Reviewed by Dr. Scott Maymon, ND, NPH, and Dr. Sarah Stone, ND.

Reading time: five minutes

Pregnancy is a special time filled with changes that affect both the body and the skin. As hormone levels shift, many women notice increased skin sensitivity, pigmentation issues, or new breakouts. 

Understandably, expectant mothers often search for safe cosmetic treatments to support their skin during this time. One treatment that often comes up is microneedling.Pure Body Health offers advanced microneedling treatments with the Amiea Exceed Pen, as well as options like microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), ozone therapy, and Scarlet RF microneedling. However, is microneedling during pregnancy safe?

Key Takeaway

Microneedling is not considered safe during pregnancy due to heightened skin sensitivity, risk of infection, and concerns about active ingredients. It is important to speak with a qualified provider to explore safe, effective alternatives tailored to your skin needs during this time.

What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that uses a device with tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin. This process stimulates the skin’s natural healing response, boosting collagen and elastin production while improving the appearance of acne scars, uneven skin tone, and skin texture. 

It also removes dead skin cells and allows serums or plant stem cell extracts to absorb more effectively, leading to hydrated and radiant skin.

Microneedling is an effective treatment for a variety of skin types and concerns, including fine lines, pigmentation issues, and stretch marks.

Microneedling During Pregnancy: What Are the Risks?

Although microneedling is a popular treatment with minimal downtime, most healthcare providers advise against it during pregnancy. Several factors contribute to this recommendation.

  1. Increased Skin Sensitivity

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make the skin more reactive. This heightened sensitivity may increase the chances of experiencing adverse reactions such as redness, irritation, or inflammation following microneedling.

  1. Risk of Infection

Microneedling creates small channels in the skin. Although these micro-injuries are controlled and typically heal quickly, they still carry a slight risk of infection. During pregnancy, the immune system is somewhat suppressed, which could interfere with healing and increase susceptibility to infection.

  1. Potential Impact of Active Ingredients

Serums and topical products used during or after microneedling often contain active ingredients, such as salicylic acid, which are not considered safe for use during pregnancy. 

Safe Alternatives to Consider During Pregnancy

While microneedling treatments are not recommended during pregnancy, there are safe and gentle alternatives that can support your skin.

  • Opt for gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and promote clarity
  • Use pregnancy-safe moisturizers with hyaluronic acid to support hydration
  • Book a facial treatment, such as Aquafirm XS Hydrating Facial, tailored to sensitive skin
  • Avoid active ingredients that may pose potential risks

At Pure Body Health, Dr. Scott Maymon and Dr. Sarah Stone take a personalized approach to care and will recommend the safest and most effective treatment options based on your skin type, concerns, and stage of pregnancy.

Postpartum Skincare: When to Reintroduce Microneedling

Once your baby arrives and your hormone levels begin to stabilize, microneedling can be safely reintroduced. 

Whether you want to address acne scars, skin texture, uneven skin tone, stretch marks or general rejuvenation, microneedling can support your skin’s natural healing process.

Book a Consultation at Pure Body Health, AZ

Your skin deserves thoughtful, expert care, especially during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. 

We are here to help you navigate your options with confidence. Whether you are looking for safe alternatives during pregnancy or planning your post-baby skin treatments, our team will create a personalized plan that supports your long-term skin health and goals.

To book an appointment at our wellness clinic in Tempe, call (480) 427-0442 or complete the online inquiry form. Visit us at 1553 W Todd Drive, Suite 106, Tempe, AZ.

Learn More About Microneedling

Microneedling Healing Stages: What to Expect After Treatment

10 Incredible Benefits of RF Microneedling