Skin Care

Postpartum Skincare: The Ultimate Guide!

Skincare often gets pushed back with the new responsibility of taking care of a newborn.


Written by Samara S

On Apr 28, 2023 – 13 minutes read

Postpartum Skincare The Ultimate Guide - Feature

What exactly is Postpartum skincare and why is it important?

Giving birth is probably the most extraordinary experience in a woman’s life. But it surely leaves an impact on the woman’s physical & mental health. Nausea, swollen feet, and mood swings are some of the transitions a woman might experience.

There are three trimesters in roughly 40 weeks of pregnancy. Each trimester brings its own ups and downs to the table, which impacts the overall development and health of the baby and the mom. Moreover, there is a fourth trimester called the postnatal period and popularly, known as the postpartum period, which is not much talked about. 

Postpartum Skincare: What Is Postpartum? 

Postpartum is the period that begins right after you give birth and may normally last up to six weeks. But is this the same for every woman? Not really! A small percentage of women can also experience what is called “delayed postpartum”. This period can last a whopping six months. After your delivery, three prominent subphases continue in the postpartum period: the acute phase or the initial phase, the subacute phase, and the delayed postpartum.

The acute phase is the most critical one and requires maximum care. Because at this stage, a mother’s body rapidly changes and may develop potential chances of uterine inversion, postpartum hemorrhage, eclampsia(1), and amniotic fluid. The good thing is, this phase will last only 6-12 hours, whereas the subacute phase can last from 2 weeks up to 6 weeks.

Postpartum Skincare: What Is Postpartum? 

You must have heard the term ”urinary retention” from your gynecologist; this is the most common issue women face postpartum. This happens due to the excessive production of progesterone produced during pregnancy. Along with this and many more major concerns like postpartum depression, the skin health of new mothers takes a downfall if not taken care of properly.

Postpartum Skincare: Changes In The Skin During And After Pregnancy

Pregnancy and childbirth can bring significant changes in a woman’s body, including the skin that’s why postpartum skincare is essential and important. Let’s find out more about this.

Postpartum Skincare & Hormonal Changes

Have you heard of the pregnancy glow? Ever wondered why pregnant women get that luminous skin? Well, it’s because, during the second trimester, the woman’s production of blood shoots up around 50%. This causes the skin to appear healthy & vibrant. However, after this glow-up period, most women experience severe skin issues.

These conditions mainly occur because of fluctuations in hormones. Progesterone & estrogen are hormones that play a pivotal role here. They are called steroid hormones that help to reproduce in mammals. These promote healthy pregnancy and the development of the fetus. Immediately after pregnancy, however, estrogen & progesterone levels drop drastically. 

Postpartum Skincare: Effects Of Hormonal Changes On The Skin Postpartum

Hormonal changes in the postnatal period can manifest in various forms like pustules, blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts. This is why postpartum skincare is very important. They start developing during pregnancy and can fade away postpartum. But it may continue to last long even in delayed postpartum. Acne development is completely normal during pregnancy due to the high progesterone.

This eventually leads to excess sebum production which is a primary reason for breakouts. The good news is the progesterone concentration starts declining, which will help in the disappearance of acne. Lactating women have increased hormones compared to non-lactating women; therefore, the acne may take more time than usual to fully disappear. 

Postpartum Skincare According To Studies

If we look at the global numbers, most pregnant women develop major hormonal changes. For instance, in a study of 277 pregnant women in Malaysia, 57.8% reportedly developed stretch marks, while 50.5% experienced enlarged pores and skin pigmentation. Similarly, a study of 130 pregnant women in Nigeria observed that 56.9% developed stretch marks, and 43.8% experienced hyperpigmentation. While those changes may be irritating, there are steps that pregnant and postpartum women can take to aid their skin health.

One crucial element is keeping a healthy eating regimen enriched in vital vitamins and minerals. This includes vitamin C and zinc, which might be important for collagen boost. Staying hydrated is also crucial, as dehydration can result in dry, flaky skin. In addition to that, many women swear to use a thick & intensely hydrating moisturizer because it has helped them keep their pores and skin supple and nourished.

Postpartum Skincare: Stretch marks

Did you notice stretch marks on your body even before you were pregnant? This is because stretch marks are not restricted to pregnancy and postpartum only. They may occur if a person rapidly increases or decreases weight or during the preteen years of kids when they hit puberty. However, the bitter truth is- stretch marks during & after pregnancy are inevitable! Who is the culprit? The good old hormone- Cortisol! This hormone spikes during pregnancy & is heavily associated with weakening elastic fibers in the skin. 

Postpartum Skincare: Stretch marks

Let’s understand why stretch marks develop in your body. Definitively speaking, stretch marks, also known as striae gravidarum, are scar-like marks; they grow when the skin expands or shrinks. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, stretch marks are small tears that break the skin’s collagen and elastin. In the case of pregnancy, most women experience stretch marks around their belly, breasts, buttocks, etc. Some may also see them appear on their arms & thighs. They go through a spectrum of color palettes. Initially, they appear pink and then turn to reddish brown to purple or dark brown as per your skin complexion. 

How To Tackle Stretch Marks Caused By Pregnancy?

Stretch marks do not have to be a villain in your pregnancy journey. They are beautiful in their own way and completely natural to have. However, their appearance could be a daunting experience for new mothers. Most body-positive influencers call stretch marks ‘’the battle scars’’ or a symbol of accomplishment that you as a woman have achieved. However, if you wish that they fade away to the maximum extent- you must follow a religious postpartum skincare routine to target those stubborn scars! Look for hydrating ingredients & formulas in your skincare.

Some of the miracle ingredients that may nourish your skin include Vitamin C, vitamin E; or a combination of both, jojoba oil, and shea butter. Collagen is the best-kept secret to prevent your stretch marks. Collagen is the powerhouse for new moms to regenerate and soothe their irritated skin. Other tips that can help you with stretch marks include wearing loose clothes, gaining or losing weight at a gradual rate, eating foods rich in vitamins C, E, and minerals like zinc, and avoiding exposure to dust, pollution, and sun. 

Postpartum Pigmentation & Ways To Address Them

sometimes your postpartum skincare won’t work effectively but don’t panic it might be your hormonal changes. Pigmentation is caused when dark patches occur on either your face or areas in your body that are prone to constant friction. Or areas such as the neck, elbow, groin, & armpits where the skin creases and folds.

But one of the studies conducted in Toronto by a gynecologist- Elin Raymond suggests that the cell that produces skin color in your body called melanocytes(2) start producing an excessive amount of color. But what truly triggers these cells to spike at this rate? Well, the answer is short- hormonal changes. Taking birth control pills, being pregnant, and delivery can stimulate hyperpigmentation in the majority of women.

Sun Exposure And Postpartum Pigmentation

The primary reason that worsens pigmentation during postpartum is sun exposure. Dr. Allison Sutton, a dermatologist in Vancouver, Canada explains the harmful effects of UV rays. It can cause the pigmentation to begin in the first place, and if a woman already has it- chances are it’s going to get intensified so make sure to include an effective sunscreen in your postpartum skincare.

Most new moms suffer from pigmentation on the face because the face is the most exposed part to the sun. The nose, lips, around the mouth, forehead, and cheeks are some examples. You may also notice pigmentation on the chest or arms. Pigmentation occurs in a uniform pattern meaning you are most likely to have it on both of your cheeks or both sides of your outer lips.

How Can You Prevent Or Treat Pigmentation?

  • Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher: Choosing a physical sunscreen containing active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is highly advisable. You must use sunscreen even if it’s no longer sunny and reapply it every 2-3 hours or if you are in contact with water. Even if you do not plan to leave your house or spend time outdoors, it’s always a good idea to use sun protection as a part of your postpartum skincare routine. You can buy a wide-brimmed sun hat and full-length sleeves to protect yourself from direct sun damage. Try to avoid being in the sun during the peak hours between 10 am to 4 pm. This is the time whilst the UV rays are at their maximum intensity.
  • Avoid waxing: Apart from sun protection, women in the postpartum stage should avoid waxing. Using hot or cold wax for hair removal can trigger skin inflammation that makes pigmentation worse, especially in areas of the body that might be at risk of discoloration. 
  • Using the right skincare products: Women can use hypoallergenic skin care products like cleansers and face washes. You must look out for face products with alcohol or scents; they can potentially enlarge your pores and take your pigmentation to the next level! Women during postpartum should at any cost avoid skin-bleaching products. 
  • Pigmentation can also be treated with prescription-based creams containing hydroquinone. Some over-the-counter pores and skin care products are also helpful. 
  • Using concealer for you under your eyes is also recommended if you’re looking for a quick temporary solution. 

Before choosing any skincare product and starting postpartum skincare, make sure to seek advice from a dermatologist to tackle your exact skin problem.

Specialized Skincare For Postpartum Concerns

Navigating your postpartum skincare journey may be a daunting experience. And more so if your complexion is already on the darker side, sensitive, and recalibrating from all the hormonal changes that occurred during pregnancy. While there are several products in the market you can use to resolve your postnatal skin problems, they can do more harm to your skin than good. A short and simple skincare regime that incorporates active & potent ingredients that can transform your skin from within is everything you need. Let’s take a look at what may suit your skin as a new mom.

Specialized Skincare For Postpartum Concerns

Ceramides

Ceramides are active ingredients that are skin-like additives; they are a part of your pores and skin. Including ceramide-based products in your postpartum skincare will be a good idea especially if you have a broken skin barrier. They are also called Phytosphingosine & Sphingosine. However, aging, sun exposure and damage, and hormonal changes after pregnancy subsequently deplete them. These changes can cause weakening of the skin’s barrier, leaving skin dry, flaky, irritated, and inflammatory skin.

If incorporated properly into your skincare routine in the correct concentration, ceramides act as the ideal skin-boosting ingredient that rebuilds the pores and skin’s barrier to prevent & treat sun damage, pollution, and other environmental pollutants. They also prevent moisture loss, treat itchy skin, counteract over-exfoliation, retain your skin’s natural moisture, and help you achieve rejuvenating skin after pregnancy.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a relatively underrated ingredient in skin care for your postnatal period. It acts as an antioxidant, promotes collagen production and it even fights hyperpigmentation, which is the most common skin problem women face after pregnancy and it would be a great active ingredient to add in your postpartum skincare. The cherry on the cake is- Vitamin C is 100% safe during postpartum. Vitamin C fights & prevents skin issues such as hyperpigmentation caused by hormonal changes & UV damage. It will increase collagen building and shrink pores and further skin damage.

Niacinamide & Other Actives

If you wish to bring the pregnancy glow back, Niacinamide is an excellent postpartum skincare ingredient. Dr. Geddes-Bruce says to look for products that contain niacinamide, zinc, azelaic acid, and hyaluronic acid to target your postpartum skin needs. They are all safe to use while pregnant or nursing and could help your skin stay hydrated, supple, and glowing.

Self-Care Tips For Postpartum Skincare

While getting ready for your new-born is an overwhelmingly joyous occasion, being pregnant & the journey of postpartum does come with more than a handful of inconveniences, which include having to give up certain foods (sushi, cold cuts, wine) and sports (excessive-intensity and excessive-effect workouts).

Women during postpartum must be cautious about what they put on their skin, as skincare products containing ingredients like retinoids, over-the-counter retinol, hydroquinone, benzoyl peroxide(3), and salicylic acid, etc. — are not safe for lactating women as it can be harmful to the baby. Let’s learn a few self-care tips to have a better postpartum experience.

Hydration: Drinking water is crucial in your postpartum skincare journey since your body is still recovering from giving birth. Adequate hydration will help prevent stretch marks, increase the collagen turnover ratio, and keep your skin hydrated from within.

Healthy diet: Eating balanced meals plays an important role in retaining energy after pregnancy. Especially foods rich in Vitamin C and Omega fatty acids as these are the best nutrients for women in postpartum. Foods with healthy fats like avocados, ghee, olive oil, and fatty fish should be consumed in your regular diet. Moreover, if you want to improve your postpartum skincare journey healthy diet is mandatory.

Sleep & Relaxation: Sleeping is essential for your skin health and well-being during postpartum. Lack of sleep can contribute to loads of skin issues, together with panda eyes, unwanted puffiness, and hormonal acne. Stress can cause a whole lot of skin concerns including pimples, psoriasis, and eczema. You must also practice stress-lowering exercises such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing that promote healthy skin.

Postpartum Skincare: Top 5 Skincare Products

It can be overwhelming in your postpartum journey to choose skincare products that work. Let’s find what may work best for your specific skin concern. To spare you a ton of research in your hunt to find dermatologist-approved products for postpartum skin treatment, we have here listed some of the best and most affordable products that are easily available in most drugstores in the United States.

Bio-Oil Skincare Oil

This is one of the best products to include in postpartum skincare. Pregnancy can leave your body with unwanted textures & appearances. Bio-Oil helps to improve the appearance of stretch marks and uneven skin tone on your body.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

Looking for something that’s hydrating to add to your postpartum skincare?

If you need long-lasting hydration for your dry skin, this moisturizer is your rescuer. It is proven to repair the pores and skin barrier.

Postpartum Skincare: Top 5 Skincare Products

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF Sunscreen

Even if it’s postpartum skincare or normal skincare routine sunscreen is the key!

Sunscreen is the OG in skincare. You must use wide-spectrum sun protection against UV and UVB rays. This will help you improve your pores and skin texture and tone.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream

Finelines on the forehead or dehydrated lines on the forehead? no matter what it is this could be your best friend in your postpartum skincare.

This product does wonders in providing immense hydration without a heavy or greasy feeling on your face and prevents fine lines and wrinkles.

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% Zinc 1%

Adding this amazing hydrating ingredient to your postpartum skincare routine will regulate sebum production and prevent blemishes and pigmentation.

FAQ On Postpartum Skincare

How do I cope with my pores and skin after giving birth?

You need hydration, a customized skin care plan, and enough rest & sleep to improve your skin after birth.

What can I use on my pores and skin after pregnancy?

Products like hyaluronic moisturizers, vitamin C-based serums & creams, and sunscreen after pregnancy help to improve skin texture and appearance.

How can I get glowing skin after giving birth?

You must prioritize sun protection, hydration, physical exfoliation, and using skin care products with brightening agents like vitamin C and niacinamide.

How can I tighten my skin after breastfeeding?

You can play sports that focus on the chest and arm muscle mass to tighten saggy breasts after breastfeeding.

Does the loose/saggy skin go away after postpartum?

In some cases, the saggy skin formed during postpartum requires years of aftercare with ingredients like jojoba oil, bakuchiol oil, squalene, etc. However, it may not disappear completely and might require additional interventions like surgery.

Conclusion On Postpartum Skincare

To conclude, taking care of your skin postpartum is crucial for retaining a youthful and healthy complexion. From stretch marks to pigmentation to lose and saggy skin, there are common concerns that many new moms face. Hydration, sleep, a balanced diet, and safe skincare products can help you say goodbye to open pores and dull skin, and many more skin concerns!

Since every woman’s skin is different, ask your dermatologist for advice on a customized skincare routine, and don’t forget to take care of yourself. If patience, perseverance, and a proper skincare routine are followed religiously, postpartum can be a worthwhile journey.

  1. Elsevier B.V.(2023).Pre-eclampsia. Available at:

    https://docs.google.com/document/d/1T5P4Nz6BSv3UDOfQvICCvc7bd5rC0zUWUByjoJFA4uM/edit?usp=sharing
  2. John Wiley & Sons.(1999-2023).The biology of melanocytes. Available at:

    https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1046/j.1365-3164.2003.00327.x
  3. Europe PMC.(2023).Benzoyl peroxide. Available at:

    https://europepmc.org/article/med/6162349

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Samara

Samara is an expert in skincare and beauty products, offering valuable advice on skincare routines and product selections tailored to every woman’s individual needs.

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