With two kids at home, here’s what I know for sure: no pregnancy or postpartum experience is the same. Your body went through a cataclysm Hormonal changes during and after pregnancy. Some hormones drop, others go high, and the result is a veritable whirlwind of an emotional and physical journey. When I look in the mirror after giving birth, I feel unrecognizable, and can’t wait to regain my pre-baby confidence. So I started taking care of my skin, learning the best postpartum beauty products — and all the tips to get your skin glowing again, from the experts.
After having Liam, I was so busy and overwhelmed with my first-time mom experiences that I didn’t even notice some of the changes going on in my body. All I focused on was getting to know this new, tiny person and wondering if I could doing this whole job of motherhood right. With Norah, I feel a little more comfortable and handle things better. And while I definitely have my full hands, I feel more aware of changes in my own body.
If you’re panicking reading this because you’re going through similar, sometimes stressful, changes, don’t worry. This story has a happy ending. It took a few months, but with a little gentle coaxing and a lot of patience, I got my wrinkles back – and the glow back! So how do I get there? Through a few essential steps that I would highly recommend to any new mom. Come to them.
Featured image of Zachary Grey.
PHOTO: Picture of Michelle Nash
What are the common skin conditions women may experience postpartum?
Among the many changes I experienced was the complete change in the appearance of my skin after pregnancy. During my first pregnancy, I had that glow mark (you know, one of those comments). But after I delivered Liam, I was almost immediately left with dry, dull skin that didn’t do anything to help improve my dark circles from nighttime eating! My usual skincare routine just doesn’t match the bad things I’m going through, and I just don’t feel like myself. I’ve been trying to reach for foundation and concealer, but when I apply my products, they just stick to my yearning flaky skin. Not a cute look — and it just made me feel worse. It became clear that instead of trying to cover up my skin problems, I needed to focus on giving my skin some extra TLC.
It is helpful to know that I am not alone in this particular struggle. Many women experience changes in the appearance of their skin after giving birth. The onset of acne can be common with Hormonal changes and extreme stress that the mother goes through. Another common complaint is melasma. People with melasma see uneven brown patches of hyperpigmentation on the skin that develop due to a build-up of the pigment melanin. It is completely harmless but can sometimes persist even with interference.
On the other hand, the dullness and dryness that I am experiencing is also very common. Now I’m someone who totally embraces himself as you are, love every inch of your body (and don’t forget your face too!). But in a time when you’re so devoted to your child, it can be very rewarding to do something for yourself. With hormones on the rise, I wanted a little bit of my old self again — and to feel comfortable in my own literal skin. I turned to an expert for an answer.
Why does the skin appear dry after giving birth?
I talked to Dr. Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce to better understand the skin after pregnancy. She shared that while new mothers have gone through the last 9 months with a rosy, radiant pregnancy, it is normal for them to now experience dull skin and a feeling of dryness. after giving birth. “Thanks to hormonal changes, lack of sleep and stress, our skin can suffer a bit. Thankfully, many of these changes are only temporary as the skin has an amazing restorative quality and can be repaired with a little TLC,” said Dr. Geddes-Bruce when asked why our skin changes after. when giving birth.
“During pregnancy, the body has a larger blood volume and higher hormone levels. Rapidly after birth, these levels drop sharply and the effects on the skin can be somewhat jarring. Combine that with some sleepless nights and general self-indulgence, and you’ve got a recipe for skin that needs a little help restoring and retaining moisture. “
PHOTO: Pictures of Belathee
What steps can new moms take to regain their radiance?
When it comes to the best postpartum beauty products, Dr. Geddes-Bruce says to look for “products that contain niacinamide, zinc, azelaic acid, and hyaluronic acid this time around. All of them are safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding, and will keep your skin soft, hydrated, and bright. ”
A good face
The first thing I do when I notice that my skin has lost its glow is to make an appointment with my esthetician. When I finally got a chance to meet her after my body had had some time to recover, she suggested LaserAway Clear + Rejuvenates radiant facial skin. This laser face penetrates the skin in a microscopic form and speeds up cell turnover, buffing away dull skin and leaving a brighter complexion. This face kicked off my postpartum skincare journey, and while it certainly felt raw and red for a few days afterward, I did see a noticeable difference in texture after about a week. .
Download humidity
Part of the reason my skin feels so dry is because I’m so busy taking care of my two kids that I completely forget to moisturize. After some little research and recommendations from my friends and estheticians, I decided Therapi Honey Skincare Ultra Radiance Cream. This super-concentrated cream is formulated with organic botanicals, so it’s also ideal to incorporate into your pregnancy skin care routine.
My esthetician also recommended Three ships Dewdrops, is a serum containing vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. While hyaluronic acid works to fight dryness, vitamin C is clinically proven to brighten skin.
Together, this cream and serum duo has helped bring life and plumpness to my vibrant and stressed skin. I keep these products on my nightstand so I don’t even have to get out of bed to apply them during my time with Liam and Norah.
Increase that light
While I was able to sneak away for a laser facial once, I didn’t have time for regular professional facials during the first year of Norah’s life. I know that chemical peels can really help brighten my skin, so I’m so glad I found Goop’s Goop Glow. These overnight glycolic acid peels allow me to safely get the benefits of chemical peels at home once a week. This is the product I still use to this day because the results are so impressive. Within a few months, my glow was back in action!
Be comfortable with yourself
The younger ones take precedence, but it’s important to remember that being a great parent also means taking care of yourself. Stress shows up in many ways, including your skin and hair. However, I’m not going to sit here and tell you to sleep more because let’s face it – you’re not going to get there. But this is a good time for you to rely on your partner or loved ones to take time for yourself. Tyler tries to spend quality time with Liam and Norah so I have the chance to soak in the relaxing Epsom salt water bath to relax. A little time to unplug will go a long way.
And there you have it! If you’ve been struggling with stress and dull skin, I hope you’ve found some of these tips helpful as well as a reminder that you’re not alone. If you have been through the same thing, I would love if you shared the holy grail products and processes that have helped you regain your shine.
