Skin care and facials during pregnancy: what is fine and what can wait

Can you have a facial during pregnancy?

Yes, but not every treatment. A gentle facial, waxing and lash and brow treatments are often possible during pregnancy when the products and methods are chosen with the pregnancy in mind. Some device-based treatments and strong peels wait until after the birth.

We do not do LED light therapy during pregnancy. Choose a gentle facial instead and mention your pregnancy when you book, so Deniza can plan the visit around it.

This article explains how we work at the studio. For questions about your health or medication, please ask your doctor or maternity clinic (neuvola).

How can your skin change during pregnancy?

Pregnancy hormones affect the skin, and the changes differ from person to person. The same skin can also behave differently early and late in pregnancy. Common changes include:

• skin that is more sensitive than usual, so familiar products may start to sting
• oiliness and breakouts, even if your skin used to be calm
• dryness and a tight feeling
• dark patches on the cheeks, forehead or upper lip, known as melasma

More sensitive skin can also be felt during waxing, so tell us about any changes at the start of your visit. Many of these changes settle after the birth, but the timing varies. Breakouts in adulthood are covered in our article on adult acne.

Which treatments suit pregnancy and which can wait?

This list follows our treatment-by-treatment guidelines. Deniza makes the final call at your visit, once she knows about the pregnancy and has seen your skin.

Often possible when you mention the pregnancy at booking:

• the classic facial, with products chosen for pregnancy
• the Hydrapeel facial, done only with gentle products during pregnancy
• waxing, adapted to more sensitive skin
• lash lift and brow lamination, though hormones may shorten how long the result lasts

Postpone until after the birth:

• LED light therapy (Dermalux Tri-Wave)
• RF lifting for the face and body, and RF vacuum massage
• the GIGI acid peel and BioRePeel C13, including in combination with microneedling
• GIGI Carboxy Therapy and Skinique Skin Reset
• microneedling (Dermapen)

Ask first:

• ultrasonic cleansing, which is planned around the pregnancy

The GIGI acid peel, BioRePeel C13 and GIGI Carboxy Therapy are not done while breastfeeding either.

LED light therapy waits until after the birth

We use Dermalux light therapy to calm and brighten the skin, so clients often ask about it during pregnancy too. Our rule is clear: LED light therapy is not done during pregnancy, and not as part of another treatment either.

If your skin needs calming or cleansing during pregnancy, choose a gentle facial. Mention the pregnancy when you book, so light therapy is not added to the treatment.

Home care during pregnancy: what should you check?

At home, a light routine usually works best: a mild cleanser, a moisturiser and daily sunscreen. Sunscreen matters because sunlight can darken pregnancy pigmentation.

Check the ingredients of the products you use now. If a serum or cream contains retinol, other vitamin A derivatives or strong acids, ask your doctor, maternity clinic or pharmacist whether you can use it during pregnancy. The same goes for prescription creams and acne medication.

Your skin may now react to a product that used to suit it well. If something starts to sting or redden, stop using it and tell us at your visit.

Frequently asked

• Can I have LED light therapy during pregnancy? No. LED light therapy is not done during pregnancy. Choose a gentle facial instead and mention your pregnancy when you book.
• What should I tell you about my pregnancy when I book? Tell us that you are pregnant, and mention if your skin has been more sensitive than usual or your doctor has advised against anything. Deniza plans the treatment accordingly.
• Can I have waxing during pregnancy? Often, yes. Skin is more sensitive during pregnancy, so mention it beforehand and the treatment will be adapted.
• Does a lash lift last as long during pregnancy? Not necessarily. Hormones can shorten how long the curl lasts, so mention your pregnancy beforehand.
• Can I have an acid peel while breastfeeding? No. The GIGI acid peel and BioRePeel C13 are not done during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

A gentle facial during pregnancy

During pregnancy, a calm basic facial with products chosen for pregnancy is a good choice. Pick one of these:

• the classic facial cleanses and moisturises the skin and includes a relaxing massage
• the special facial suits you when your skin has changed with pregnancy and you are not sure which treatment is right
• a lash lift is possible during pregnancy, though the result may not last as long as usual

Mention the pregnancy when you book, so Deniza can prepare the treatment for it. Lash and brow treatments are explained in our guide to brow lamination and lash lift.