Facial During Pregnancy Gentle choices, honest advice and what to tell your facialist

Can you have a facial during pregnancy?

Many women enjoy facials while pregnant, but every pregnancy is different. The first step is always to check with your doctor, especially in the first trimester, if you have any complications, or if you have been advised to rest.

Once your doctor is happy, choose a gentle facial and keep it simple. The aim is comfort and fresh-looking skin, not strong results. A facial is cosmetic care and does not replace any advice from your doctor or midwife.

If at any point you feel unwell, dizzy or uncomfortable during a session, say so straight away. The facialist will stop, help you sit up and give you water.

What to tell the facialist before you start

Mention your pregnancy when you book and again at the start of the appointment. It changes which products and steps the facialist chooses, and how she sets up the bed for you.

The more she knows, the better she can adapt the session.

• How many weeks pregnant you are.
• Anything your doctor has told you to avoid.
• Whether your skin has become more sensitive, oily or prone to breakouts.
• Any darker patches that have appeared, so she knows not to work on them too hard.
• If lying flat feels uncomfortable, or you feel faint in warm rooms.

Gentle facials that suit pregnancy

The Organic / Herbal Facial at AED 210 is the most popular choice. It uses gentle products made with plant and herbal ingredients, and the facialist can leave out anything you or your doctor prefer to avoid, including certain fragrances or essential oils.

The Facial Massage at AED 95 is a 30-minute session for the face, neck and shoulders. It is a good option later in pregnancy, when lying down for a full hour feels long, and it helps a tired face look less puffy. Read more on our Facial Massage page.

If your skin has become reactive, the ideas on our page about a facial for sensitive skin apply too: soft cleansing, minimal exfoliation and calming masks.

Ingredients and steps to avoid

Many strong skincare ingredients are not recommended in pregnancy. Ask your doctor about anything specific, and choose a facial that leaves these out.

A good facialist will keep the session light. If anything feels too hot, too firm or too strong, ask her to change it.

• Retinoids, such as retinol and similar vitamin A products.
• Exfoliating acids at high strength, and peeling masks you have not had before.
• Medical treatments such as chemical peels, laser, microneedling or injectables. We do not offer these, and they are a question for your doctor.
• Long, close steam if you feel hot or faint. It can be shortened or skipped.
• Firm extraction on sensitive or inflamed skin.

Staying comfortable on the facial bed

In the first months, most women lie back as normal. Later on, lying flat on your back for an hour can feel uncomfortable, so ask for extra pillows to raise your head and shoulders, or a slight tilt to one side.

Use the bathroom before you start, and do not feel shy about asking for a short break. Getting up slowly at the end helps you avoid feeling light-headed.

In the UAE heat, arrive having eaten something light and bring water. Booking an evening slot means the drive is cooler, and our facial salon in Dubai is open late on weekdays and weekends.

Common skin changes in pregnancy

Hormones can change your skin from month to month. Some women find it oilier with more breakouts, others drier and more sensitive, and many notice a natural glow in the middle months.

Darker patches on the cheeks, forehead or upper lip are also common. A facial cannot change these, and strong brightening products are not the answer in pregnancy. Ask your doctor about them, and wear sunscreen every day, because the UAE sun can make them look darker.

Expect your skin to react differently from usual. A product you loved before pregnancy might sting now, so try anything new on a small area first.

Choosing between organic and regular facials

Many mums-to-be ask whether they should switch to organic products. Plant-based products are not automatically gentler, but the Organic / Herbal Facial is designed to be soft and soothing, which suits most pregnant skin well.

Our guide comparing an organic vs regular facial explains the difference in more detail, so you can choose with your doctor's advice in mind.

After your facial: simple care for the next day

Pregnant skin can stay a little pink for longer after a facial, so give it a quiet evening. Skip make-up until the next morning, use a mild cleanser and a plain moisturiser, and keep your face out of strong sun.

Drink a glass or two of water afterwards, especially in summer. If any redness, itching or stinging lasts into the next day, stop any new product and let the facialist know before your next visit.

Most women find one gentle facial every four to six weeks is plenty during pregnancy. Some prefer to book a single facial in the last weeks before the baby arrives, and another a few months after.

Booking your pregnancy facial

Once your doctor has given the go-ahead, choose a time when you are not rushing. Mid-morning or early evening often feels easiest.

On request, our facialist can also come to you at home, which some women find more comfortable in the final weeks.

When you are ready, book an Organic / Herbal Facial and add a note that you are pregnant so the team can prepare.