Inside: The ultimate skincare routine for postpartum dry skin. Collaborative post.
Pregnancy and childbirth change your body in many ways. From the shape of your body to the appearance of your hair and skin, it is no easy feat to grow a baby. Most new mums experience a noticeable change in the health and appearance of their skin, either experiencing a classic pregnancy glow or increased acne breakouts.
However, one common change that is often experienced across the board is dry and sensitive skin, brought about by hormonal changes. These symptoms can last for weeks or even longer, but a very simple skincare routine specifically designed to pamper your skin with ultra-hydrating Shea butter hand cream, refreshing mineral water face mist and a luxuriously thick moisturiser can bring your skin back to life.
Photo by Zach Lucero on Unsplash
Common Postpartum Skin Changes
For many postpartum mums, some of the most common skin changes experienced during and after pregnancy include dry skin, spider veins, stretch marks, acne and hyperpigmentation. Dry skin is particularly common because women lose a lot of fluid during delivery and tend to sweat more as their hormones begin to shift. Additionally, breastfeeding means you are giving away a significant amount of water during each feed.
Flare-up conditions like eczema, acne, rosacea and psoriasis are also common due to higher stress levels, lack of sleep and the demanding new routines of motherhood. It is important to remember that these changes are very common and do not reflect poor self-care. Childbirth is extremely traumatic for your body, and changing skin is part of the crucial recovery that follows.
Work From the Inside Out
One of the most effective ways to take care of your skin without even touching it is adjusting your diet to include more nutrient-rich and hydrating foods. Skip restrictive and complicated diet plans that often leave you feeling hungrier than ever, and instead opt for a balanced, whole-food diet.
Avoid overwhelming yourself by starting with simple, small changes that work with your current schedule and don’t require extra time you probably don’t have. This could mean waking up slightly earlier in the morning to enjoy a filling and balanced breakfast to properly fuel you for the day, or saving your go-to Diet Coke or glass of wine for the weekend and drinking more water throughout the week. The key should be moderation, not elimination.
Sunscreen
On those days when you only have time to apply one product to your face, ensure that you always pick sunscreen. Daily SPF application ensures the sensitive and damage–prone skin on your face is properly protected, mitigating the risk of skin cancer, slowing down the signs of ageing, and improving skin pigmentation, which can be made worse by harsh sun exposure.
To make life easier, opt for a sunscreen-based moisturiser that can be used every morning, which includes a broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF of 30 or higher. While it won’t be as effective as a pure SPF 50 sunscreen, the lower protection is much better than no protection at all. For breastfeeding mums, choose a mineral sunscreen containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which is typically less irritating than chemical sunscreens and safe for breastfeeding babies.
Invest in Your Moisturiser
A fantastic way to combat classic postpartum dryness is investing in a thick, super-hydrating moisturiser that you can keep within arm’s reach throughout the day. Reapply it multiple times a day, focusing on your driest spots, which often include hands, feet and your face.
Select products with rich, barrier-boosting ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, petrolatum, dimethicone and hyaluronic acid. Not only will your skin’s natural repair barrier receive a welcome boost, but your skin will feel supple and soft. For cracked and chapped lips, simply use leftover nipple cream.
Gentle Cleansers
The extreme hormone changes your body experiences during pregnancy and postpartum can leave your skin extra dry and more sensitive than normal. To prevent further irritation, which could lead to more serious issues, skip harsh and overly fragrant soaps and scrubs.
Rather, wash your face with warm water and a mild, non-stripping cleanser at least once a day. If you are prone to oily skin, you could consider using this product twice a day. But in most cases, one wash is enough to keep the skin clean and clear without becoming dry.
Emphasise the Eyes
Due to their delicate and sensitive nature, the skin around the eyes ages faster than any other spot on our face. Puffiness, fine lines and dark circles are common complaints for this area, which are only exacerbated when running on little sleep and no time to properly practise self-care.
The skin surrounding the eyes is particularly prone to dryness due to its thinness and lack of oil glands, which act as a natural moisturiser. While there is no instant fix to combat these common complaints, investing in the right moisturiser and prioritising sleep as much as possible will significantly improve its appearance. Specific ingredients, including vitamin A, peptides and growth factors, can help with fine lines. Vitamin C and kojic acid will combat dark circles, and caffeine and green tea reduce unwanted puffiness.
Hydrating Mist
When your skin feels particularly tight or parched and finding time to have a shower feels impossible, Dr Aegean H. Chan, a dual-board certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist, recommends using a mineral water spray for a quick and effortless way to rehydrate and refresh your face.
This tiny luxury can feel like a small dose of comfort in an otherwise chaotic time of childcare, allowing you to pause for just a moment to focus on yourself before tackling the endless list of chores and attending to your baby. As an added bonus, the refreshing spritz can help you feel more alert and awake during late-night feeding sessions.