skincare
After giving birth, your skin can go through some unexpected changes, and it’ s no surprise that many new mums feel a little overwhelmed by these shifts. From the return of acne to those stubborn dark patches, understanding what’ s going on and how to care for your skin is essential.
What happens to your skin after childbirth?
Pregnancy and childbirth bring about a whirlwind of changes to your body, and your skin is no exception. The most common shifts are usually tied to hormonal fluctuations, stress, sleep deprivation, and even changes in diet. According to Karen Bester, medical training manager at Lamelle Research Laboratories,“ Many mothers experience dullness, as skin may lose its natural glow due to fatigue, dehydration, and slower cell turnover.” That post-birth glow? It might take a little time to return!
Hyperpigmentation, often known as the“ mask of pregnancy”, can stick around, even after baby’ s arrival.“ Hormonal imbalances and sun exposure can make dark patches more pronounced, or even darker,” Bester explains. And if acne wasn’ t an issue before, it can suddenly make an appearance after birth, thanks to fluctuating hormone levels. As Dr Judey Pretorius, skincare scientist and founder of BioMedical Emporium, adds,“ Hormonal shifts can lead to acne, dryness, sensitivity, pigmentation, and overall dullness.”
So, what’ s causing all this? The hormonal rollercoaster that comes with pregnancy and breastfeeding is largely to blame. Hormones like oestrogen and progesterone, which were elevated during pregnancy, dramatically decrease after childbirth, affecting everything from oil production to collagen levels. This sudden hormonal shift can leave your skin looking a bit, well, tired.
Tackling common postpartum skin issues
While you might be hoping for a magic wand to make everything vanish overnight, the key to postpartum skincare is consistency. Bester suggests that new mums focus on“ gentle, consistent care” with ingredients that are both safe and effective. Here’ s how to address the common skin issues many mums face:
Stretch marks:
Stretch marks are a typical part of pregnancy, but while they can’ t be completely erased, they can be softened over time. Bester recommends using products with hyaluronic acid and Centella asiatica to improve skin elasticity. While it won’ t make them disappear, this approach can reduce their appearance over time.
Hyperpigmentation:
Dark spots and melasma can be stubborn, but the right ingredients can help brighten and fade those discolourations.“ Look for active ingredients like triple-complex peptides, arbutin, and antioxidant amino acids,” Bester suggests. Regular use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen is a must, as UV exposure can worsen pigmentation.
Acne:
Even if you’ ve never struggled with acne before, hormonal changes can cause breakouts. Dr Pretorius advises using lactic acid( ≤2 %), niacinamide, or azelaic acid to gently treat acne. Always patch-test products and consult your doctor, especially if you’ re breastfeeding. www. babysandbeyond. co. za
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