Postpartum Skincare Guide: How To Rebalance Your Skin After Giving Birth
The whirlwind of motherhood is as beautiful as it is intense, and your skin may be feeling the effects. Hormonal rollercoasters, sleepless nights, and the demands of breastfeeding can leave your skin in need of some serious TLC. But don’t stress, mama – we’ve got you. From understanding your skin’s new needs to crafting the best postpartum skincare routine, this guide is here to help you feel radiant and refreshed again.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about rebalancing your skin postpartum and restoring that glow.
Common Postpartum Skin Issues
Your body’s just been through a lot, and so has your skin. Here are some common postpartum concerns:
- Hormonal acne or breakouts: Those pesky postpartum hormones can trigger oil production and clogged pores.
- Hyperpigmentation: Dark spots or melasma might linger after pregnancy.
- Dryness or oiliness: Your skin’s moisture levels might feel all over the place.
- Sensitivity or irritation: Post-baby skin can be more reactive to products.
- Dullness: That pregnancy glow? Gone with those midnight feeds.
The key? Understanding what’s happening below the surface so you can tackle these concerns with the best skincare for postpartum.
Understanding Your Skin’s New Needs
Post-birth, your skin starts to adjust to postpartum hormonal shifts. Estrogen and progesterone levels drop, which can leave your skin feeling unpredictable and confused. Other factors that impact skin health include:
- Sleep deprivation: (Wait, what’s sleep again?) A lack of rest can dull your skin and increase stress hormones.
- Breastfeeding: This can dehydrate your body – and your skin. Postpartum mamas are thirsty, in more ways than one.
- Stress: Whether it’s nappy blowouts or juggling schedules, stress can take a huge toll on our skin.
This is where your postpartum skincare routine comes in. It’s about adapting to your skin’s new baseline with gentle, nourishing products that support recovery. Here’s what we’d recommend.
Gentle Cleansing & Detoxifying
Start your skincare postpartum routine with a clean slate:
- Use a mild cleanser to gently remove dirt, oil, and leftover baby spit-up (hey, it happens). Avoid anything too harsh that might strip your skin’s natural oils. Give our Shower Foams a try, if you’re game.
- Consider double cleansing at night – an oil-based cleanser followed by a gentle foaming cleanser (like ours!) can help thoroughly remove impurities without irritation.
💡 Pro tip: Stick to sulfate-free cleansers that keep your skin balanced, not squeaky.
Reintroduce Active Ingredients
Once your skin feels stable, it’s time to reintroduce some glow-boosting actives, such as:
- Retinol (if not breastfeeding): Amazing for cell turnover and tackling fine lines, but wait until you’re done breastfeeding.
- AHAs and BHAs: Gently exfoliate and brighten. Lactic acid is a great breastfeeding-safe option.
- Vitamin C: Targets dark spots and dullness for that bright, even-toned glow.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Keeps hydration levels in check and plumps up parched skin.
When in doubt, consult your family doctor or dermatologist for recommendations on the best postpartum skincare actives for your unique needs.
Hydration & Moisture Barrier Repair
All hail hydration! Postpartum skin craves moisture, so here’s what to focus on:
- Barrier repair: Look for ceramides, peptides, and fatty acids to strengthen your skin’s natural defenses.
- Nourishing moisturizers: Thick, creamy formulas lock in hydration and keep your skin soft all day.
💧Must-try: Layer a hydrating serum with a rich moisturizer to tackle dryness and support your skin’s recovery.
Quick Recap
Balancing your skin postpartum takes time, patience, and the right products. And with so many other changes to think about (and tackle!), it’s important to be kind to yourself.
Our top tip? Stick with a simple, gentle routine that addresses hydration, barrier repair, and introduces active ingredients so you can start to feel your best again.
📚Further Reading:
Here’s to glowing skin and feeling fabulous again.
Happy Sundae x
Written By: Lizzie Waley (Sundae Co-Founder & Body Care Enthusiast) | LinkedIn
Fact Checked: Charnnie Frimpong (Sundae Content Marketing Manager) | Linkedin