stick from Booster Pro. I use it a couple of nights a week, and let me tell you, it’s like magic for your skin. It helps with collagen production, tightens everything up, and even helps with pregnancy acne. It’s super easy to use, and it feels like I’m giving myself a mini facial at home. Perfect for those nights when you just want to unwind after a long day.  

Now, let’s talk about breakouts. Pregnancy acne is real, y’all, and it can be so frustrating. When I get a pesky pimple, I reach for tea tree oil or a sulfur-based spot treatment. Both are safe during pregnancy and work really well without any of the risks that come with harsher ingredients like retinol or benzoyl peroxide.

Ingredients to Avoid and Use During Pregnancy

Okay, so here’s the part where I wanna give you a heads-up about what to avoid during pregnancy. There are a few ingredients that can actually be harmful, so it’s super important to check your labels. Stay away from retinoids (including retinol), hydroquinone, and high concentrations of salicylic acid. Also, skip chemical sunscreens with ingredients like oxybenzone—opt for mineral-based ones instead. It’s always best to consult with a dermatologist if you’re unsure about a product, because even “natural” ingredients that seem perfectly safe to use like pure essential oils can cause harm to your baby.

On the flip side, there are some amazing ingredients that are totally safe and really helpful during pregnancy. Look for things like glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid (it’s like a drink of water for your skin), ceramides (they help strengthen your skin barrier), and gentle vitamin C (it brightens without irritating). These have been staples in my routine, and they’ve made such a difference.

Skincare Mistakes in Pregnancy 

Besides harsh ingredients like retinol, there are some other skincare mistakes you should avoid during pregnancy.

1. Mistake #1: Using Too Many New Products at Once: Okay, so I get it—when your skin starts acting up, it’s tempting to try every new product you see on TikTok or Instagram. But aquí’s the thing: your skin is way more sensitive during pregnancy, and using too many new things at once can make it freak out. Instead, introduce new products slowly, one at a time, and give your skin time to adjust.
2. Mistake #2: Skipping Sunscreen: ¡Escúchame bien! Sunscreen is a must, especially during pregnancy. Hormonal changes can make your skin more prone to melasma—those dark patches that show up on your face. A good mineral-based sunscreen will protect your skin and help prevent those spots from getting worse.
3. Mistake #3: Overusing Harsh Actives: During pregnancy, your skin is more sensitive than ever. Ingredients like salicylic acid, retinoids, or strong peels can irritate your skin and make things worse. Instead, opt for gentler alternatives like azelaic acid or niacinamide.

Lifestyle Tips for Healthy Pregnancy Skin

Now, let’s talk about some easy habits that can make a big difference for your skin during pregnancy.

1. Hydration & Diet: First things first: drink your water! Staying hydrated is key for keeping your skin plump and glowing. And don’t forget to eat nutrient-rich foods like omega-3s (think salmon or nuts), leafy greens, and berries. These foods are packed with vitamins and antioxidants that help your skin glow from the inside out.
2. Sleep & Stress Management: Getting enough sleep is so important, not just for your energy but for your skin too. Hormonal balance is directly impacted by sleep and stress, and both can affect your skin’s clarity. So, take time to relax—whether it’s with a good book, a warm cup of manzanilla tea, or just putting your feet up. Your skin (and your baby) will thank you.
3. Small Habits, Big Results: Finally, don’t underestimate the power of small changes. Swap your pillowcases regularly to avoid buildup of oils and bacteria, avoid hot showers (they can dry out your skin), and consider using a humidifier to keep your skin hydrated, especially if you live in a dry climate. These little changes can make a big difference in how your skin looks and feels.

Pregnancy skincare can be complicated because yes, some ingredients can literally cause birth defects so I hope today’s skincare tips helped to simplify it for you. If you’ve found products that work well for your skin during pregnancy, drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s worked for you. And if you’d like to follow along my pregnancy journey, don’t forget to like and subscribe for more!” Thanks for hanging out with me today, I’ll see you in the next blog!