Is It Safe to Get a Facial During Pregnancy?
30 Apr 2025
Pregnancy comes with hormonal changes that can affect your skin—causing breakouts, dryness, sensitivity, or that pregnancy “glow.” Many moms-to-be wonder if facials are safe and which treatments they should avoid. The good news? Most facials are safe during pregnancy, but some ingredients and procedures should be avoided.
Here’s what you need to know about getting a pregnancy-safe facial while keeping your skin and baby healthy.
Oxygen Facial – A gentle, refreshing treatment that boosts circulation and glow.
Steam Facials – Safe in moderation, but avoid overheating.
Gentle Exfoliation – Use enzyme-based exfoliants instead of harsh scrubs.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage – Helps reduce pregnancy swelling (safe if done gently).
Face Masks with Natural Ingredients – Look for hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, honey, or cucumber.
Chemical Peels with Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, or High AHAs/BHAs – Can be too harsh and absorbed into the skin. Safe Alternative: Lactic acid or fruit enzyme peels (gentler exfoliation).
Strong Scrubs – Can cause redness or broken capillaries. Safe Alternative: Enzyme exfoliants (papaya or pumpkin-based).
High-Frequency Facials – Electrical currents may not be safe during pregnancy.
Botox or Fillers – Not recommended due to limited research on effects. Safe Alternative: LED light therapy (red or blue light, but no infrared).
Safe Essential Oils: Chamomile, lavender (in low amounts), and sandalwood.
Choose pregnancy-safe skincare products – Avoid harsh acids, retinoids, and strong exfoliants.
Avoid overheating – Skip hot steam or heated beds, as overheating can be risky during pregnancy.
Test products on a small area first – Skin can be more sensitive during pregnancy.
Stay hydrated & listen to your body – If you feel dizzy or uncomfortable, stop the treatment.
Safe Facial Treatments During Pregnancy
These gentle, pregnancy-friendly facials can help with hydration, acne, and relaxation: Basic Hydrating Facial – Uses mild cleansers and moisturizers to nourish the skin.Oxygen Facial – A gentle, refreshing treatment that boosts circulation and glow.
Steam Facials – Safe in moderation, but avoid overheating.
Gentle Exfoliation – Use enzyme-based exfoliants instead of harsh scrubs.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage – Helps reduce pregnancy swelling (safe if done gently).
Face Masks with Natural Ingredients – Look for hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, honey, or cucumber.
Facial Treatments & Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy
1. Retinol & Strong Chemical Peels
Retinoids (Retinol, Retin-A, Tretinoin) – These vitamin A derivatives may increase the risk of birth defects.Chemical Peels with Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, or High AHAs/BHAs – Can be too harsh and absorbed into the skin. Safe Alternative: Lactic acid or fruit enzyme peels (gentler exfoliation).
2. Microdermabrasion & Harsh Exfoliation
Microdermabrasion – Can make pregnancy-sensitive skin more irritated.Strong Scrubs – Can cause redness or broken capillaries. Safe Alternative: Enzyme exfoliants (papaya or pumpkin-based).
3. High-Frequency, Laser, or Chemical Treatments
Laser Therapy (for acne, pigmentation, or hair removal) – Effects on pregnancy are not well studied.High-Frequency Facials – Electrical currents may not be safe during pregnancy.
Botox or Fillers – Not recommended due to limited research on effects. Safe Alternative: LED light therapy (red or blue light, but no infrared).
4. Essential Oils (Some Are Unsafe!)
Avoid Essential Oils Like: Rosemary, clary sage, peppermint, and tea tree (may trigger contractions or irritation).Safe Essential Oils: Chamomile, lavender (in low amounts), and sandalwood.
Tips for a Pregnancy-Safe Facial
Tell your esthetician you're pregnant – They can customize treatments safely.Choose pregnancy-safe skincare products – Avoid harsh acids, retinoids, and strong exfoliants.
Avoid overheating – Skip hot steam or heated beds, as overheating can be risky during pregnancy.
Test products on a small area first – Skin can be more sensitive during pregnancy.
Stay hydrated & listen to your body – If you feel dizzy or uncomfortable, stop the treatment.
