A couple of weeks ago, I ventured back to NYFW after a baby hiatus, which was both exhausting and exciting at the same time. I haven’t had to be ON to that extent for a long time, meetings during the day- parties at night - and let me tell you, my skin took a turn. It fell, Literally. Thankfully I called my friend Federica ( who always has the best recs), and she managed to get me in with none other than the star of this post Jade Haifa.

Words don’t do it justice so - so let me show you a before and after picture:

CAN WE DISCUSS THE LEVEL OF LIFT !? - LOOK AT MY BROWS ALONE.

Regardless to say, I’m a BIG fan, and I’m one of the many people trying to get her to open an LA studio ASAP. Her hands are pure magic, and I’m beyond thankful she agreed to do this interview and share her wisdom with us - especially as a mom to a 1-year-old herself, she has not only done the research, she’s also in the trenches.

So without further due meet Jade Haifa, a visionary in the skincare world who traded legal briefs for beauty serums. After realizing her true calling wasn’t in law but in the art of radian skin, she spent years perfecting her craft in top clinics. In 2021, she launched her own sanctuary in New York City, offering tailored treatments that fuse luxury with expertise.

During our chat, we covered the big questions: Is frozen breastmilk really the new Botox? (Spoiler: Jade’s got some thoughts.) She’s also your go-to for what products to avoid while pregnant, the best breastfeeding-safe beauty finds, and her take on her personalized “mom facials”—because yes, you can / should take time for yourself even after you have the baby. And her secret to beautiful skin? You’ll have to read on for that, but let’s just say it’s one part discipline, one part self-love, and a whole lot Biologique Recherge.

I feel like the moment you get pregnant you get a huge list of what NOT to do. Especially when it comes to skincare. Can you tell us what products/ components to avoid while pregnant and why?

JH: “I always recommend to keep it simple during pregnancy, check the ingredients and avoid:

*Bleaching products containing hydroquinone: used to lighten skin and has a very high absorption so not recommended.

*Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives): can lead to a birth defect.

*Essential oils: can cause Uterine contractions”

How does pregnancy actually affect our skin?

JH: “Skin can look and feel different during pregnancy because of the extra blood flow and higher hormone levels in our body. For some women it can look healthier which is what we call the “pregnancy glow” and for others, they can experience some skin concerns like melasma, acne, skin tags, and hyperpigmentation (darkness on nipples, armpits, inner thighs, genital area and under eyes).”

What skin routine do you recommend during pregnancy?

JH: “I recommend maintaining an effective and gentle skincare routine.

For the day, I recommend a cleanser, toner, hydrating serum, lightweight moisturizer during the day with eye cream and SPF. I also suggest the same routine for nighttime, but use a richer moisturizer.

Exfoliate 1 to 2 times a week and use a hydration face mask 2 times a week.”

What are your top 5 pregnancy-safe products?
JH: “ From Biologique Recherche: Lait Dermo-S Cleanser, Amniotique VG Serum, and BioKiss Lip Balm.

From Medical Beauty Research (MBR): Hydrating & Lifting Toner and Cream Extraordinary.”

What do you think are the most common misconceptions about skincare and pregnancy?

JH: “The most common misconceptions around skincare and pregnancy are:
*Facials are not safe during pregnancy. There are safe facial options during pregnancy including hydrating facials, collagen, and oxygen facials that can help you pamper yourself and relax during pregnancy.

*Stop treating acne during pregnancy. Acne can worsen during pregnancy due to hormonal changes and there are some safe products to use like Niacinamide and Azelaic Acid.

*Stop exfoliating. Not all exfoliating products are unsafe! Gentle exfoliation can prevent clogged pores and help improve skin texture.”

Do you recommend any natural skincare remedies for pregnant women?

JH: “ Natural remedies that can help during pregnancy:
*Use chamomile tea as a toner to help with any inflammation or sensitivity on the skin.

*Use coconut oil to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Thanks to its fatty acids coconut oil can help improve skin elasticity.”

I feel that postpartum beauty is often overlooked. How do you think we should care for our skin post-baby?

JH: “Postpartum skin care starts by being kind to yourself and keeping your routine simple and consistent. The lack of sleep, the hormonal changes, and the new rhythm of life can really affect us but keeping your routine simple, hydrating, and consistent can help your skin recover after childbirth.”

Have you heard about frozen breast milk as a botox tikTok trend? What are your thoughts?

JH: “Breast milk contains many wonderful components like growth factors, anti antibodies, vitamins and minerals but it cannot replicate the mechanism of botox because botox works by temporarily paralyzing the muscle. That being said, you will see an improvement on the skin, so why not try it?”

What are your top 5 breastfeeding-friendly beauty products

JH: “Here are my top 5 breastfeeding-friendly beauty products. Some of them actually have names related to birth.

*Colostrum VG - hydrating serum from Biologique Recherche
*Iso-Placenta Serum - repairing serum from Biologique Recherche
*Creme Masque Vernix VG “ - cream/mask from Biologique Recherche

The below protects and repairs the DNA of skin cells.

*Vitamin C serum
*Eye patches
*Firming Body Lotion from Medical Beauty Research (MBR)”

Which skincare products do you believe are truly worth the investment?

JH: “Awake & Lift Eye Patches from Medical Beauty Research (MBR) for darkness and puffiness

Biologique Recherche Lotion P50
GINTO Face Sculpting Tool
LYMA Laser “

And your favorite steals under $100?

JH:” Moisturizing Toner from Environ, Lip Treatment Biokiss & Face Mist L’Eauxygenante.”

What are your thoughts on at-home microcurrent products?

JH: “Home Microcurrent is a non-invasive and convenient device that can be effective if you are consistent to improve facial contour, exercise face muscles, and maintain the results after a professional facial. My favorite brand is NuFace”

Tell me about your Mom Facial

JH: “In my studio we offer a pregnancy facial called “Future Maman”. Our pregnancy facial is a personalized treatment that combines a range of safe modalities tailored to the most common skin concerns during pregnancy.

We also offer one of our signature facials for new moms called the “Maman Facial”, so we can help you take care of yourself while you focus on caring for your newborn.

This facial can improve both the skin’s condition and your overall well-being. It includes: deep cleansing, drainage & buccal massage.”

What is your beauty secret?

JH: “My beauty secret is: MEDITATION. A healthy mind, body, and spirit lead to a glowing exterior. Meditation is a powerful tool to help reduce the cortisol level (stress hormone) that can cause many skin concerns.”

P.S. Jade is offering ZT readers an exclusive discount! Use the code FPC7 for 10% off body treatments and 20% off facials at your next appointment ( Or surprise one of your mom friends in NYC with the perfect gift. )

PREGNANCY & POSTPARTUM SAFE BEAUTY HERO'S