Congratulations, you're pregnant! A lot changes during pregnancy, including your skin. Where your skin may have been supple and balanced before, you might suddenly experience dryness, sensitivity, or even red spots. This is completely normal: your hormones are raging, and your skin reacts immediately. That's precisely why gentle skincare is especially important during pregnancy.
Many expectant mothers wonder which products are still safe. They'd rather use something that could potentially harm your baby or yourself. Therefore, during your pregnancy, choose products without unnecessary additives and products that gently support your skin.
At Food for Skin, we believe in natural skincare during pregnancy. Pure, effective, and gentle, so you can continue to care for yourself and your skin with confidence.
Why does your skin change during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, your body undergoes a hormonal surge, and this is often reflected in your skin. Changes in sebum production, pigmentation, and elasticity can make your skin look or feel different than you might be used to. Many women experience a beautiful glow, but sometimes their skin produces more sebum (which can lead to blemishes), while others experience dry facial skin during pregnancy. It really varies from person to person.
Red spots, pigmentation, or a dull complexion are also common. This isn't surprising: elevated hormone levels and altered blood circulation affect how your skin retains moisture and repairs itself.
To properly support your skin during this period, it's important to choose gentle, hydrating products that help maintain the natural balance of the microbiome. Therefore, avoid harsh acids or heavily scented creams; instead, opt for skincare that strengthens the skin barrier and prevents dehydration.
What to avoid in your facial care
During pregnancy, it's important to be extra mindful of what you put on your skin; it's your largest organ, after all! Some ingredients can be (partially) absorbed through the skin and are therefore not ideal during pregnancy. An example of this is vitamin A acid. While vitamin A can be important during pregnancy for the baby's development, too much vitamin A can be harmful by causing birth defects ( Lüers , 2022 ). This is often in the form of retinol, for example, from liver or high-dose supplements. Therefore, choose pregnancy supplements containing beta-carotene and avoid high intakes of liver products.
It's also best to avoid products with AHA (glycolic or lactic acid) concentrations above 10%. These acids can make the skin more sensitive and are not recommended for intensive use during pregnancy. Therefore, it's recommended to choose products with a concentration below 10%, with a gentle application (De Huid Kliniek, 2025 ) . Use them with extra caution during pregnancy, as hormonal changes can make skin more sensitive. The Apple Peeling from Food for Skin is mild with 5% plant acids from lemon (citric acid) and grape (tartaric acid), so you can use it without any problems. We do recommend avoiding use on damaged skin, and if in doubt, always consult a doctor.
Better to avoid? Salicylic acid (BHA) - this ingredient works as an exfoliant and is often used in the treatment of acne. Concentrations in skincare products are typically low, around 2%, making long-term use generally safe (De Huid Kliniek, 2025 ) . However, it's possible to unknowingly ingest more than this 2% through multiple products. Not every brand lists the exact amount of salicylic acid in a product. If the concentration isn't clearly indicated, it's wise to avoid the product during pregnancy as a precaution. It's better to choose a safer alternative, such as an exfoliant based on glycolic acid or lactic acid. We deliberately avoid using BHAs because they penetrate even deeper into the skin and can therefore potentially enter the bloodstream. AHAs remain on the surface.
Fortunately, there are wonderful natural ingredients that work just as well. Think of plant-based oils like avocado, almond, or apricot kernel oil, which can gently nourish the skin. Natural antioxidants from sources like tomatoes, avocado, or seaweed also protect the skin gently and effectively.
What is allowed: safe, natural skin care
At Food for Skin, we believe in simplicity with gentle products that support existing skin functions, not take them over. A balanced skin barrier is essential. Choose products with mild, natural ingredients that soothe and nourish the skin without overloading, stripping, or being harsh. Ingredients like aloe vera and cucumber extract are known for their hydrating and cooling properties—ideal for sensitive or irritated skin. Avocado, almond, and jojoba oils help keep skin supple and protect the natural skin barrier without clogging pores.
During pregnancy, your skin is often more sensitive than usual. Hormonal changes can make you more prone to pigment spots, also known as pregnancy mask or melasma . That's why it's especially important to use sunscreen daily. Ideally, choose a broad-spectrum SPF that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. An SPF of 30 or higher is recommended for daily use. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide are a safe choice during pregnancy because they are not absorbed by the skin and work directly by reflecting sunlight. Our SPF 30 contains zinc oxide as an active ingredient and is therefore safe to use during pregnancy.
It's important to avoid products with strong acids, synthetic fragrances, or alcohol, as these can dry out or make your skin extra sensitive. Instead, opt for neutral, pH-friendly formulas that keep your skin barrier balanced. That's why Food for Skin products are 100% natural, vegan, and locally produced—without unnecessary additives. We believe in skincare that's gentle on your skin and good for the planet. This way, you can achieve a healthy glow, even during pregnancy.
Curious which ingredients you should avoid or use? We've compiled a list for you:
Avoid:
- Salicylic acid (BHA)
- Vitamin A acid (retinol)
- Perfume as an ingredient
- Alcohol as an ingredient
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
- Oxybenzone
Safe to use:
- Lactic acid (AHA)
- Glycolic acid
- Vitamin C
Prefer to check the ingredients yourself? You can easily do so on the INCI website.
Conclusion: take good care of yourself, especially now
During pregnancy, your skin deserves extra attention and softness. Hormonal changes can make your skin more sensitive, dry, or unpredictable—and that's perfectly normal. With the right natural skincare during pregnancy, you give your skin exactly what it needs: gentleness, hydration, and protection, without unnecessary or potentially harmful ingredients.
At Food for Skin, we believe in the power of nature and conscious choices. Our products are natural, safe, and developed with a great deal of love and care—for you, your skin, and the planet.
💚 Discover our trial set and experience how good natural skin care feels – even during your pregnancy.
