When it comes to pregnancy-safe skin care, you might be facing more than the common pregnancy “glow” that you’ve heard people rave about. The increase in hormones that come with pregnancy can also cause changes in your skin, including hyperpigmentation, stretch marks and an increase in acne.

Skin care when pregnant, however, can feel tricky. Growing a baby means considering everything you put into your body and apply onto your skin. “During pregnancy, there are many seemingly innocuous over-the-counter and prescription products that are unable to be used,” says board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO Dr. Joel Schlessinger. “I encourage my patients to run prescriptions I write by their OB/GYN in order to be sure. Most dermatologists avoid any non-essential medications while pregnant due to concerns for the growing baby's health. While most are safe, it simply makes sense to be cautious.”

When it comes to over-the-counter products, you’re likely wondering what skin care to avoid during pregnancy. Follow along as we dig into three common beauty ingredients to avoid when pregnant, including:

• Hydroquinone

• Retinoids

• Benzoyl peroxide

• Safe skin care when pregnant

Ingredients to avoid during pregnancy

1) Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is a popular choice when it comes to treating hyperpigmentation because it helps inhibit melanin production that causes unwanted dark spots and uneven skin tone. Studies on exactly how much hydroquinone is absorbed into the body when applied topically to the skin are inconclusive, but Dr. Schlessinger doesn't recommend his patients use hydroquinone skin care when pregnant.

2) Retinoids

Retinoids are a very effective skin care ingredient and are considered a go-to for any anti-aging or acne regimen, as they encourage healthy cell turnover. They can range from prescription-grade tretinoin to retinol to more diluted vitamin A derivatives. Medical professionals say more studies need to be done on the effects of topical retinol use during pregnancy. For this reason, retinoids are one of the beauty ingredients to avoid when pregnant. Most dermatologists recommend discontinuing any retinoid use during pregnancy and breastfeeding until more is known.

3) Benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide can be a key component in a mild acne skin care regimen, as it works as an antibacterial agent to penetrate deep into the pores and help kill the P. acnes bacteria that can exacerbate blemishes. However, when it comes to beauty ingredients to avoid when pregnant, benzoyl peroxide is on the list. While Dr. Schlessinger does not recommend the use of benzoyl peroxide during pregnancy, you do have effective options to replace it.

Safe skin care when pregnant: What to use instead

LovelySkin LUXE Exfoliating Gel Mild 11%

For anti-aging benefits, this exfoliating gel is a fantastic alternative to retinol and hydroquinone and safe to use as part of your skin care when pregnant. Made with vitamin C and a dermatologist-developed molecule called afaLUXE, it exfoliates skin with virtually no irritation and helps renew skin while enhancing its natural ability to retain moisture.

LovelySkin LUXE Acne Care Gel 9%

This dermatologist-developed acne treatment gel uses an advanced blend of exfoliating and rejuvenating ingredients to help keep oil, dirt and debris out of pores. It is formulated with amino fruit acids to gently exfoliate the skin and improve blemishes, while simultaneously helping skin retain moisture. Vitamin C provides potent antioxidant protection and supports collagen production, while Dead Sea minerals help encourage the healing of damaged cells for overall healthier-looking skin.

Looking for pregnancy-safe sunscreens? Dr. Schlessinger recommends a mineral sunscreen for people who are pregnant or nursing. Learn more in our complete guide to mineral sunscreens.