Nourish and Hydrate: The Best Lotions for Pregnancy Dry Skin 

Inside:  Get ready to learn everything you ever wanted to know about lotions during pregnancy! After 4 babies and 36+ months of pregnancy, I have tried my fair-share amount of lotions and these are my favorites.

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I would joke during my five pregnancies and say, “this baby is literally sucking the life out of me!”

But all jokes aside, there is some truth to this statement. 

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey but it can also bring along some unwanted skin issues such as dryness, itchiness and even stretch marks.

Your expanding belly and hormonal changes can leave your skin feeling parched and in need of some extra TLC.

I know that finding the best lotion amidst the sea of choices can be overwhelming.

And after being pregnant for over 36 months of my life, I have tried my fair share of lotions!

So, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite options based on safety, ingredients, texture and overall effectiveness to help keep your skin soft, supple and moisturized throughout this special journey. 

Note: I’m not a skincare expert or a dermatologist. I’m just a mama who went through the whole dry skin and rough skin ordeal and found some amazing products along the way. So, consider me your trusty friend sharing her personal experience and recommendations. When in doubt, consult with your healthcare provider and do a patch test before slathering anything new on your precious skin. Safety first!

What Causes Dry Skin During Pregnancy?

Let’s be honest: Pregnancy often brings a lot of changes in the entire body and the skin is no exception. 

Hormonal fluctuations and changes in the immune system are to blame for these changes during pregnancy. 

These fluctuations in hormone levels can decrease natural oils in the skin which affects skin moisture and elasticity.

While some mamas enjoy nine months of “pregnancy glow”, others, may experience not-so-fun changes to the skin.

The most common ones include:

  • Dry, flakey skin
  •  Uneven skin tone and dark spots, known as melasma
  • Acne

As your baby grows, the skin stretches, which can lead to further dryness and irritation, especially in the second and third trimester. 

This is why intense hydration is crucial to maintaining skin elasticity, strengthen the skin barrier, and reduce uncomfortable itchiness.

The good news is that you can maintain healthy-looking skin with the right skin care products, a balanced diet and extra hydration! 

How To Choose The Best Lotions for Pregnancy

When it comes to choosing the best beauty products for pregnancy, you want to look for ones with natural ingredients and free of harmful chemicals or artificial fragrances. 

Some topical skin care products can be absorbed into the bloodstream which means that if they contain harmful ingredients, it can potentially have an impact on fetal development. 

I know this sounds scary and makes you even more worried about what products to include in your skin care routine during pregnancy! 

But there are plenty of great options that contain non toxic ingredients and generally safer and healthier options.

Below are some possibly toxic chemicals or harmful ingredients to be aware of:

  • Retinoids
  • Ugh, this one was the hardest one for me to give up during pregnancy! But it is highly recommended to completely avoid products with retinols in it. Although only a small amount of this ingredient is absorbed into the skin, studies have suggested a possible connection to birth defects.
  • Tetracycline
  • This antibiotic treatment for acne can have an impact on the teeth and bones of a developing fetus.
  • Hydroquinone
  • This is a skin-lightening agent and when applied topically, about 34-45 percent is absorbed by the skin. Current research does not clearly demonstrate a direct link between hydroquinone and negative effects on fetal development but because high does are absorbed by the skin, it is best to avoid it. (Source).
  • High Usage of Salicylic acid
  • This topical treatment for acne is considered low-risk when used in small doses. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has reported that lower does are okay but it is still best to avoid it. ACOG
  • Benzoyl peroxide
  • It is unclear if benzoyl peroxide is safe during pregnancy so it is best to consult with your healthcare provider before using it.
  • Oxybenzone and octinoxate
  • These ingredients are found in sunscreens and can potentially be harmful to your growing baby. Optioning for a mineral sunscreen is a safer option.
  • Essential oils
  • Many people believe that essential oils are safe but some can cause uterine contractions.
  • Synthetic fragrances
  • Many people believe that essential oils are safe but some can cause uterine contractions.

If your skin care products contain any of these active ingredients, be sure to speak to your healthcare provider to determine what is best for you and your pregnancy.

Note

It is important to note that there is limited evidence-based data on the safety of specific skincare products during pregnancy. this is because conducting clinical trials on The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandates that cosmetic products be considered “safe” based on their intended use and labeling. However, these products do not require FDA approval before being sold on the marketpregnant women to prove the harmful effects of certain ingredients is ethically prohibited. There have been some animal studies, anecdotal evidence, and case-specific studies that indicate potential adverse effects on the fetus associated with certain common skincare ingredients. This is why it is important to discuss your skin care routine with your doctor..

Best Natural Ingredients for Pregnancy Dry Skin

Here are some of the best natural ingredients to help combat dryness:

  • Shea Butter
  • Shea butter is one of the most popular natural ingredients in that is rich in vitamins A and E, which help to nourish and hydrate the skin. It is also high in fatty acids, which help to protect the skin’s natural oils. It is a great option if you have very dry or sensitive skin.
  • Coconut Oil
  • Coconut oil is high in lauric acid, which helps to soothe and hydrate the skin. It contains antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, making it a good option if you have acne-prone skin.
  • Olive Oil
  • You can’t get much more natural than olive oil! While you may not want to slather this on your body straight from the bottle, it a great ingredient that is rich in antioxidants and helps protect and nourish the skin. 
  • Jojoba Oil & Jojoba Butters
  • Jojoba oil is a natural ingredient that is very similar to the oils produced by our skin. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that work together to nourish and moisturize your skin. It is also non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores, making it a great option for women with acne-prone skin.
  • Aloe Vera
  • Aloe vera is a natural ingredient that has numerous benefits, including moisturizing, soothing, reducing inflammation, and promoting skin healing. 
  • Other Natural Oils
  • There are many different natural oils that can be used to moisturize the skin. Some of the most popular ones are avocado oil, sweet almond oil, and grapeseed oil. I personally loved almond oil during all five of my pregnancies.
  • Pure Cocoa Butter
  • Pure cocoa butter is a very common ingredient used in natural products. It helps moisturize, hydrate, and nourish the skin’s natural barrier, while also soothing dry and irritated skin.
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect our skin from damage caused by free radicals. It also helps to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect our skin from damage caused by free radicals. It also helps to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 
  • Vitamin C
  • When used topically, vitamin c contains powerful antioxidant properties that help protect the skin. It also helps to boost collagen production, which can improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 
  • Hyaluronic Acid: 
  • Helps retain the moisture of your skin and maintains elasticity and flexibility of the skin to prevent fine lines and wrinkles. The use of hyaluronic acid during pregnancy is considered safe and can be used liberally. Source

Best Lotions To Sooth Pregnancy Dry Skin

Okay, now that you know what ingredients to avoid and what is considered safe, let’s look at some of the best products to give your skin a little TLC during pregnancy.

These are my favorite options based on safety, ingredients, texture and overall effectiveness to help keep your skin feeling soft, supple and moisturized.

Best Lotions for An Itchy Belly

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter

This classic lotion is an excellent option for most skin types. It contains shea butter, cocoa butter and vitamin E to help deeply moisturize your skin. And while we all know that stretch marks are often genetic, this lotion is great for keeping your skin supple and elastic. I personally used this lotion, along with several others, during all of my pregnancies.

Pros: Affordable, variety of formulas, deep moisturizing properties.

Cons: Some may not like the scent. It can feel thick and greasy.

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TriLASTIN Maternity Stretch Mark Cream

This diamond in the rough product is created specially for pregnant mamas to avoid stretch marks before they start. It contains apricot kernel oil, mango seed butter and grape seed oil which all help with tone, texture and moisture of the skin.

Pros- non-greasy, paraben-free, hypoallergenic, suitable for sensitive or cracked skin. 

Cons: Some may not like the scent. It can feel thick and greasy.

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Burt’s Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter

This rich body butter is like a spa treatment for your belly. It contains shea butter and vitamin E to keep your skin supple and smooth.

Pros- non-greasy, paraben-free, hypoallergenic, suitable for sensitive or cracked skin. 

Cons: Some may not like the scent. It can feel thick and greasy.

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L’Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil
The best products to help prevent stretch marks during pregnancy

This almond oil was a must have during my pregnancies. While it’s a little pricy, the results were well worth the investment. My skin stayed smooth, soft and itch-free. I combined this with other lotions and used it morning and night. The smell may be more of a personal preference but I loved it and to this day, the smell brings me back to my pregnancy days.

Pros- Free of parabens, silicones and phthalates, vegan, can be mixed with lotions.

Cons- Pricy, does contain a slight fragrance 

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Frida Mom Pregnancy Skincare Set

I love anything made by Frida Mom and this product is no exception! The set comes with four different products to help with stretch marks, dry skin, swelling and chafing. Safety of both mom and baby are at the forefront of everything this company creates. This would make the perfect gift for a new mom! 

Pros- Made with moms in mind, variety of products for all your needs.

Cons- Does contain a slight fragrance, can be hard to get out of bottle.

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Bio-Oil Skincare Oil

This lightweight oil is packed with vitamins and natural oils to help improve skin elasticity. With almost 100k 4.6 star reviews on Amazon, it is an excellent choice for all mamas during pregnancy and postpartum.

Pros- Free of parabens, silicones and phthalates, vegan, can be mixed with lotions.

Cons- Pricy

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Best Pregnancy-Safe Body Lotion

Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Body Lotion

Dermatologist recommended lotion that provides long-lasting relief for dry and sensitive skin. Its gentle, fragrance-free formula is enriched with oatmeal to nourish and soothe, leaving your skin feeling soft and comfortable.

Pro- No harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances, fast absorbing

Cons- more expensive than other drugstore brands.

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Eucerin skin Calming Cream

When it comes to an all-over lotion that helps to locks in moisture and prevent dryness and itchiness, Eucerin Skin-Calming Cream is a top choice. It’s made from chemical free oatmeal and absorbs into your skin quickly.

Pro- No harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances, fast absorbing

Cons- more expensive than other drugstore brands.

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Cerave moisturizing cream

This is another classic lotion that is known for its ability to deeply hydrate and nourish the skin, making it great for those with dry or sensitive skin. This company is often recommended by dermatologist for its gentle formula. 

Pro- No harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances, lightweight

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Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream

A dermatologist-recommended option, this cream is great for locking in moisture and soothing dry, irritated skin. It’s non-greasy and fast-absorbing formula provides long-lasting hydration without leaving a heavy residue. It’s also fragrance-free and gentle enough for daily use.

Pro- No harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances, lightweight

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First Aid Beauty Ultra-Repair Cream

This is one of my current favorites! Infused with calming ingredients like oatmeal and shea butter. It soothes, repairs, and leaves your skin feeling soft without a greasy residue.

Pro- Free from harsh chemicals and fragrances. Lightweight formula

Does contain a small amount of eucalyptus oil so be sure to run it by your doctor, pricy

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Best Sunscreen For Pregnancy Dry Skin

The skin becomes more sensitive and prone to damage due to hormonal changes during pregnancy so investing in a good sunscreen is one of the best things you can do for your skin.

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen

The silky texture of this sunscreen is amazing! It is invisible, weightless, unscented and can be worn with other makeup.

Pro- Free from harsh chemicals and fragrances. Lightweight formula

Does contain a small amount of eucalyptus oil so be sure to run it by your doctor, pricy.

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CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen with SPF 30

I don’t like to wear a lot of makeup during the day but I like a little coverage. I love the gentle formula of CeraVe and this tinted sunscreen is no exception! Formulated  zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, it blends in seamlessly with no white residue.

Pro- Free from harsh chemicals and fragrances. Lightweight formula

Does contain a small amount of eucalyptus oil so be sure to run it by your doctor, pricy.

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Stretch Marks and Pregnancy

Now, I know what you’re probably wondering….

Can lotions and oils really prevent stretch marks? 

Talking about stretch marks during pregnancy is a sensitive subject.

And as much as we want to avoid stretch marks, it is important to keep in mind that whether you get them or not is significantly determined by genetics.

If your mother, grandmother or any blood relative has/had stretch marks, then you will be more likely to get them.

However, I firmly believe there are a few ways to help prevent the quantity and severity of them

Here are a few ways to minimize stretch marks during pregnancy:

  • Eat a well balanced diet
    • Consuming a diet rich in essential nutrients can promote skin health. Focus on foods high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
    • Vitamin A: Helps to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Can be found in foods like sweet potatoes, carrots, and leafy greens.
    • Vitamin D: Helps to promote healthy skin cell growth and repair. Can be obtained through exposure to sunlight and certain foods like fatty fish and egg yolks.
    • Vitamin K: Helps to reduce the appearance of dark circles and bruises. Can be found in leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower.
  • Consume Collagen-Boosting Foods: Collagen is a protein that plays a crucial role in skin elasticity. Foods like bone broth, chicken, fish, and citrus fruits can support collagen production. Also consider adding a collagen protein to your daily meal plan to help keep your skin, hair and nails healthy.
  • Be mindful of weight gain: While it’s essential to gain a healthy amount of weight during pregnancy, rapid and excessive weight gain can increase the risk of stretch marks. Aim for gradual weight gain within the recommended range under the guidance of your healthcare provider.
  • Stay hydrated: Staying well-hydrated is crucial for skin elasticity. Drinking plenty of water can help maintain your skin’s moisture and flexibility, reducing the risk of stretch marks.
  • Maintain a good skin care routine: Consistently using a good body lotion and body wash will help keep your skin smooth and may reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

The physical changes that our bodies go through during pregnancy can be very overwhelming and scary. But it is well worth it!

Using Lotions Safely During Pregnancy

It is important to be cautious when choosing skincare products to avoid any adverse reactions. Here are a few tips to help you avoid allergic reactions:

Read the Label

Always read the label of any skincare product before using it to avoid ingredients you may be allergic to. It is also important to be aware of ingredients if you have any skin conditions like eczema.

Patch Test

Before using a new product, it is always a good idea to patch test it first. Apply a small amount of the product to a small area of skin, such as the inside of your wrist, and wait 24 hours to see if any skin irritation such as redness, itching, or swelling occurs. If there is no reaction, it should be safe to use.

Stick to What Works

If you have found a skincare product that works well for you and does not cause any allergic reactions, stick with it. Avoid trying new products unless you have to.

Consult Your Doctor

If you are unsure about whether a skincare product is safe to use during pregnancy, consult your doctor. They can advise you on which products are safe and which ingredients to avoid.

Use Hypoallergenic Products

Hypoallergenic products are specifically designed for people with sensitive skin and are less likely to cause allergic reactions. Look for products that are labeled hypoallergenic or are designed for sensitive skin.

My Take on Lotions During Pregnancy

Phew, that’s probably more than you wanted to know about the best lotions to use during pregnancy, but as you can tell, I feel passionate about the topic! 

I know it can feel overwhelming to maintain your skin care routine during pregnancy but keeping your skin healthy and nourished will help reduce itchy and uncomfortable skin. 

By incorporating a proper skin care routine and choosing pregnancy-safe products, you can help keep your skin healthy and glowing throughout your pregnancy.

Remember, everyday use is the best way to keep your skin looking and feeling its best! 

FACT CHECK

Struggles of a Fit Mom uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within it’s articles. Read my  editorial process to learn more about how I fact-check and keep my content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/resources-consumers-cosmetics/cosmetics-pregnancy“>https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/resources-consumers-cosmetics/cosmetics-pregnancy

https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/Skin-Conditions-During-Pregnancy?utm_source=redirect&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=int#pregnancy”>https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/Skin-Conditions-During-Pregnancy?utm_source=redirect&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=int#pregnancy

https://www.cfp.ca/content/57/6/665.full”

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