Trying to Conceive & Pregnancy: The Skincare, Haircare and Supplements Guide
What you put on your skin and hair, and which supplements you take, changes a little at each stage of the journey to a baby. The internet is full of confident advice, and much of it is either out of date or not based on evidence. This guide collects our articles for each stage in one place. Every one links to its sources, and where the research is thin we say so.
Trying to conceive
- Skincare when trying to conceive: what to keep, swap and ask about — the medicines check, acne tablets, and what the research says about retinoids.
- Supplements when trying to conceive: folic acid, vitamin D and what to avoid — the NHS doses, who needs a higher dose, and the vitamin A warning.
Early pregnancy (the first trimester)
- Skincare in the first trimester: you used retinol before you knew — what the studies show, and what to do now.
- Hair, skin and nail supplements in pregnancy: what to check on the label — vitamin A, vitamin D and folic acid.
- Melasma in pregnancy: how to prevent the “mask of pregnancy” — why sunscreen matters from the first trimester.
- Is hair dye safe in pregnancy? — what the NHS says and how to reduce exposure.
- What the American Academy of Dermatology says about pregnancy skin care ingredients — avoid, limit and recommended lists.
- Skin-lightening supplements in pregnancy: what about glutathione? — what the research does and does not show.
- Pregnancy-safe skincare: what to use and avoid — our ingredient-by-ingredient guide.
Late pregnancy and after the birth
- Stretch marks in pregnancy: what the evidence says about creams and oils — and what is worth your money.
- Itchy skin in late pregnancy: when it is normal and when to call your midwife — including the one itch you should never ignore.
- Postpartum hair loss: why it happens and when it stops — the timeline from a study of 331 women.
A note on how we write these: we rely on NHS guidance and published research, link to it, and say plainly when evidence is limited. We are not a substitute for your midwife, GP or pharmacist, who know your health history. Always check with them before changing medicines or supplements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to use skincare actives when trying to conceive?
Most basic skincare is fine. The areas that need care are prescription acne tablets, retinoids and vitamin A supplements. See our guides to skincare and supplements when trying to conceive, and speak to your GP or pharmacist about any medicines.
What supplements should I take when trying to conceive?
The NHS recommends 400 micrograms of folic acid daily from when you start trying, ideally three months before, and a daily 10 microgram vitamin D supplement during pregnancy. See our supplements guide for details and exceptions.
Do you give medical advice?
No. These articles are general information based on NHS guidance and published research. Speak to your midwife, GP or pharmacist about your own situation.
This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have a skin or scalp condition, or you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication, speak to a doctor, pharmacist or dermatologist before changing your routine.
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