Pregnancy brings about a host of changes—some exciting, some surprising, and some downright unpredictable. While glowing skin is the dream, hormonal fluctuations and changes in the immune response can make your skin more sensitive, reactive, and prone to pigmentation issues.
These shifts mean that certain facial treatments that were once completely fine might not be the best idea during pregnancy.
What Happens To Your Skin When Pregnant?
Your skin may be more reactive: Products and treatments that never bothered you before might now irritate.
A review by Bozzo, Chua-Gocheco, and Einarson published in the Canadian Family Physician notes that the skin absorbs only a small amount of salicylic acid (a common ingredient in Cosmetic-Grade Chemical Peels and AquaFacial), while making it unlikely to pose any risk to a developing baby, there’s still a level of uncertainty.
Research on skincare treatments during pregnancy is limited, so it’s always best to err on the side of caution. Other common active ingredients found in topical treatments may appear to have a low absorption rate and pose minimal risk, hormonal changes can make the skin more reactive and unpredictable during pregnancy.
Your skin may be more prone to discolouration or pigmentation changes: Conditions like melasma (also known as the “mask of pregnancy”) can become more prominent with excessive exfoliation or strong, active chemical ingredients.
You may experience increased blood flow: This leads to temporary redness or sensitivity, particularly for treatments that stimulate circulation.
Safe Facial Treatments For Pregnancy
Let’s talk about what you can do. Some treatments and ingredients (like topical retinoids and salicylic acid) are best avoided, but there are still several pregnancy-safe facials that can help you keep your skin glowing and refreshed during this time.
Here’s a look at some of the best facial treatments for pregnancy:
Express Microdermabrasion
Express Microdermabrasion involves a Crystal-Free, Diamond-Tip device that’s non-irritating, gentle, and safe for all skin types. It helps remove dead skin cells, improves skin texture, and leaves your skin feeling smooth and rejuvenated in just 10-15 minutes.
Pro Tip: While Microdermabrasion itself is pregnancy-safe, let your clinician know you’re expecting so they can ensure no contraindicated topicals are used alongside your treatment.
5-Step Microdermabrasion - Hydrating
Dealing with dry, flaky skin? Pregnancy can make it harder for your skin to retain moisture, which is why a hydrating facial is a must.
The Hydrating 5-Step Microdermabrasion combines deep exfoliation with a hydrating mask that locks in moisture and strengthens the skin’s natural barrier function. It provides deep hydration, protects your skin barrier, and leaves it plumper and more radiant.
5-Step Microdermabrasion - Calming
Pregnancy hormones can sometimes lead to increased redness, sensitivity, or even rosacea flare-ups. If your skin is feeling extra delicate, the Calming 5-Step Microdermabrasion is a soothing facial that helps reduce irritation and strengthen the skin barrier. It includes a soothing mask to calm inflammation while keeping the skin hydrated and balanced.
LED Light Therapy
For skin treatment with zero downtime, LED Light Therapy is one of the safest and most effective ways to boost skin health. This treatment uses various wavelengths of light to target specific skin concerns without using heat or chemicals. It’s ideal for pregnancy-induced skin sensitivity.
Unlike harsher treatments, LED Light Therapy is completely non-invasive and works with your skin’s natural healing function. It’s an excellent way to maintain a healthy glow.
Hydrojelly™ Masks
Hydrojelly™ Masks are jelly-like cooling masks that provide an instant boost of hydration, reduce redness, and leave the skin feeling fresh and plump.
These masks create a vacuum-like seal over the skin, allowing the nutrient-rich ingredients to absorb deeper while locking in moisture. They are customisable depending on your skin concerns. Hydrojelly™ Masks are pregnancy-safe because they don’t contain harsh exfoliants or active ingredients that could trigger sensitivity.
Pregnancy may change how your skin reacts to treatments, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on self-care. With the right pregnancy-safe facials, you can still hydrate, soothe, and refresh your skin—without unnecessary risks.
As long as you follow the dos and don’ts of getting facials, you can enjoy a glow that’s safe for both you and your baby. Always let your Skin Therapist know that you’re expecting and choose treatments designed to work with your skin’s heightened sensitivity. A little extra caution now means radiant, healthy skin throughout your pregnancy and beyond!
