Many expectant Mamas have asked this question: Can you have a facial while pregnant? Pregnancy facials can be safe for your baby & you by avoiding harsh chemical facials, microdermabrasion, and peels. Remember to ask for toxin-free ingredients for your pregnancy skin care. Read to find out more about getting a facial in pregnancy.

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With so many procedures out there, it can be hard to determine which treatments will work best -- and be safe -- for you & your baby. But with so many Mamas suffering from hormonal pregnancy acne, oily skin, and bloating, we understand your face needs a little extra TLC.

But, are there rules, and how what do I need to know about getting pregnancy facials?

Best Safe Pregnancy Facials (& what to avoid) at The Spa and Home

1. Oxygen facials
A celebrity fave, oxygen facials introduce awesome ingredients to your skin via a pressurized stream of steam. The blends can include skin-plumping hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, vitamins, and botanical extracts. This treatment is great for expecting moms with dry or dull skin. However, while oxygen facial benefits are obvious, dermatologists still emphasize the importance of having a daily skin care regimen alongside oxygen facial treatment.

At-home option:
To add a flurry of goodness to your skin, The Spoiled Mama's Lucid treatment for melasma is packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid and exfoliating fruit acids (AHAs). The serum pierces skin layers more effectively with a small molecular structure than traditional creams.

2. Exfoliating facial
An exfoliating facial during pregnancy is perfect for mamas coping with dryness or dullness. While treatments like microdermabrasion are not recommended for pregnant women, inquire about mild facial scrubs or consider a pregnancy-safe AHA like glycolic acid or lactic acid.

At-home option:
Made from organic sugar and nourishing oils, The Spoiled Mama Indulge natural body scrub is perfect for polishing your body and face. As a bonus, if you use it on your belly, hips, and thighs, its oils are great for helping avoid stretch marks during pregnancy.

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3. Deep cleansing
Try a deep cleansing treatment if you have especially problematic skin. This generally includes exfoliation, extraction of blemishes and massage, followed by a healing mask and moisturizer.

At-home option:
To battle your blemishes, The Spoiled Mama's Rehab acne treatment serum can help clear your pregnancy acne. The spot treatment is excellent for moms eager for a quick transformation.

Common Pregnancy Facial Q&As

As a mom-to-be, it is perfectly normal to have a lot of questions, even for an otherwise simple topic like facials. It is natural and instinctive to get curious about whether something you do can significantly affect your unborn baby. That said, here are some typical facial treatment-related Mama questions and their answers:

Is it safe to have a facial while pregnant?

Yes! It is safe for Mamas like you to get facials during pregnancy, as long as you’re just getting basic treatments sans chemicals or electric currents. If you’re still concerned, make sure to consult your dermatologist on which facials are best for you before booking a facial appointment.

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Is it okay to get steam facials during pregnancy?

Generally, it isn’t safe for you to raise your core temperature in the first trimester. However, steaming the face or hot towel-wrapping your face is okay, since neither of them won’t raise your overall core temperature.

Can you get microdermabrasion if you are pregnant?

Sadly, no. Microdermabrasion while pregnant isn’t safe because this treatment is likely to scar your extra-sensitive pregnant skin. Besides scarring, microdermabrasion while pregnant may cause breakouts and uneven results.

You’ll have to reschedule your melasma treatment after you’ve safely delivered your baby or until your dermatologist clears you.

Are facial masks safe during pregnancy?

It depends. There are plenty of chemicals you should avoid when you’re pregnant, and some of them, like salicylic acid, beta hydroxy acid (BHA), alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), and retinoids, are commonly found in beauty products like face mask sheets. Your best bet? Research the ingredients first or ask your doctor before using any face product you have doubts about.

Can you go to a spa when you are pregnant?

Experts see no problem when it comes to a spa for pregnant women. According to Donald Lindblad, an OB/GYN, pregnant women may even benefit from pregnancy massages and spa treatments as long as they are not rigorous - which means you’re on for a pregnancy spa day!

Is it safe to get a chemical peel while pregnant?

The skin is super sensitive and easily irritated during pregnancy, so it is best to avoid abrasive facials and chemical peels when pregnant.

Can I get my face bleached during pregnancy?

Yes! Bleaching facial hair when pregnant is safe since the components of bleach (ammonium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide) are harmless to your unborn baby and are broken down easily by the body. However, if you’re still concerned, make sure to skip the bleach facial during your first trimester.

Can I do laser on my face while pregnant?

While there are no formal contraindications for pregnant women when it comes to laser hair removal in general, there are almost no studies attesting its safety in pregnant women and their unborn children. There are safer alternatives for facial hair removal (like threading, for instance) that you can try in lieu of potentially harmful laser facial hair removal treatments.

So, NO, it’s not a good idea to try laser facial hair removal while you’re pregnant.

If you are looking to do any DIY facials during pregnancy or postpartum at home here are a few tools we suggest before getting started:

3-in-1 Steamer:

Large 3-in-1 Nano Ionic Facial Steamer with Precise Temp Control - Humidifier - Unclogs Pores - Blackheads

Headbands:

Waterproof Tools to Cleanse:

Other Must-have Favs by Our Team:

Tips on getting a facial while pregnant:

ic: a woman's face, face mask pregnancy, microdermabrasion is it safe | The Spoiled Mama safe pregnancy skincare

Tell your aesthetician you're pregnant and walk through the treatment menu with her. She should be able to answer any concerns and create a custom facial pregnancy treatment for you.
If you're suffering from morning sickness, take it easy on aromatherapy treatments, which may exacerbate your smell sensitivities.
Avoid harsh chemical facials, microdermabrasion, and peels.
Pregnant skin can be especially sensitive, so be vocal if something hurts, feels too hot, etc.
Call ahead to make sure the treatment features pregnancy-safe skin care. The ingredients should be non-toxic and safe for you & baby!

Have you had a facial during pregnancy? Which treatments are your favorite? Let us know below!