Busy. That’s the one word that defines life after childbirth. There is always so much to do that 24 hours seem to go by in 24 seconds! You blink and the next day has already begun. Keeping up with this pace is no easy job. How do you then find the time to listen to your skin and address what it really needs? Sounds like a mammoth task! But it is possible. The key to postpartum skincare is not to chase that dewy glow, but keep your routine clean, minimal, easy, and targeted so you can at least resolve everything it’s going through. Let us show what we mean.

What Happens To Your Skin Postpartum?

Just like seasons change, your skin does too. All the time. Think of the time when you were 12. How different was your skin from its 20s! The same holds true for skin post-pregnancy. It is quite different as well, and each of these differences is the result of hormones.

Postpartum skin issues are a broad spectrum that can range from dryness to oiliness, from pigmentation to dark circles, and even acne. You might even get eczema or rosacea. It entirely depends on how your body reacts to these hormonal changes. Understanding your current skin texture, complexion, and concerns can help you formulate a routine that works for you.

Best Postpartum Skincare Routine For New Moms

A postpartum skincare routine isn’t a luxury, it’s repair. It doesn’t need to take more than five minutes of your day if you know exactly what to do.

1. Use gentle cleansers

If your skin is dry or prone to eczema, you need to switch your current face wash to something that’s supremely mild and gentle with a slightly acidic pH and no harsh surfactants. Instead, make sure it contains emollients (moisturisers), occlusives (elements that reinforce skin barrier to prevent moisture loss), and humectants (elements that retain moisture). That should help you normalise the texture of your facial skin again.

2. Fade stretch marks

Stretch marks are a major concern for most new moms. But before you go cream hunting, remember that no ointment can magically remove them. Certain stretch marks cream can speed up the rate at which they fade though, and these usually contain potent but safe ingredients such as STRIOVER™, for example. This herbal ingredient is extremely effective in improving the elasticity and firmness of your skin. It also reduces itchiness and irritation to leave you with hydrated skin that heals faster.

3. Manage postpartum acne

Acne can make a comeback like a 90s trend after the birth of your child. Blame it on the unpredictable surge of androgens in your body. In any case, managing it does not require any elaborate treatment plans or the use of ointments with harmful and strong ingredients that may harm you or your baby. All you need to do is exfoliate your skin and use the right serum. Preferably something that contains natural ingredients such as Canadian Willowherb, which has proven to be effective in fighting acne-causing bacteria.

4. Keep your skin hydrated

We cannot stress enough how important hydration is to postpartum skincare. It might be a simple thing to do but it is no less than an elixir. Apart from increasing your water intake, which will obviously benefit your skin too, you must try to incorporate a nice moisturiser into your daily skincare routine.

Creams containing Ceramides or gel-based formulations with Hyaluronic Acid will strengthen your skin barrier and lock in moisture to prevent further dryness. Even if you have oily or combination skin, you can still use lightweight serums to prevent your skin from getting parched and thirsty. 5

5. Use a sunscreen

Finally, if you are stepping out, do not ditch that sunscreen. Even if it’s cloudy outside. Skin conditions such as melasma and hyperpigmentation are quite common during and after pregnancy. Sun exposure can worsen these conditions and lead to even more severe skin dryness. The best way to prevent UV rays from damaging your skin is to use sunscreen as your armour, your shield. A broad spectrum sunscreen containing Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide can help you filter out harmful rays of the sun to keep your skin safe and protected.

Conclusion

Show yourself some grace, love, and kindness when navigating through post-pregnancy skin changes. It’s not easy being a mother. It’s natural for you to want to give up on your postpartum skincare routine entirely. That’s why we recommend keeping it simple and easy. A short five-minute ritual is enough to yield results that make you feel comfortable in your own skin again. Don’t feel guilty of stealing those minutes. Think of them as part of your natural healing journey!