Elara guides

Which beauty treatments are safe now

What's safe to keep, what to time differently, and what to skip.

Updated 2026-07-30 · Sources

Feeling good in your body matters in pregnancy, and most beauty routines can carry on with small tweaks. A few ingredients and treatments are worth pausing — usually out of caution rather than proven harm. Here's a clear sorting of keep, adjust and skip.

Generally fine

• Manicures and pedicures — well-ventilated salons are best for the fumes.
• Facials and most gentle skincare — cleansers, moisturisers, hyaluronic acid.
• Massage — after the first trimester, with a therapist trained in prenatal work.
• Hair removal — waxing, shaving, threading (skin can be more sensitive, so patch-test).

Time it differently

Hair colour and chemical treatments are considered low-risk because very little is absorbed, but many people wait until after the first trimester and choose highlights or ammonia-free formulas to limit scalp contact and fumes. Self-tan lotions are fine; spray tans are best skipped because of what you might inhale.

Best paused

• Retinoids (retinol, tretinoin) and high-dose salicylic acid — switch to pregnancy-safe alternatives like vitamin C, azelaic acid and gentle glycolic.
• Botox and fillers — not studied in pregnancy, so usually deferred.
• Saunas, hot tubs and very hot baths — overheating, especially early, isn't ideal.
• Teeth whitening — limited safety data, easy to postpone.

Your skin in pregnancy

Hormones can bring glow — or breakouts, melasma (dark patches) and extra sensitivity. Daily SPF genuinely helps with melasma. Keep routines simple, patch-test new products, and remember most changes settle after birth.