Pregnancy might be beautiful, but let’s be honest, it can also be a wild ride. Your body’s changing, your skin’s doing its own thing, and even your go-to self-care rituals suddenly come with question marks. A relaxing trip to the med spa may sound like the ultimate treat, but if you’re expecting, it’s normal to wonder: Is this actually safe for me and my baby?
In this guide, you’ll learn about pregnancy-safe skincare and med spa treatments, which ones to skip (for now), and how to make choices that keep you feeling confident, comfortable, and cared for.
How Pregnancy Affects Your Self-Care Routine
Pregnancy hormones have a way of flipping the script on your skin. One day, you’re glowing; the next, you’re dealing with breakouts, dry patches, or dark spots that appear out of nowhere.
Products you used to love might suddenly tingle or just not feel right. It’s all part of the journey, but it can make your self-care routine a little more complicated.
And it’s not just your skin reacting. Blood flow and circulation changes can affect how your body reacts to treatments like exfoliation. Even spa services that seem gentle might not be the best fit while you’re expecting.
That’s why working with professionals who know pregnancy-safe care is so critical. From choosing the right ingredients to tweaking techniques, a provider who understands these changes can help you feel relaxed and supported.
Safe Spa Treatments for Pregnant Women
At Lauréate Aesthetics, we understand the unique needs of expecting moms. While some services—like injectables and laser hair removal—should be saved for after delivery, there are still plenty of ways to care for skin during pregnancy. Here are a few to consider:
Here are a few to consider:
Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Options
With a pregnancy skincare routine, the focus shifts to gentle ingredients that won’t irritate sensitive skin. Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide are two excellent choices. They help with dryness, redness, and uneven tone without being too harsh. Vitamin C is another important ingredient; it’s generally well tolerated during pregnancy and can help brighten dull or tired-looking skin.
Because pregnancy can change how your skin reacts, ask for customized facials and do a patch test before trying anything new.
Safe Facials During Pregnancy
Facials during pregnancy should be simple, soothing, and free of intense exfoliation or deep stimulation. Enzyme-based masks and cooling gels can refresh the skin without triggering sensitivity.
Med spas familiar with prenatal care know how to adjust for hormonal shifts that cause unexpected flare-ups, texture changes, or dark spots. Melasma, also known as “the mask of pregnancy,” is common, and while it can’t always be prevented, certain gentle topical treatments can help manage discoloration without harsh ingredients.
Your spa practitioner will skip unnecessary steps and focus on comfort, using mild products and a gentle touch. The goal is to support your skin without overwhelming it, leaving you relaxed and your skin calm and clear.
LED Red Light Therapy
When used alone without added heat or blue light, red light therapy can be a non-invasive option for improving skin texture and reducing inflammation. It works by using low-level light wavelengths that help support collagen production and calm the skin without causing damage or irritation.
Always check with your provider to make sure the device and settings are appropriate for pregnancy. Blue light, infrared, and combination therapies are generally avoided, but red light on its own can be a safe add-on to your skincare routine when done with care.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy can offer a subtle way to relax both body and mind, especially when scent sensitivity or stress levels are heightened. Some essential oils—like lavender, citrus, and chamomile—can be used in moderation during pregnancy to support relaxation and reduce tension.
Not all oils are suitable, though, so it’s important to stick with blends clearly labeled for pregnancy use.
Treatments To Avoid While Pregnant
Not all spa treatments are pregnancy-friendly. Certain ingredients and techniques that seem harmless can actually pose problems when you’re expecting.
Here’s a quick guide to what you should press pause on until after your little one arrives:
Injectables and Cosmetic Procedures
When it comes to pregnancy and Botox, the research just isn’t there. There’s no clinical data proving it’s safe, which is why most providers won’t offer it. Even though Botox is injected locally, it’s still a neurotoxin, and there’s concern about how your body might react during pregnancy.
Can you get fillers while pregnant? Treatments like Restylane or Juvederm also fall into the unknown. They haven’t been studied on pregnant populations, so their effects on you and your baby just aren’t clear.
While side effects are uncommon, the potential risks to fetal development can’t be ruled out. That’s why most med spas recommend waiting on all injectables until after delivery. If you’re hoping to smooth fine lines or boost volume in the meantime, pregnancy-safe topical alternatives are a gentler—and much safer—way to go.
Laser Treatments and Light Therapies
Laser and light-based treatments are popular at med spas, but during pregnancy, they’re best left on hold. These procedures typically use heat, energy, or deeper skin penetration, which can pose problems when your skin is extra sensitive, and the potential impact on your baby isn’t fully understood.
Here’s what to skip for now:
- Laser hair removal. Pregnancy hormones already cause shifts in hair growth, and laser hair removal hasn’t been thoroughly studied in pregnant individuals. Due to increased skin sensitivity, there’s also a higher risk of burns or pigmentation changes.
- Laser skin resurfacing. This treatment targets deeper layers of the skin and can be too aggressive during pregnancy, leading to prolonged irritation or inflammation.
- IPL (intense pulsed light). Like laser treatments, IPL relies on light energy to target skin concerns. It may trigger unexpected skin reactions and isn’t considered safe during pregnancy.
The bottom line? Wait to start these treatments until after delivery, when your skin and hormones have had time to settle.
Body Contouring Procedures
Fat reduction and body contouring treatments may seem noninvasive, but they’re still not recommended while pregnant.
For example, cryolipolysis (or “fat freezing”) uses cold temperatures to destroy fat cells, but there is limited safety data on its use during pregnancy, making it a treatment to avoid.
Similarly, radiofrequency and ultrasound body shaping rely on heat or muscle stimulation, which could interfere with the natural changes your body is already going through.
If body contouring is on your radar, postpartum is a safer and more effective time to explore those options.
PRP and Microneedling Treatments
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) treatments involve drawing your blood, processing it, and reinjecting or applying it to the skin—usually alongside microneedling. While generally low-risk in other situations, PRP hasn’t been studied for safety during pregnancy. The combination of a blood draw, skin trauma, and the potential for inflammation or infection makes it a treatment best saved for after delivery.
Aggressive or Chemical-Based Skincare
During pregnancy, it’s best to avoid treatments like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and Morpheus8. Hormonal changes can make your skin more sensitive and reactive, so these treatments are often too harsh. They can lead to irritation, inflammation, or even long-term discoloration.
You’ll also want to avoid certain skincare ingredients often used in these procedures—such as retinoids, hydroquinone, and strong acids. Even when applied topically, these ingredients can be absorbed into the bloodstream and may pose potential risks during pregnancy.
When in doubt, consult with a provider.
Personalized Skincare Support for Expectant Moms
Pregnancy is the perfect time to reassess your skincare routine, especially if you’re unsure which products are still safe to use. At Lauréate Aesthetics, we offer personalized consultations to help you navigate these changes with confidence.
Our team will review your current products, recommend safe swaps, and design an at-home routine tailored to your skin’s unique needs during pregnancy.
Whether you’re looking for a soothing facial or support for pregnancy-related skin concerns, every med spa treatment during pregnancy we offer is planned with care, comfort, and your well-being in mind. We believe that pregnancy-safe care starts with the right team—one that takes your safety seriously and understands how to adapt treatments for every stage of your journey.
Not sure where to start? We’re here to help. Reach out to Lauréate Aesthetics to learn more about how we can support your skin and self-care during pregnancy. And as always, we recommend checking in with your OB-GYN before trying any new treatments.