Pregnancy for many of us brought about healthy, lustrous hair and radiant skin. (And a cute, chubby baby, which is quite a bargain!) What happens, then, after we’ve given birth and the surge in estrogen and hormones has subsided? Postpartum skincare, like our pregnancy skincare, may be challenging to manage since we want to have an efficient regimen while also making sure the items we use are safe for the infant.

Our skin often takes the most of this transition time as our bodies readjust after bearing a child. Stretch marks and looseness are frequent new skin problems since our postpartum skin has been stretched more than before. Some of us may have seen outbreaks we haven’t seen since middle school, and we may have acquired melasma, a darker skin pigmentation, while we were pregnant.

Our postpartum skin problems are unique to each woman just as her skin experience throughout pregnancy is. Additionally, the skincare regimens we used often before pregnancy or while pregnant may not be able to adequately care for our newly formed postpartum skin.

Additionally, we are aware of how busy new mothers are. In order to address the most prevalent postpartum skincare difficulties, we developed an important guide to postpartum skincare, which includes items to avoid while nursing and items with substances that are both safe and efficient.

Is the skin after giving birth truly that different?

Do we need different skin care after childbirth? Does the skin really vary that much?

It helps to keep in mind that the skin is the biggest organ in the body. Like the rest of your organs, your skin works very hard to meet the increased demands during pregnancy. In the case of the skin, it extends very far to accommodate all of the changes that the baby needs to the body, not only in the belly but everywhere else as well.

In order to adapt, the skin goes through a number of fundamental modifications that all function in concert from somewhat different perspectives. These adjustments include modifications to your blood flow, hormonal alterations, and glandular changes. Pregnancy may even cause your pre-existing skin care issues, including acne or greasy skin, to temporarily get better or become worse.

After having a kid, your body adjusts in certain ways to make up for the loss. Your skin may seem to move from one extreme to another throughout that process, which might take some time, before settling into its new normal. Because the treatments and chemicals that were beneficial while you were pregnant may not be as effective after giving birth, postpartum skin care is essential.

Most medical practitioners believe the postpartum period to last between seven and eight months, however this may vary depending on who you question.

What common skin issues might women have postpartum?

There are a few typical skin issues that many individuals describe after giving birth, despite the fact that every person’s body is different and that everyone’s body takes a different amount of time to adapt to no longer being pregnant.

BREAKOUTS

A person’s body produces less progesterone and estrogen after having birth. Your skin is in a state of flux as a result of this sudden drop in hormone levels, particularly after the preceding nine months of continual hormonal changes that forced your skin to adapt.

It can find it difficult to know what to do without those hormones.

Unfortunately, hormonal shifts often cause outbreaks in individuals. When you are postpartum, the same thing may occur as your hormones attempt to find a new equilibrium. Expect this to take six to eight weeks, during which time your skin will probably start to develop more blemishes as it acclimates.

Additionally, stress may cause breakouts, and although welcoming a new baby into the family is lovely and joyous, it can also be stressful.

DRY SKIN

Another typical issue individuals have after having a baby is that their skin seems to be drier than normal. If you’re nursing, the increased demands on your body’s water supply and the shift in hormones may both contribute to dry skin after giving birth.

Your skin is also exerting effort to return to its pre-pregnancy state, which requires work. These elements may result in dry, sometimes flaky, itchy, or unpleasant skin on your face and other parts of your body.

OILY SKIN

Oily skin may be brought on by the same hormonal changes that might cause more postpartum breakouts.

How come that? For the first few weeks following delivery while your hormones gradually return to normal, the natural oils that help keep your skin elastic and pliable during pregnancy are still being generated.

Postpartum Skincare Tips

Increase Your Collagen for Smoother, More Elastic Skin

Our tendons, ligaments, fat, and skin are all made of collagen, which is the most prevalent protein in the human body. In our youth, collagen provides our skin its suppleness, but as we get older, our bodies make less of it. Additionally, we may be particularly vulnerable to the dangers of insufficient collagen availability during nursing. While collagen synthesis is reduced, skin becomes drier and less malleable, which may be problematic when pregnant since our skin expands so much!

Including collagen in your postpartum skincare regimen may provide your skin cells the assistance they need to produce more collagen and encourage the growth of new skin cells, improving the skin’s capacity to stretch and recover. This is crucial when nursing since the skin is still stretched. Other advantages to think about include thicker hair and nails as well as improved bone health.

Add Probiotics

Due to the fact that our gut is our “second brain,” balanced, healthy gut flora are crucial. A healthy gut microbiota affects our skin health as well as so many other aspects of our general health. Skin inflammation and irritation, particularly hormone-induced acne associated with pregnancy, are connected to changes in our gut microbiota.

Your postpartum skincare regimen may benefit from include a skin-supporting probiotic. This will allow you to concentrate on both your inner and outward wellness.

Take Supplements

Consider include a vitamin- and mineral-rich supplement in your postpartum skincare regimen to help your body recuperate from pregnancy while also enhancing the health of your skin and reducing undesirable pigmentation for skin that is more even-looking.

Moisturize

An ultra-hydrating butter-based cream is your new postpartum skincare best buddy if you have loose skin, stretch marks, or very dry, itchy skin. Our postpartum tummies’ dry, overworked skin may be moisturized by using body creams and lotions containing shea and cocoa butter, which also helps to lessen the visibility of stretch marks. Natural skin-firming creams with substances like aloe vera or caffeine may also make skin seem more even and firm.

There is little evidence to back up topical treatments as an effective method of getting rid of stretch marks (though they can help minimize their appearance). You could speak with your dermatologist about more focused solutions if you want to get rid of stretch marks.

Try to avoid being in the sun

Regarding postpartum skin care, there is one more aspect to take into account: the sun. Your skin doesn’t need to repair from sunburn when it is already working so hard to regulate itself after giving birth.

A good sunscreen should, in general, have an SPF of at least 30, provide “broad-spectrum” protection against UVA and UVB radiation, and be water-resistant.

You should also search for products made without oxybenzone or benzophenone-3 if you are pregnant or just gave birth.

Best Skincare Products Pospartum

1.Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

Super Serum Tint SPF 40 is a multipurpose product that fulfills all of its claims, including outstanding coverage, mega-hydration, and significant SPF protection. A few drops of this dewy tinted serum provide your skin the advantages of both skin care and cosmetics, leaving it appearing polished, smooth, and fresh. Additionally, it is vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free, so you won’t have to worry if your baby bites on your cheek.

2. Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment

While Aquaphor Baby Treating Ointment may be better recognized for healing those pinchable (albeit chapped) baby cheeks or keeping your baby’s bottom free of redness and irritation, it is also the amazingly pampered salve for mommy’s dry everything. Apply a thin coating of hydrating hydration to dry skin spots, cracked cuticles, or chapped lips for immediate relief.

3. Rosebud Woman Soothe Calming Cream

This opulently rich Rosebud Woman Sooth Calming Cream is a comforting haven for skin that needs extra tender loving care. It is made with relaxing ingredients like arnica, chamomile, and calendula, which act to rapidly reduce inflammation from head to toe, even where it is most sensitive. When used on razor burn, dermatitis, or even under-boob chafing, this cream leaves skin feeling peaceful, cool, and revitalized (thanks to peppermint and aloe vera).

4. IT Cosmetics Confidence in an Eye Cream

Using eye cream may not be at the top of your list of priorities, but bear with us. Just a little amount of the licorice root and caffeine-rich IT Cosmetics Confidence in an Eye Cream applied beneath your eyes can reduce the deep dark circles caused on by late nights spent caring for the infant.

FAQ

Q: How can you start using retinol after having a baby?

A: After having a baby, it’s important to prioritize your skincare needs while considering the safety of products, especially if you are breastfeeding. Retinol, a form of vitamin A, is a potent ingredient that may be best avoided during this time. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or a dermatologist to determine the most suitable skincare routine for you postpartum.

Q: Why did my face change after pregnancy?

A: Pregnancy can cause various hormonal changes in the body, which can impact the skin. These hormonal shifts can lead to a range of skin changes such as acne, melasma (dark patches on the skin), increased skin sensitivity, and dryness. Additionally, the increased blood flow during pregnancy can cause a natural glow to the skin. However, every woman’s experience is unique, and the extent and type of skin changes can vary.

Q: Can breast milk help moms’ acne?

A: Breast milk contains antibodies, vitamins, and other beneficial substances that can provide nourishment and protection to a newborn. While there are anecdotal reports of breast milk being used topically to treat acne, there is limited scientific evidence to support this claim. It is generally recommended to explore other proven acne treatments such as over-the-counter topical products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, or consult with a dermatologist for appropriate recommendations.

Q: Is hyaluronic acid safe while breastfeeding?

A: Hyaluronic acid is a common skincare ingredient known for its hydrating and plumping effects. It is generally considered safe for topical use during breastfeeding, as it is unlikely to be absorbed into the bloodstream in significant amounts. However, it is always prudent to check the specific product labels and consult with a healthcare professional or a dermatologist to ensure the safety and suitability of any skincare product during this period.

Please note that the information provided is general and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Every individual’s situation is unique, so it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or a dermatologist to address specific concerns related to skincare and postpartum care.