Congratulations Mama, on your new bundle of joy. Bringing a new life into the world is a beautiful journey, but it also comes with its share of challenges, especially when it comes to your skin. Postpartum skincare might not be at the top of your priority list, but a few simple steps can make a world of difference in how you feel and look.
From hormonal fluctuations to sleepless nights, it’s no wonder your skin might not be looking or feeling its best. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here is your ultimate postpartum skincare guide to help you tackle common postpartum skin issues, avoid products that aren’t safe while breastfeeding, and keep your skin glowing and healthy.
Common Postpartum Skin Issues
Hormonal Acne
Hormonal fluctuations after childbirth can lead to breakouts, especially around your chin and jawline. These hormonal surges that helped your baby grow can also lead to breakouts, even if you had clear skin during pregnancy.
Melasma (Mask of Pregnancy)
You might notice dark patches on your face during pregnancy that can linger postpartum due to hormonal fluctuations. Melasma is worsened by prolonged sun exposure.
Dryness and Sensitivity
Your skin might feel drier and more sensitive than usual. This can be due to a combination of hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, dehydration, and the demands of caring for a newborn.
Stretch Marks
These are a common aftermath of pregnancy as your skin stretched to accommodate your growing baby. They can appear on your belly, breasts, thighs, and hips. Stretch marks are a badge of honor for many moms. While they may not disappear completely, their appearance can be minimized with the right care.
Puffy Eyes and Dark Circles
Sleep deprivation, and the exhaustion of new motherhood can leave you with tired looking eyes, dark circles, and puffiness.
Skincare Products to Avoid While Breastfeeding
As a new mom, you want to be extra cautious with your postpartum skincare, especially if you’re breastfeeding. Your baby’s health is your top priority, so it crucial to avoid certain skincare ingredients while breastfeeding. Here are some common ones to steer clear of:
Retinoids (retinal, retinaldehyde, tretinoin, tazarotene)
These are effective anti-aging and acne-fighting actives but should be avoided if you are breastfeeding as they are potentially harmful to your baby.
Salicylic Acid (in high concentrations)
While salicylic acid is great for treating acne, high concentrations can be absorbed into your bloodstream and potentially harmful to baby. Stick to products with low concentrations (below 2%) rinse-off products, or opt for other safer acne-fighting ingredients.
Hydroquinone
This skin lightening agent while effective in treating melasma can be absorbed into your bloodstream so it’s best to avoid it while breastfeeding due to potential risks to your baby.
Certain Essential Oils
While they may seem harmless, some essential oils can be quite potent and should be avoided during breastfeeding. Essential oils to avoid in postpartum skincare include peppermint, sage, rosemary, parsley, basil oils. Lavender, chamomile, sandalwood, eucalyptus, cedarwood and tea tree essential oils are generally regarded as safe while breastfeeding.
Tips to Care for Your Skin Postpartum
Now that you know what to avoid, let’s dive into some helpful tips and products that are safe and effective for postpartum skincare as you balance your new role as a mom.
1. Keep It Simple
Your skin might be more sensitive postpartum, so stick to a simple skincare routine. A gentle cleanser, hydrating moisturiser, and a broad-spectrum sunscreen are all you need to start with.
2. Hydrate Inside and Out
Hydration is key postpartum to maintain your skin’s elasticity and glow. Drink plenty of water and use a hydrating serum or moisturiser with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to keep your skin plumped and moisturised.
3. Targets Acne with Gentle Ingredients
If you are dealing with postpartum acne, opt for products containing benzoyl peroxide (in low concentrations), azelaic acid, niacinamide which are generally considered safe during breastfeeding. Avoid over drying your skin by using spot treatment only where needed.
4. Brighten Up
To tackle melasma, incorporate products with vitamin C, niacinamide or azelaic acid. These ingredients are effective at brightening the skin without the risk associated with hydroquinone.
5. Protect with Sunscreen
Even if you’re just taking baby out for a stroll, sun protection is a must, especially if you have melasma. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every morning and reapply as needed during the day. Physical sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are often gentler on sensitive skin.
6. Brighten Tired Eyes
For puffy eyes and dark circles an eye cream with caffeine, peptides, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid can help reduce puffiness and brighten the under eye area. Ensure you get as much rest as possible. Also, cold compresses can work wonders.
7. Fade Stretch Marks
To address stretch marks, look for creams rich in aloe vera gel, hyaluronic acid, and Centella asiatica. Consistent use can help improve the appearance of stretch marks over time.
8. Gentle Exfoliation
Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. It can help with acne and dry skin. Opt for a mild exfoliant like lactic acid or a fruit enzyme exfoliant, to avoid irritating your skin.
9. Nourish Your Skin
Look for products with nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin. These helps keep your skin hydrated and strengthen your skin barrier.
10. Be Patient
Your skin needs time to adjust postpartum. It can take several months for your hormones to balance out and for your skin to return to its pre-pregnancy state.
11. Practice Self-care
Skincare is part of self-care. Taking a few minutes each day for your skincare routine can help you feel more grounded and give you a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos of new motherhood.
12. Eat a Balanced Diet
Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can improve your skin from the inside out. Omega-3 fatty acids in particular are great for skin health.
Safe and Effective Product Recommendations
Here are some safe and effective postpartum skincare products to consider:
- Gentle cleanser: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
- Hydrating serum: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Serum
- Moisturiser: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturiser
- Sunscreen: eltaMD UV clear broad-spectrum SPF 46
- Eye cream: First Aid Beauty Brighten + Glow Eye Cream
- Stretch marks therapy: Mederma Stretch Marks Therapy
- Acne treatment: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Spot Treatment
Final Thoughts
Your body has just done something incredible, and it’s okay to give yourself the time and care you need to adjust and heal. Focus on gentle, hydrating products and avoid any potentially harmful ingredients.
Your journey into motherhood can be demanding, and taking a little time for skincare and self-care can make a big difference in how you feel.
If you have any questions or need more personalised advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to a dermatologist or skincare professional.
Here’s to healthy, happy skin and enjoying every precious moment with your little one.
Cheers to your beautiful journey, Mama!
