Short answer: some prescription ingredients are not recommended in pregnancy (e.g., prescription-strength retinoids like tretinoin/tazarotene), while others (like niacinamide and azelaic acid) are commonly used under clinician guidance. Always discuss your situation with an Australian-registered clinician before starting or changing treatment. If you’re unsure, book a quick online consult and we’ll personalise a safe plan for you.
Why pregnancy changes your skincare plan
Hormonal shifts can increase oiliness, sensitivity and pigmentation—hello, melasma—so a pre-pregnancy routine may need adjusting. Our doctors tailor treatments for acne, ageing and uneven tone, prioritising safety across trimesters. Prefer hands-off guidance? Start your custom prescription skincare and have your plan delivered Australia-wide.
Got questions first? Browse our FAQs or chat with us during your initial consult.
Ingredients to know (and why guidance matters)
Typically avoided in pregnancy
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Prescription retinoids (e.g., tretinoin, tazarotene). These vitamin A derivatives are potent and generally avoided while pregnant or trying to conceive. If you’re currently using one, speak with us about pausing or switching. For context, see our Retinoids guide.
Often considered under clinician guidance
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Niacinamide – helps redness, oil regulation and barrier support.
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Azelaic acid – targets acne, redness and uneven tone; a popular alternative when retinoids are off the table.
Not sure what to use? Book a consult and we’ll match ingredients, strengths and layering to your trimester and skin goals.
What about melasma (“pregnancy mask”)?
Melasma shows up as patchy, symmetrical pigmentation. Sun protection + smart ingredient choice is key. We often build routines with azelaic acid and niacinamide, then reassess post-partum if you’d like to revisit retinoids. If pigmentation is your main concern, start with an acne & pigmentation consult and we’ll plan a gentle, effective approach.
Pregnancy-friendly routine foundations
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Keep it simple: gentle cleanser, targeted active (only if advised), nourishing moisturiser, daily broad-spectrum SPF.
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Introduce slowly: patch-test and increase frequency as tolerated.
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Review pre-pregnancy actives: if you were using tretinoin or other prescription retinoids, discuss a pause/switch during your consult.
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Consistency beats intensity: steady, well-tolerated routines outperform aggressive changes.
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Ready to personalise it? Start your Prescription Skin plan or explore concerns by topic: Acne · Ageing · FAQs · Subscription.
How we work (and why patients choose us)
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Independent, clinician-led care: no product mark-ups, no lock-ins—just treatment tailored to your budget and stage of life.
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Australian doctors: continuity of care through pregnancy and postpartum, with flexible subscription options if you want auto-deliveries.
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Simple process: quick online check → telehealth consult → eScript to your chosen pharmacy (when appropriate).
Start now: Book your consult and we’ll build a pregnancy-appropriate routine for you.
Quick recap
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Some prescription skincare (notably retinoids like tretinoin) is generally avoided during pregnancy.
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Clinician-guided alternatives such as niacinamide and azelaic acid are frequently used.
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For acne, ageing and pigmentation in pregnancy, a tailored plan is safest—book a consult to get started.
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