Pregnancy-Safe Facials: What Glows & What Goes

Pregnancy is a magical time—but it doesn’t always feel that way when your skin decides to have its own mood swings. If you’re searching for answers like “Is gua sha safe during pregnancy?” or “Can I dermaplane while pregnant?”, you’re in the right place.

At Cheeks + Co, we’ve created the perfect facial menu for expectant (or breastfeeding) skin. Whether you’re navigating that second-trimester glow or fighting off hormone-fueled breakouts, we have treatments that are as safe as they are satisfying.

What’s Safe for Pregnancy?

Gua Sha

Yes, facial gua sha is totally safe—when done with intention and care. We use meaningful, sweeping motions to help relieve puffiness, encourage lymphatic drainage, and bring down inflammation. Think of it as a facial massage that helps your cheekbones pop without a single drop of retinol.

Dermaplaning

Manual exfoliation? A yes from us. Our dermaplaning facial removes dead skin and peach fuzz for a smooth, bright finish—and it’s 100% pregnancy-friendly. Just a skilled hand, a sterile blade, and your new glow.

Extractions

Let’s be real: pregnancy breakouts happen. If your pores are holding a grudge, we’ll do gentle, safe extractions using clean tools and calming products. It’s not the time for aggressive anything, and we’re good at knowing the line.

What We Skip—For a Good Reason

Microdermabrasion

Sure, the internet says it might be okay. But our standard is higher than “probably fine.” We don’t use microdermabrasion during pregnancy to avoid overstimulating already-sensitive skin.

LED Light Therapy

It sounds fancy (and it is), but there’s not enough research on LED’s long-term effects during pregnancy. We don’t mess with the unknown, so it’s off the table for now.

Our Signature: The “Baby On Board” Facial

Created especially for mamas-to-be, our Baby On Board Facial is fully customized and 100% safe. Expect:

• A gentle and thorough cleanse
  

• Light extractions (if needed)

• Soothing massage using safe serums and tools

• A hydrating mask tailored to your trimester

• Extra TLC this mama-to-be or breastfeeding mama deserves

No harsh chemicals, no question marks—just calm, clean, glow-inducing skincare. And yes, we’ll prop you up just right so you’re comfy from start to finish.

Products & Ingredients: What’s In, What’s Out

Pregnancy-Safe:

We love clean skincare—and lucky for you, nearly everything we make fits into the pregnancy-safe category. Some of our house-label MVPs include:

• Hyaluronic acid

• Niacinamide

• Vitamin C

• Gentle fruit enzymes

• Chamomile, aloe, and other calming botanicals

Avoid While Pregnant:

We avoid these in our Baby On Board facials—and we’ll flag them for you when shopping, too:

• Retinoids (tretinoin, retinol, retinaldehyde)

• High-dose salicylic acid

• Essential oils with hormone-altering effects

• Black cumin seed oil (which is found in our Goldenslate Oil—lovely, but not for pregnancy)

• Hydroquinone – Not just pregnancy unsafe—we don’t use it at all, for anyone, ever.

The FAQ Edit

Is gua sha safe during pregnancy?
Yes, when performed gently. We avoid pressure points and keep things soft and soothing.

Can I get a facial with extractions while pregnant?
You can, and we’ll keep it light and respectful to your skin’s current sensitivity.

What products should I stop using when pregnant?
Anything with retinoids, hydroquinone (try to avoid in general even when not expecting), and certain essential oils. We’ll help you spot (and swap) them.

Is LED therapy safe during pregnancy?
We choose to skip it. There’s not enough data out there, and we’re not into “maybe” when it comes to your health.

What’s the best pregnancy-safe facial in LA?
You're reading about it. The Baby On Board Facial at Cheeks + Co is tailored for expectant skin and offered in both Pasadena and West Adams.

Final Recap

Ready to Glow (the Safe Way)?

Book your Baby On Board Facial today or pop into our clean skincare boutique for ingredient guidance. We’re here to keep your skin calm, clear, and confidently cared for—pregnancy or not.