Top 3 Pregnancy Facials That Are Safe & Effective

Many expectant Mamas have asked: “Can you have a facial while pregnant?” The short answer is yes — but you need to be picky. Pregnancy facials can be safe for you and baby when you avoid harsh chemicals, aggressive resurfacing, and unsafe ingredients.

Below, we break down the top 3 pregnancy-safe facials that are gentle, effective, and OB/GYN–friendly, plus at-home options using pregnancy-safe skincare. This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice — always check with your OB or dermatologist before starting any new treatment.

1. Oxygen Facials (Pregnancy-Safe Hydration Boost)

A celebrity favorite, oxygen facials deliver key nutrients to the skin via a gentle, pressurized stream. Formulas often include hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and botanical extracts, making this a great option for dry, dull, or tired pregnancy skin.

• Best for: Dry, dehydrated, or dull pregnancy skin that needs instant glow.
• Avoid if: The spa wants to combine oxygen with harsh chemical peels or high-strength acids.
• Ask your esthetician: To confirm products are pregnancy-safe and free of retinoids, salicylic acid, and strong peels.

Pregnancy-safe, at-home option: The Spoiled Mama's Lucid Brightening Treatment features hyaluronic acid and exfoliating AHAs for safe, effective hydration and brightening when used as directed.

2. Exfoliating Facials (Gentle Pregnancy-Safe Resurfacing)

Exfoliating facials help with dryness, flakiness, and dullness by removing dead skin cells. During pregnancy, your skin can be more sensitive, so it’s important to avoid aggressive treatments like microdermabrasion or strong chemical peels.

• Choose: Low-strength, pregnancy-safe AHAs like glycolic or lactic acid at gentle percentages.
• Avoid: Microdermabrasion, high-strength peels, and at-home “peel pads” with strong acids.
• Tip: Let your esthetician know if you are also using any exfoliating products at home to avoid over-exfoliation.

Pregnancy-safe, at-home option: The Spoiled Mama's  Indulge Sugar Scrub features organic sugar, nourishing oils, and pregnancy-safe ingredients that can be used on both face (gently) and belly to smooth and soften skin.

3. Deep Cleansing Facials (Pregnancy Acne & Clogged Pores)

Hormonal changes can trigger pregnancy acne, clogged pores, and increased oil production. A deep cleansing facial focuses on gentle exfoliation, steam, extractions, massage, and a calming mask to keep pores clear without irritating sensitive, pregnant skin.

• Best for: Oily, combination, or breakout-prone pregnancy skin.
• Ask your esthetician to avoid: High-strength salicylic acid, retinoids, benzoyl peroxide peels, and harsh drying masks.
• Look for: Soothing, non-comedogenic, pregnancy-safe ingredients like aloe vera, niacinamide, and gentle AHAs.

Pregnancy-safe, at-home option: The Spoiled Mama’s  Rehab Acne Serum is formulated to help treat pregnancy acne and clogged pores without harsh chemicals, so you can support clearer skin while staying bump-safe.

Pregnancy Facial FAQs

These are some of the most common questions Mamas ask us about pregnancy-safe facials and professional skincare treatments. Always share your full medical history and pregnancy status with your provider before any service.

Is it safe to have a facial while pregnant?

In most cases, yes — basic facials that use pregnancy-safe ingredients are generally considered safe. Skip harsh chemicals, strong peels, electrical currents, and anything your OB has advised against. When in doubt, get your provider’s okay first.

Are steam facials safe during pregnancy?

Gentle facial steaming is usually safe in pregnancy and shouldn’t raise your core temperature significantly. If you feel lightheaded, overheated, or uncomfortable at any point, ask your esthetician to stop and cool the room down.

Can I get microdermabrasion while pregnant?

It’s typically not recommended. Your skin is more sensitive and prone to inflammation or scarring during pregnancy, so most providers suggest skipping microdermabrasion until after baby arrives.

Are chemical peels safe when pregnant?

Strong chemical peels are usually not advised during pregnancy. If your provider approves a very gentle peel, make sure the spa knows you are pregnant and confirms all ingredients are bump-safe.

Are face masks safe to use while pregnant?

It depends on the formula. Look for pregnancy-safe face masks that are free from retinoids, high-dose salicylic acid, strong AHAs/BHAs, and harsh synthetic fragrances. Hydrating, soothing masks are usually the better choice.

Can I go to a spa or med spa for facials during pregnancy?

Yes, many Mamas enjoy spa facials during pregnancy. Choose a provider who is experienced with pregnancy-safe treatments, avoid high-heat or strong chemical services, and speak up if anything feels too intense.

Is a chemical peel safe in the first trimester?

Most experts recommend avoiding chemical peels in the first trimester and being extremely cautious later on. Always follow your OB’s guidance and skip any treatment that hasn’t been cleared for pregnancy.

Can I bleach facial hair while pregnant?

Some providers allow facial hair bleach after the first trimester, but many recommend avoiding it early in pregnancy as a precaution. Ask your OB or dermatologist before using any bleach-based product.

What about laser treatments or laser hair removal on the face?

There aren’t enough pregnancy-specific safety studies on laser facial treatments, so most providers recommend postponing laser hair removal and other non-essential laser services until after pregnancy and breastfeeding.

DIY Tools for At-Home Pregnancy Facials

If you prefer to pamper yourself at home, these pregnancy-safe facial tools can help you recreate a mini spa experience between professional visits. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and your provider’s advice.

• Nano Ionic Steamer
• Adjustable Coral Fleece Headbands
• Natural Compressed Facial Sponges
• Waterproof Facial Cleansing Brush
• Ice Roller
• Snail Mucin Essence

Pregnancy Facial Safety Tips

• Tell your esthetician you’re pregnant before treatment so they can adjust products and techniques.
• Skip strong aromatherapy if you have nausea, migraines, or smell sensitivity.
• Avoid harsh chemicals, lasers, and deep peels unless your OB has specifically cleared them.
• Speak up during the facial — if anything stings, burns, or feels too hot, ask them to remove it right away.
• Use only pregnancy-safe, OB-GYN–approved products at home to maintain your glow between appointments.

Find the Best Pregnancy-Safe Facial for Your Skin (Take the Quiz!)

Every pregnancy — and every Mama’s skin — is different. Hormones can trigger dryness, breakouts, sensitivity, melasma, or dullness, which means the right pregnancy-safe facial isn’t always one-size-fits-all.

Our Pregnancy-Safe Facial Finder Quiz helps you discover the best facial based on your current skin concerns, trimester, and sensitivity level. You’ll also receive gentle, OB-GYN–approved product tips you can use at home to keep your glow going between spa visits.

Whether you’re dealing with oily, acne-prone skin, dry winter tightness, melasma, or pregnancy-induced dullness, the quiz gives you personalized recommendations so you can pamper your skin safely — and feel confident about every ingredient you use.

Reviewed by: The Spoiled Mama team of pregnancy-safe skincare specialists. We focus on OB-GYN friendly, toxin-conscious formulas made specifically for pregnancy and postpartum.

Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace the advice of your physician, OB/GYN, or dermatologist. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, product, or facial service while pregnant or breastfeeding.