Can you get a facial while pregnant? A guide to safe pregnancy skincare
- Updated Feb 27, 2025
- Published
CRAFTED BY HUMAN
Crafted by human At Femia, we provide accurate and up-to-date information at every stage of your journey, from trying to conceive, pregnancy and postnatal support. All content is created by a real person based on in-depth research and own professional experience. Femia ensures that you will receive expert advice, strict accuracy and a personalized approach from our authors/medical experts. Learn more about our editorial policy.
FACT CHECKED
Fact checked At Femia Health, we maintain the highest standards of editorial excellence in delivering content focused on helping you conceive, guiding you through pregnancy, and supporting you postpartum. Explore our content review principles to learn how we ensure the accuracy and quality of our health and lifestyle tips for every stage of your journey.
Created with Hector Chapa, MD, FACOG, Clinical associate professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology Texas A&M University, College of Medicine in Bryan-College Station, USA
- Safe facials include hydrating, oxygen, and mild enzyme facials.
- Avoid treatments with harsh chemicals like retinoids, high-strength acids, and certain peels.
- Always inform your esthetician about your pregnancy to ensure safety.
Pregnancy can bring many unexpected changes to the skin, from hormonal acne to increased sensitivity and dryness. Many expecting mothers turn to facials as a way to maintain a healthy glow and manage these new skin concerns. However, not all facial treatments are safe during pregnancy, as certain ingredients and procedures may pose risks to both the mother and baby.
Understanding which facials are pregnancy-safe and which should be avoided can help you make informed decisions about your skincare routine while ensuring the safety of your growing baby.
Are facials safe during pregnancy?
Yes, facials are generally safe for pregnant women, but the type of treatment matters. Skin is often more sensitive during pregnancy due to increased blood flow and hormonal changes. Some ingredients and procedures may penetrate the skin, potentially affecting your baby, while others might trigger excessive irritation.
By selecting pregnancy-safe facials, you can enjoy hydrated, refreshed skin without unnecessary risks.
👉Find out more: Can you get lip fillers while pregnant? Here’s what you need to know
Pregnancy-safe facials include
Hydrating facials
Pregnancy hormones can disrupt the skin’s moisture balance, leading to excessive dryness, irritation, and sensitivity. Hydrating facials use deeply nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and vitamin E to replenish lost moisture and restore the skin’s natural barrier. These treatments also help soothe tightness, flakiness, and redness commonly experienced by expectant mothers. Since many women develop pregnancy-related dehydration and increased skin reactivity, a hydrating facial can be a safe and effective way to maintain a healthy glow.
Oxygen facials
Oxygen facials infuse purified oxygen into the skin, promoting cell regeneration, collagen production, and an overall radiant complexion. Unlike other treatments that rely on harsh exfoliants or aggressive techniques, oxygen facials work by delivering antioxidants and vitamins deep into the skin without irritation. This can be especially beneficial for dullness, uneven skin tone, or hormonal acne that some women experience during pregnancy. Because oxygen therapy is free of chemicals and safe for sensitive skin, it’s a great pregnancy-friendly option for boosting skin health.
Gentle enzyme facials
Instead of using strong acids or abrasive exfoliants, enzyme facials rely on natural fruit enzymes from ingredients like papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin to gently break down dead skin cells. This mild exfoliation helps brighten the complexion, unclog pores, and smooth out uneven texture without causing excessive dryness or irritation. Since pregnancy can lead to increased oil production and breakouts, enzyme facials offer a safe and non-invasive way to refresh the skin without the risk of harsh side effects.
Lymphatic drainage facials
Pregnancy often leads to water retention and puffiness, particularly in the face. A lymphatic drainage facial uses light, rhythmic massage techniques to stimulate the lymphatic system, encouraging the removal of excess fluids and toxins. This treatment can reduce facial swelling, improve circulation, and promote a sculpted, refreshed look without the use of chemicals or invasive procedures. Since lymphatic drainage focuses on gentle manual massage, it’s one of the safest facials available for expectant mothers.
These treatments are non-invasive and do not involve harsh chemicals, making them ideal choices for maintaining healthy skin while pregnant.
Facial treatments to avoid during pregnancy
While facials can be beneficial, some treatments contain ingredients or methods that are unsafe for pregnancy. These can penetrate the bloodstream, cause excessive irritation, or pose potential risks to fetal development.
Avoid these treatments:
- Chemical peels – Many chemical peels contain strong acids, such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or trichloroacetic acid (TCA), which penetrate deep into the skin and can be absorbed into the bloodstream. High concentrations of these acids may be harmful during pregnancy, increasing skin sensitivity and the risk of irritation. If you’re looking for gentle exfoliation, opt for mild lactic acid-based peels, which are generally considered safe.
- Microdermabrasion – This treatment involves the mechanical exfoliation of the skin using a handheld device that removes the outermost layer of dead skin cells. While effective for improving skin texture, microdermabrasion can be too aggressive for pregnancy, causing redness, irritation, and increased sensitivity. Pregnancy hormones already make your skin more reactive, so it’s best to avoid treatments that could worsen inflammation or discomfort.
- Laser treatments – Procedures like laser skin resurfacing, laser hair removal, or intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy should be avoided during pregnancy. The safety of laser treatments for pregnant women has not been thoroughly studied, and these procedures may cause pain, burns, or pigmentation issues due to heightened skin sensitivity. Additionally, the body’s hormonal changes may lead to unpredictable healing and skin reactions.
- Strong exfoliants and harsh scrubs – Certain exfoliating treatments, such as those containing high concentrations of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), coarse scrubs, or aggressive enzyme peels, can cause excessive irritation. Pregnancy can make your skin more prone to redness, dryness, and hyperpigmentation, so gentle exfoliation with a mild enzyme mask or soft facial brush is a safer alternative.
- Hot steam facials – Prolonged exposure to hot steam can lead to dizziness, dehydration, and overheating, which are particularly risky during pregnancy. Excessive heat can also worsen melasma (pregnancy-induced hyperpigmentation), leading to uneven skin tone. If steam is part of your facial, ask the esthetician to use lukewarm water and keep the session brief to avoid overheating.
- High-frequency facials – These treatments use electrical currents to stimulate the skin, often for acne treatment or anti-aging purposes. The safety of electrical facial devices during pregnancy has not been well studied, so most dermatologists recommend avoiding them to prevent any potential risks.
- Injectables and fillers – While not technically facials, some spa clinics offer Botox, dermal fillers, or skin boosters as part of their skincare treatments. These cosmetic injectables are not recommended during pregnancy, as there is not enough research to confirm their safety for the baby. It’s best to wait until after childbirth and breastfeeding before considering these procedures.
By avoiding these treatments, you can reduce the risk of irritation, skin damage, or potential harm to your baby. Instead, opt for gentle, pregnancy-safe facials that focus on hydration, relaxation, and mild exfoliation to maintain your skin’s health during this special time.
Can you get a chemical peel while pregnant?
Chemical peels vary in strength, and many contain acids that are too harsh for pregnancy. However, some gentle peels are considered safe in moderation.
- Safe: Lactic acid peels (mild exfoliation, pregnancy-friendly).
- Unsafe: Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, TCA, and deep peels.
If you are considering a peel, consult your doctor first and ensure that your esthetician is aware of your pregnancy.
Is lactic acid safe during pregnancy?
Yes, lactic acid is one of the safest exfoliating acids for pregnancy. It works to gently remove dead skin cells, brighten the complexion, and hydrate the skin without being absorbed into the bloodstream at harmful levels. This makes it a good alternative to glycolic and salicylic acid.
👉Find out more: Can you get a spray tan while pregnant?
How to ensure a pregnancy-safe facial
Getting a facial while pregnant can be a relaxing and beneficial experience, but it’s essential to take extra precautions to protect both your skin and your baby. Here’s how you can ensure a safe and effective treatment:
Choose a pregnancy-friendly spa
Look for spas or skincare clinics that specialize in pregnancy-safe treatments. These establishments are more likely to have trained professionals who understand which ingredients and procedures are safe for expectant mothers. If you’re unsure, call ahead and ask if they offer pregnancy-friendly facials.
Avoid excess heat exposure
Overheating during pregnancy can be dangerous, leading to dizziness, nausea, and even complications like dehydration or low blood pressure. If your facial includes steam treatments, make sure the heat is mild and not prolonged. If you feel lightheaded, ask the esthetician to reduce the temperature or skip steaming altogether.
Always inform your esthetician
Even if your pregnancy isn’t visibly showing, always let your esthetician know about your condition. They can adjust the facial by avoiding unsafe ingredients, skipping intense extractions, and using gentler techniques to ensure comfort and safety.
Check ingredient labels
Many traditional skincare ingredients, such as retinoids, strong acids (like high-concentration salicylic acid), and artificial fragrances, can be too harsh or even harmful during pregnancy. Retinoids, in particular, are linked to birth defects and should be completely avoided. Opt for facials that use mild, hydrating, and pregnancy-safe ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and chamomile.
Stick to natural, fragrance-free skincare
Pregnancy can make your skin more sensitive, and exposure to certain essential oils, preservatives, and artificial fragrances may cause irritation or allergic reactions. Look for skincare products labeled hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and pregnancy-safe to minimize the risk of adverse reactions. If you’re unsure about a product, consult your doctor or dermatologist before use.
Questions from the Femia community
Can I get a facial in my first trimester?
The first trimester is a crucial time for fetal development, and many doctors recommend avoiding harsh skincare treatments during this period. However, gentle facials that focus on hydration and relaxation are generally safe. Always check with your doctor first.
Is LED light therapy safe during pregnancy?
Certain types of LED light therapy, such as red and blue light treatments, are considered safe for pregnancy. However, intense pulsed light (IPL) and laser facials should be avoided, as their effects on pregnancy are not well-studied.
Can facials help with pregnancy acne?
Yes! Pregnancy-safe facials using gentle exfoliation, hydrating masks, and enzyme-based treatments can help manage hormonal acne. Avoid benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, and strong acid peels, as they can be harmful to the baby.
Is steam safe in a pregnancy facial?
Mild steam is generally safe, but pregnant women are more prone to dizziness and overheating. If steam makes you uncomfortable, ask your esthetician to lower the temperature or skip this step.
Can I use essential oils in my pregnancy facial?
Some essential oils, like lavender and chamomile, are safe for pregnancy. However, others—such as rosemary, clary sage, and peppermint—may trigger contractions and should be avoided. Always confirm with your esthetician.
The bottom line
Facials are generally safe during pregnancy, but choosing the right treatment is crucial. Stick to hydrating, oxygen, and enzyme facials, and avoid chemical peels, strong acids, and laser treatments. Always inform your esthetician about your pregnancy and opt for gentle, natural skincare. If you’re unsure about any treatment, consult with your OB-GYN or dermatologist before proceeding.
References
- “Safety of Skin Care Products During Pregnancy.” Canadian Family Physician Medecin de Famille Canadien, vol. 65, no. 12, 2019, pp. 870-872.
- “A Review of the Safety of Common Aesthetic Procedures During Pregnancy.” International Journal of Pregnancy & Child Birth, vol. 9, no. 2, 2020, pp. 53-60.
- “A Review of the Safety of Cosmetic Procedures During Pregnancy and Lactation.” International Journal of Women’s Dermatology, vol. 3, no. 1, 2017, pp. 6-10.
- “Pregnancy and Skin Changes.” Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2020, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/pregnancy-and-skin-changes.
- “Chemical Peel.” Mayo Clinic, 23 Oct. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/chemical-peel/about/pac-20384901.
“Laser Hair Removal.” Mayo Clinic, 23 Oct. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/laser-hair-removal/about/pac-20394555.
At 3 weeks pregnant, your body begins showing early pregnancy signs. Explore 3-week symptoms, fetal growth, and tips for this early stage.
Discover natural ways to boost estrogen levels. Learn about dietary changes, supplements, and lifestyle habits that can help balance hormones. Expert advice from Femia.
The 5-5-5 rule is a simple guideline for the first 15 days postpartum which can help with recovery following childbirth. It encourages intentional rest while bonding with your baby.
