skincare
Busting myths: What’ s really true about postpartum skincare?
There’ s no shortage of skincare myths floating around, especially when it comes to postpartum skin. Bester is quick to debunk the myth that“ your skin will bounce back on its own.” While some skin changes may improve with time, others, like stretch marks and melasma, need active care. As she puts it,“ Many postpartum skin issues require consistent, targeted care.”
Creating a realistic skincare routine
With a newborn in tow, time for a complex skincare routine can feel like a luxury. Dr Pretorius’ s advice is simple:“ Keep it basic and gentle. A cleanser, moisturiser, vitamin C( in the morning), niacinamide and hyaluronic acid( both at night) will do wonders.” Most importantly, she says,“ Consistency is key.”
Bester also recommends prioritising hydration and sun protection.“ These simple steps, paired with some well-chosen actives, can support the skin as it rebalances and heals.”
Postpartum skin changes are a natural part of the journey, but with the right knowledge and a little bit of care, you can help your skin heal and glow again. Be gentle with it and give it time – just like everything else in your postpartum recovery, it’ s all about finding balance and taking things one step at a time. �
Another common myth? That all skincare is off-limits when you’ re breastfeeding.“ That’ s simply not true,” says Bester. Many active ingredients, such as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and salicylic acid in low concentrations, are perfectly safe for breastfeeding mums. So, don’ t feel like you have to neglect your skincare routine while you’ re nursing.
Dr Pretorius echoes this, adding,“ Many mums think they can’ t use actives while breastfeeding, but ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid are safe when used properly.”
How long will these changes last?
Hormonal changes can wreak havoc on your skin for a while, but the duration varies from person to person. Bester explains,“ These changes can last anywhere from a few weeks to over a year, depending on individual factors.” If you’ re breastfeeding, your oestrogen levels might stay low, which can slow collagen production and contribute to a loss of skin elasticity. So, if you’ re feeling like your skin isn ' t bouncing back as quickly as you’ d hoped, remember that it’ s all part of the recovery process.
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