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Thank you to everyone who sent in their questions on Instagram — I love hearing from all of you and I wish I could answer every question. Answering five of the most asked below.
FYI I do this every month so make sure you’re following my personal account on Instagram @jessegolden and subscribe to my email list HERE so you don't miss your question potentially being answered!
Q1: Can I dry brush my legs if pregnant?
Dry brushing can be a beautiful ritual during pregnancy. I did it religiously and truly feel it played a role in how well my skin recovered and in not developing stretch marks. It helps support circulation, encourage healthy lymphatic flow, reduce puffiness, gently exfoliate the skin, and create a calming moment of self-care during a time when your body is changing rapidly.
Our Ionic Copper Dry Brush features copper bristles, which help counteract the effects of digital technology by flooding the body with negative ions, something I was especially sensitive to during pregnancy and found incredibly supportive.
Many midwives encourage dry brushing, but as with any wellness practice during pregnancy, it's always best to check with your healthcare provider or midwife to make sure it's appropriate for your individual situation.
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Q2: What can I do to protect my childs skin in the summer with sun and chlorine?
Summer can be tough on little ones' skin between the sun, chlorine, salt water, and repeated sunscreen applications, all of which can leave skin feeling dry, irritated, or compromised.
One thing I always do in the summer is apply a layer of Happy Baby Oil before pool time and sun exposure. It helps support the skin barrier and creates an occlusive layer on the skin, which can help minimize the drying effects of chlorine, salt water, and frequent swimming. After swimming, I rinse off as soon as possible and reapply to replenish moisture and keep skin soft, calm, and nourished.
I know the viral vitamin C pool sprays are everywhere right now, but I'm personally not a fan. Many DIY versions are simply vitamin C mixed with water, which is highly unstable and oxidizes quickly. Without a proper preservative system, they can also become a breeding ground for microbes. Oxidized vitamin C may increase oxidative stress on the skin, especially when combined with sun and chlorine, which is why I prefer focusing on supporting and protecting the skin barrier instead.
Q3: Do you ever use a tanning bed, self tanners or spray tan?
No. However, I did grow up in Chicago, and tanning beds were definitely a thing when I was younger. As for self-tanners, I would occasionally use them back in my modeling days if I needed to blend tan lines, but I choose to do neither now.
These days, I prioritize safe, moderate daily sun and cover up when needed. Self-tanners contain DHA, and some research suggests that DHA on the skin may increase free radical formation when exposed to UV light, which is one of the reasons I personally choose not to use them.
I also dry brush daily, which helps exfoliate the skin and gives me a natural glow, and I use our EWG Verified Aphrodisiac Glow Oil when I want a little extra radiance.
I take astaxanthin daily as well. It's a powerful antioxidant that has been studied for its ability to support the skin from within, and I find it gives my skin a beautiful glow.
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Q4: How to help thinning skin? I'm 36 & can see where it's starting to get crepey on neck/chest/leg
Topically
A Retinol Alternative: Youth Beauty Face Oil. Rosehip fruit oil contains significantly higher levels of naturally occurring provitamin A compounds than rosehip seed oil, which is less expensive and more commonly used in skincare formulations. It also provides vitamin C, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids that help support a brighter-looking complexion, improve the appearance of elasticity, and promote healthier-looking skin. Unlike synthetic retinoids, rosehip fruit oil can help support smoother, more radiant skin without the dryness, irritation, and increased sun sensitivity that many people experience with traditional retinol products. Daily sun exposure is beneficial, but chronic UV overexposure AND blue light exposure can be one of the biggest contributors to premature skin aging and thinning skin. Protecting your skin while supporting it with nourishing ingredients is key to long-term skin health.
Nutrition
- Prioritize adequate protein intake, especially as you age.
- Ensure sufficient vitamin C, zinc, copper, and other collagen-supporting nutrients.
- Consider collagen peptides. Despite what some may say, multiple studies suggest they may help improve skin elasticity and support dermal collagen density. Personally, I've noticed the biggest difference when I take collagen consistently alongside vitamin C or fresh orange juice.
- Support overall metabolic and hormone health.
- Stay properly hydrated and include mineral-rich foods and electrolytes so hydration can be effectively utilized by the body and reflected in the skin.
Hormones
For women in perimenopause and menopause, declining estrogen is a major contributor to thinning skin. Estrogen plays an important role in collagen production, hydration, elasticity, and over all skin thickness.
Procedures with Strong Evidence
- Microneedling
- PRP (platelet-rich plasma)
Lifestyle
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Prioritize quality sleep.
- Manage chronic inflammation and stress.
- Strength train regularly to support hormones, circulation, muscle mass, and overall tissue integrity.
For the Neck Specifically
Consistency matters. The neck has fewer oil glands, thinner skin, and is often neglected in skincare routines. Treat your neck the same way you treat your face.
I love using the Instant Glow Facial Mask on the neck and décolleté. Try using it consistently for 30 days and take before photos. Sometimes the most powerful motivation comes from seeing the changes with your own eyes.
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Q5: Warming up and melasma is coming back. What to do??
When you use the right products that support your skin barrier instead of stripping it, irritating it, or making it more sensitive, everything changes. The beauty industry has done a great job of creating a cycle where many products can leave skin feeling more compromised, causing you to keep searching for the next solution.
My approach to skincare is about breaking that cycle by supporting the skin’s natural function rather than constantly fighting against it. Our Sacred Triad Kit is a 3-step ritual designed to support a healthy skin barrier while helping skin look calmer, clearer, and more balanced—so your skin can thrive the way nature intended. The results from customers have been nothing but miraculous.