Podcasts

Skincare rules feel totally different when pregnancy enters the chat, and the internet does not make it easier. We sit down with Dr. Kelly Tyler, a rare double board-certified expert in OB-GYN and dermatology, to give you a clear, evidence-based guide to pregnancy safe skincare that you can actually use at the bathroom sink. One of the biggest mindset shifts is simple: if you are trying to get pregnant, we recommend you start following pregnancy skincare guidelines now, because you can be several weeks pregnant before a home test turns positive. 

We break down what matters most for safety: topical vs oral exposure, how much skin you apply a product to, and why product “vehicles” like ointments can absorb more than gels or liquids. Then we get specific about acne treatment during pregnancy, including why topical retinoids like adapalene and tretinoin are best avoided, while ingredients such as azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid are often reasonable options when used appropriately. For tougher cases, we talk through which oral antibiotics are commonly used in pregnancy and which medications to avoid, including tetracyclines and doxycycline. 

We also tackle melasma in pregnancy, the hydroquinone warning, and why sunscreen is still the best daily anti-aging and hyperpigmentation prevention tool. From bakuchiol and “natural” skincare claims to newer trends like peptides and exosomes, we share a practical rule: if the data is thin, it is okay to pause. Finally, we cover eczema and pregnancy, including how to use topical steroids conservatively and what we know about short courses of oral steroids for severe flares. 

If this helped you feel calmer and more confident about pregnancy safe skincare, subscribe, share this with a friend who is trying to conceive, and leave us a review so more people can find science-first guidance. What product are you most unsure about right now?

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in the Derm-it Trotter! podcast are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the guests’ or host’s institution or employers. The Derm-it Trotter! Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.