Pregnancy is an exciting time full of changes, emotionally, physically, and yes, in your skin. Many women notice shifts in their complexion as hormone levels fluctuate. For some, skin becomes beautifully glowing, while for others, dryness, congestion, breakouts, pigmentation, and sensitivity can suddenly appear. If you're expecting, it’s natural to wonder whether professional treatments, like facials, are still safe.
The good news is that you can enjoy a facial while pregnant, as long as you choose treatments that are pregnancy-safe and guided by an experienced practitioner. At Skin Lab By Leah in Nottingham, many clients book facials during pregnancy to support hydration, restore balance, soothe sensitivity, and maintain confidence through these changes.
To help you navigate your options, here’s everything you need to know about getting a facial safely during pregnancy.
How Pregnancy Affects the Skin
Hormonal shifts can change skin behaviour dramatically. While every pregnancy is unique, some common changes include:
- Increased oil production and breakouts
- Melasma (also known as the "pregnancy mask")
- Increased sensitivity to heat, exfoliation, and active ingredients
- Dryness and dehydration
- Flushed or reactive skin
Understanding these differences helps guide which treatments are suitable and which are best avoided until after birth or breastfeeding.
Dermatologists, including The British Association of Dermatologists, note that melasma and sensitivity are particularly common in pregnant women due to heightened hormonal activity affecting pigmentation and skin barrier response.
Are Facials Safe During Pregnancy?
Yes, many facials are perfectly safe when they avoid certain active ingredients or technologies.
When browsing treatment options in Nottingham, you may come across devices like microneedling, plasma devices, or radio frequency. These are effective for anti-ageing and acne scarring, but they are not suitable during pregnancy. Instead, the focus shifts to gentle care, nourishment, and barrier strengthening.
At Skin Lab By Leah, treatments like the Oxygen Facial, calming hydration facials, and bespoke pregnancy-friendly treatments are often recommended because they support the skin without stimulating inflammation or triggering sensitivity.
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Many women explore options such as the Oxygen Facial, which is already popular among clients with sensitive skin or redness who visit the clinic for advanced facials in Nottingham.
Which Treatments Are Safe While Pregnant?
There are several gentle facial treatments suitable during pregnancy when guided by an experienced skin therapist.
Hydrating Facials
Hydration can become a challenge during pregnancy as the skin barrier may weaken. A deeply hydrating treatment replenishes the skin with moisture-locking ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides.
Hydrating facials are especially helpful for women experiencing tightness, flakiness, or dullness.
Brightening Enzyme Treatments
Enzymes offer gentle exfoliation without the intensity of strong acids. Unlike glycolic or salicylic acid, which pregnant skin may react to, enzymes work safely and softly to remove surface dullness and improve luminosity.
Clients struggling with texture or dry patches often opt for this treatment throughout pregnancy.
Oxygen Facials
Oxygen facials are one of the most recommended pregnancy-safe options. This treatment delivers oxygen and botanical actives to the skin, helping calm inflammation, boost radiance, and support barrier repair.
This facial is regularly recommended for people exploring pregnancy-safe treatments in Nottingham and seeking long-term support for sensitivity and hydration.
Treatments to Avoid During Pregnancy
Some popular skincare treatments are not suitable during pregnancy, including:
- Chemical peels with strong acids (salicylic acid, high-strength glycolic)
- Microneedling
- Plasma or light energy devices
- Retinol-based treatments or professional Vitamin A resurfacing
- Radio Frequency Skin Tightening
Treatments such as microneedling and CoolJet Plasma, which are ideal for acne scars and textured skin outside pregnancy, should be postponed until after breastfeeding. If you're researching these treatments now, the blog Plasma vs Microneedling may help when you're ready later.
Which Skincare Ingredients Are Safe During Pregnancy?
Expectant mothers often find skincare confusing because advice varies online. The NHS advises avoiding retinoids during pregnancy due to possible absorption risks. Dermatologists also commonly recommend avoiding salicylic acid in high concentrations. However, many botanical and hydrating ingredients are perfectly suitable.
Pregnancy-friendly ingredients include:
- Ceramides
- Hyaluronic acid
- Niacinamide
- Panthenol
- Squalane
- Aloe vera
- Peptides
Many of these ingredients are found in treatment plans offered at Skin Lab By Leah, especially for clients experiencing reactive or sensitised skin.
Will a Pregnancy Safe Facial Help With Breakouts?
Breakouts are one of the most common pregnancy skin concerns, especially during the first trimester. Because traditional clinical acne treatments often include strong exfoliating acids, people assume acne cannot be treated during pregnancy. But this isn’t true, active breakouts can still be soothed safely.
Clients visiting the clinic for acne treatment in Nottingham during pregnancy often benefit from:
- Gentle antibacterial cleansing
- LED light therapy (with pregnancy-safe settings if used)
- Hydrating barrier repair
- Enzyme exfoliation
This combination helps control breakouts without irritating or over-stripping the skin.
How Often Should You Book Pregnancy Safe Facials?
Most expecting mothers schedule treatments:
- Every 4-6 weeks if skin is normal or balanced
- Every 3-4 weeks if experiencing breakouts or melasma
- Every 6-8 weeks in later pregnancy if comfort becomes a concern
Many people find treatments in the second trimester most relaxing, when fatigue and nausea have reduced.
Some clients also report that regular facials help them maintain a sense of wellbeing and calm during a time of major change.
Preparing for a Pregnancy Friendly Facial
A few small considerations can improve comfort:
- Avoid lying flat later in pregnancy
- Sip water before and after your treatment
- Let your practitioner know of any medical updates or medications
- Avoid sun exposure or waxing 24-48 hours before your appointment
Clients often ask whether redness is normal after a treatment. During pregnancy, the skin may flush more easily due to increased blood flow, this is completely normal and usually settles quickly.
Aftercare Tips
Pregnancy-safe facials support the skin’s natural healing, so aftercare is gentle and simple:
- Avoid retinol and exfoliating acids
- Use SPF daily (melasma risk increases)
- Keep your routine hydrating and minimal
- Avoid heat treatments, saunas, or steam
For more guidance, our blogs may be helpful if you’re planning a consistent treatment plan.
Facials can be a beautiful part of pregnancy self care when chosen carefully. Whether you're experiencing breakouts, sensitivity, pigmentation, or just want to maintain that pregnancy glow, there are safe and effective options available. With the right approach, pregnancy safe facials can help support your skin health while offering a calm, nurturing moment just for you.