Childbirth is one of the most beautiful experiences a woman can have! Isn’t it? But with it, comes many skin related issues which can be stressful for a new mom. To maintain healthy and beautiful skin during and post pregnancy, you may need to reconsider your skincare routine. So in this post, I am going to share some of the best post pregnancy skin care tips that might help you to sustain natural glow of your skin.
Post Pregnancy Skin Care Tips For STRETCH MARKS
Stretch marks tend to be one of the top post-pregnancy skin concerns of women everywhere. They are very stubborn ones to get rid of. As the body stretches to make way for the little one, it occurs due to the stretching of the skin. Due to the sudden contraction of the skin post birth, the skin develops small tears, causing it to get cringed in certain areas like in the breast, stomach, buttocks, thighs, and behind the knee.
TIPS
- One of the key measures is to avoid getting stretch marks in the first place, so as soon as you know you’re pregnant, start using a moisturizer.
- Apply vitamin E oil, olive oil or cocoa butter to reduce their appearance. Massage regularly especially focussing on your belly and breasts.
- Post pregnancy, if you have developed stretch marks use a reputable anti-stretch mark cream on the affected areas. Avoid creams with unfamiliar ingredients as they can be dangerous for breastfeeding mothers.
- Nothing can beat a healthy diet and exercise for making them less noticeable. After your doctor’s approval, you can start with some form of exercise like brisk walking, light exercises or yoga to help you reduce the stretch marks.
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DRY, ITCHY AND SAGGING SKIN
It’s not uncommon for new moms to have dry, sagging skin that tends to be itchy. Even during pregnancy, your growing belly is likely to be the most itchy part of your body. Let’s see how you can manage it.
TIPS
- To manage itchy skin, avoid hot showers and baths. After bathing, pat excess water off your skin and apply moisturizer.
- To get rid of dry skin, try eliminating drying soaps, skin products with alcohol, and heavily chlorinated water from your daily routine.
- BODY MASSAGE : A daily massage during postpartum care routine improves blood circulation and elasticity in skin. Gentle strokes using massage oil keep your skin well hydrated and make it less prone to suffer from dryness and sagging. “You can prepare a mixture of Shea butter and lemon juice by mixing 4 teaspoons of Shea butter and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply over the affected areas and let it stay till it dries. Wash off with cool water and repeat the procedure regularly. It improves the elasticity of the skin and give your skin youthful appearance by rejuvenating skin cells. You can also mix white sugar with almond oil and a few lemon drops and apply it on affected areas. Almond oil massage is also considered good for treatment of sagging skin because Almond oil has a high percentage of Vitamin E and a good antioxidant.”
DARK CIRCLES AND PUFFY EYES
New moms face a lot of exhaustion and the lack of sleep after having a baby. Changes in hormone levels and the poor blood circulation leads to dark circles. Your eyes tend to show the tiredness your body experiences in the form of puffy eyes.
TIPS
- Apply a reputed brand eye cream or serum with nourishing ingredients like peptides and aloe vera will help hydrate the eye area and reduce swelling.
- Store used tea bags in fridge and apply them on eyes.
- Put slices of fresh and cool cucumber or potato slices on your eyes.
- Use good quality dark sunglasses whenever you step out in the sun.
- Avoid too much caffeine.
- Ensure you drink at least 8 glasses of water and have a healthy diet.
- Take a nap when your baby is sleeping during the day. Though it may feel odd to sleep for short naps multiple times a day but it’s a best way to get some good sleep and for eyes relaxation.
ALSO READ : DIY HOMEMADE ANTI AGING EYE CREAM TO GET RID OF DARK CIRCLES
SORE NIPPLES
Improper breastfeeding or a baby with a very strong suck, could lead to sore cracked and bleeding nipples which causes pain. Two in ten mothers have sore and cracked nipples that can affect milk production.
TIPS
- Apply a lanolin cream to the affected area. It moisturizes the area, soothes pain, and heals cracks and abrasions.
- You may use a nipple cream containing kokum butter, a natural healer that moisturize and heal nipples.
- Rub a few drops of breast milk on your nipples and let it dry to ensure that your skin absorbs all the nutrients. Natural nutrients in breast milk help soothe the soreness associated with breastfeeding.
- With proper care, nipple abrasions should clear up in a few days. If the area doesn’t heal, it’s better to consult your doctor without delaying.
ACNE
Post pregnancy, acne is caused by a severe fluctuation in hormones that your body goes through immediately after childbirth. During pregnancy high progesterone levels can cause increased secretion from oil glands, sebum buildup, and clogged pores. It results in acne breakouts post pregnancy, even if your skin was clear throughout your pregnancy.
TIPS
- Clean your face with a mild cleanser twice a day.
- Apply a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer that will tighten up your pores to keep the dirt out, in the morning and night.
- Use a mild scrub with small soft granules once a week.
- Make sure to use products with mild or natural ingredients like aloe Vera and eucalyptus.
- Have a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. It will help your skin by providing antioxidants to fight off free radicals.
PIGMENTATION
Pigmentation or melasma is the dark patch or spots on your skin which are caused due to high levels of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy. Dark patches on your body or the line that runs below your belly will most likely disappear after one-year post birth. To ensure you don’t aggravate the pigmentation or get new spots, follow these tips.
TIPS
- Firstly, avoiding the sun goes a big way to get your complexion back.
- If you stay indoors during the day, use a sunscreen with SPF 15.
- If you are out in the sun, use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or SPF 50 and cover your skin as much as possible with a dupatta or a scarf to avoid direct sun rays falling on skin.
- As a daily moisturizer, use one that is specifically made for pigmented skin.
- You could also use a light tinted bronzer or a concealer to hide the patches, if they seem to make you uncomfortable.