A simple TTC skincare routine
You do not need to rebuy your entire shelf when you start trying to conceive. Most people keep a short, gentle routine and pause only the actives their clinician flags — often retinoids and some leave-on acne treatments.
Morning
- Gentle cleanser (or rinse with water if your skin is dry).
- Moisturizer suited to your skin type.
- Broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) — the step most dermatology resources emphasize daily.
Evening
- Cleanse to remove sunscreen and makeup.
- Moisturizer — and, if your clinician said it is fine for you, one leave-on active at a time.
Often paused or reviewed while TTC
- Prescription retinoids and many OTC retinol serums — see retinol while TTC.
- High-dose vitamin A supplements (separate from a standard prenatal).
- Leave-on salicylic acid peels or daily full-face BHA — discuss with your clinician.
Paste any product to scan INCI for retinoid names and other flags — works on drugstore and luxury brands, not just products in our catalog.
Chin acne & actives while trying to conceive
Hormonal chin breakouts are common while TTC — especially when you stop retinol or oral medications such as spironolactone. Forum advice varies; these are ingredients often discussed with a provider when retinol is off the table:
- Azelaic acid (OTC or prescription %) — frequently suggested for hormonal acne; confirm with your clinician.
- Benzoyl peroxide wash (short contact) — often cited in patient acne resources.
- Salicylic acid cleanser (wash-off) vs leave-on BHA — see our salicylic acid guide.
- Niacinamide for barrier support and tone — broadly lower-concern in cosmetic use.
Start with one active, keep moisturizer and SPF, and avoid stacking multiple acids while your barrier is irritated. Oral acne drugs require a prescribing conversation before TTC — not something an ingredient checker replaces.
