Pregnancy Skin Care Tips for Acne-Prone Alicia Keys

Musical power pair, Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz, who've been together since the fall of 2008 and plan to marry later this year, are going to have a baby.

The happy couple was in London on Thursday night to attend the Black Ball -- a fundraiser for Keys' "Keep a Child Alive" AIDS/HIV charity -- and the expectant mom was positively radiant in a one of a kind strapless (and extremely poufy)Dolce & Gabanna gown - replete with incredibly fierce spiky silver Louboutin's.

Keys rocked the packed house at St. John Smith Square in Westminster with an intimate set of hits like "Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart" and "Empire State of Mind" and thrilled the crowd by inviting Roxy Music legend, Bryan Ferry on stage as the two dueted "Love is the Drug" and "Slave to Love" while the photographers' flashbulbs erupted.

She looked spectacular and emanated an inner glow last night, but the altruistic Grammy winner, who has grappled with acne for much of her life, might have a tough time keeping her skin red-carpet ready now that she can no longer resort to products containing harsh chemicals. The fact is that acne flare-ups during pregnancy are very common especially during the first trimester as hormone levels increase causing a rise in the body's oil production.

Happily, Keys, like the rest of us, doesn't have to let her face go to seed just because she's preggers. (Here's a list of 8 Products You Can NOT Use When You're Pregnant!)

The most important skin care ingredient to stay away from when you're carrying a baby are retinoids. Found in prescription anti-acne/anti-wrinkle brands like Retin-A and Renova and, in lesser strengths in many over-the-counter products, retinoids in oral form have been liked to miscarriages and birth defects. Although research suggests that topical use doesn't pose the same risks, most OB/GYNs recommend staying away from them. Instead, try Belli Pregnancy Specialty Skin Care Solutions Acne Clearing Facial Wash ($22, dermstore.com) - this awesome brand is the only line that ensures that none of its ingredients are linked to birth defects or reproductive toxicity!

Another pregnancy safe anti-acne treatment is DDF's Benzoyl Peroxide Gel 5 Percent With Tea Tree Oil. ($24, sephora.com)

And, while benzoyl peroxide, one of the standard go-to anti-acne fighters has been proven safe for pregnant women, its some-time partner in zit busting, salicylic acid, has not. So be sure to read labels carefully.

As anyone with acne issues knows, the sun can severely aggravate things. With summer on its way, it's important to note that when it comes to protecting skin from the sun, moms-to-be need to wary of sunscreens containing benzophenone as research has shown links to developmental toxicity and hormonal disruptions with high exposure. Vanicream Sunscreen Sensitive Skin SPF 60 ($16.99, drugstore.com) and Belli Pregnancy Specialty Skin Care Solutions Anti-Chloasma Facial Sunscreen ($22, skinacrerx.com) are both safe options.