Pregnancy is magic. And sometimes chaos. One moment you're marveling at the magnificent miracle of it all — the next, you’re wondering if you need to cancel your hair appointment, skip your matcha latte, or swear off your skincare routine entirely. It’s a time of glow and also a time of Googling everything at 3 a.m. The truth? There’s a swirl of advice, old wives' tales, and half-baked internet opinions — and when it comes to skincare, things can get really murky. So let us clear a few things up:

First off, yes, you can absolutely enjoy facials and nice skincare while pregnant and nursing. In fact, a good facial can be deeply restorative during this physically and emotionally intense time. But there are some non-negotiables: 

Make sure your beauty products AND the spa you seek out for your facials are completely non-toxic. That means no harsh chemicals, no synthetic additives, and no sneaky hormone-disruptors.

And let’s be honest — while some expecting mamas do radiate that classic "pregnancy glow," others deal with less glamorous side effects: acne flare-ups, dry skin, dark spots, and a complexion that just feels off.

Wherever you land on the spectrum, your skin deserves to be treated with care, gentleness, and luxurious healing botanicals. That’s where Jenette’s consciously formulated, plant-powered products come in — clean, effective, and safe for every phase of the mama-to-be journey.

Let’s dive into what to avoid, what to embrace, and how to treat your skin like the radiant goddess you are.

 

All You Need to Know: How to Take Care of Your Skin While Pregnant

While we always advocate for clean, non-toxic skincare, pregnancy is a time to be extra mindful. 

Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy

• Retinoids (retinol, Retin-A, Tretinoin)
• AHA's/BHA's including glycolic acid, salicylic acid and anything in the benzyl peroxide family
• Hydroquinone
• Synthetic fragrance
• Parabens, phthalates, sulfates
• Certain essential oils in high concentrations (like clary sage, rosemary, and cinnamon)

Note: Both Jenette’s Be Clean – Detoxifying Toner and Be Clean – Detoxifying Elixir contain rosemary and clove essential oils. However, they are present in such small amounts that they won’t cause any harm.

What About Other Acids?

Not ALL acids are off the table. In fact, some are perfectly safe (and even helpful) when used in moderation. Lactic acid and mandelic acid, both gentle exfoliators, are generally considered pregnancy-safe and can help support smoother, clearer skin without irritation. 

Azelaic acid, a naturally occurring ingredient often recommended by dermatologists, can treat hormonal acne and melasma during pregnancy. 

Hyaluronic acid, if it is not attached to other chemicals or the acids to avoid, can be a very hydrating acid.

In contrast, kojic acid — used for brightening — has less research around its safety, so it’s best to avoid or use only under careful professional guidance.

Your safest bet? Stick to clean, botanical-based skincare that’s designed to nourish — not disrupt — your body’s natural balance.

We love snow mushrooms at Jenette Skin Care. You can find them in our  Be Radiant -  Snow Mushroom Toner and Be Nourished - Age-Defying Moisturizer.

Hormonal Acne: The Unexpected Breakout

Pregnancy brings a surge of hormonal activity that can leave your skin more unpredictable than ever. For many, this means breakouts — especially along the jawline, chin, and cheeks. Unlike typical acne, hormonal acne is often deeper and more persistent, requiring a gentler, yet persistent approach.

Avoid harsh actives and reach for pregnancy-safe, non-comedogenic formulations rich in anti-inflammatory botanicals.

Jenette’s recommendations:

• Just Add Sugar – Cacao Herb Infused Soap Bar
  
  
• Just Add Sugar – Cacao Herb Infused Masque

Both of these beloved, these best-selling products are formulated with raw organic cacao and healing herbs that detox on a cellular level to treat acne-affected skin without acids — leaving your complexion clean, clear, and calm.

Note: Jenette’s masques — Just Add Sugar and Magic Matcha – Green Tea Superfood Masque — can also be used as weekly gentle scrubs to help you feel extra clean!

 

The “Pregnancy Mask”: Hyperpigmentation & Melasma

Melasma — also called the “pregnancy mask” — is caused by elevated estrogen levels and increased sun sensitivity. It can show up as patchy dark spots across the cheeks, forehead, or upper lip.

Up to 50% of pregnant individuals develop melasma, with higher rates among people of Latinx, Middle Eastern, South Asian, Southeast Asian, and African descent, whose melanocytes are naturally more active.

Other risk factors include sun exposure, hormone-based medications, and a personal or family history of pigmentation.

What helps:

• A daily mineral SPF (non-negotiable!) We always recommend reef-safe sunscreen with a zinc percentage of 10-20%
  
  
• Brightening, barrier-supportive ingredients like vitamin C and niacinamide

Jenette’s go-to glow boosters:

Be Calm – Brightening C Serum
17% medical-grade vitamin C penetrates deeply to stimulate collagen and repair environmental damage—safely and effectively.

Be Happy – Brightening Toner
Made for all skin types and infused with uplifting botanicals for a brightening effect and an instant aromatherapy mood boost.

Be Radiant – Snow Mushroom Toner
Be Radiant does it all! A serum in a mist, it is immune boosting, brightening, prevents breakouts, and helps to trap precious moisture in.

 

Depletion & Dryness: Skin That Feels Drained

Growing a baby is no small task. And your skin can feel it — dry, dull, and depleted from increased nutrient demands and hormonal shifts.

What your skin needs now:
Rich, nutrient-dense hydration. Think luscious facial oils, soothing serums, and calming essences to restore vitality and bounce.

Jenette’s hydrating heroes:

Be Divine – Age Defying Toner
Not just for mature skin, this toner boasts a concentrated blend of probiotics, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids to soothe and replenish.

Be Nourished – Age Defying Moisturizer
Powered by snow mushrooms and medical-grade vitamin C, this silky cream delivers deep hydration and skin renewal for dull and sluggish skin at any stage.

If you’re battling sleep-deprivation, fatigue, and mental fogginess, Be Happy – Brightening Toner is the perfect pick-me-up. Keep it on your nightstand and/or in your purse to feel refreshed and balanced with just a couple of sprays.

Be Happy works like a natural antidepressant, and it has another great use: it can work as an exfoliant without stripping your microbiome! Mist it on a cotton pad and wipe away!

 

A Final Word

Pregnancy is a time of incredible transformation. And while your body is doing the most miraculous work, your skin deserves just as much love and care.

Whether you're glowing or breaking out — or somewhere in between — Jenette and her team are here to help you feel radiant, safe, and supported. All of Jenette’s products are made with your well-being in mind, and her facials are 100% toxin-free and deeply personalized to your specific needs.

We also want to remind you to listen to your olfactory system — literally, your nose knows things you don’t know! If certain skin care scents, essential oils or things like fish or eggs give you the ick, listen up! It’s your body’s wisdom speaking, letting you know to nix those for now.

Need help building a pregnancy-safe routine?

Stop by our Silver Lake spa, Being in LA, or reach out to us.

We’d love to support you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a Complimentary Pregnancy Skin Consultation and/or a Pregnancy Facial or Massage!