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abdomen, acne, balanced lifestyle, blood flow, blood vessel dilation, breastfeeding, breasts, CACI - Eye Revive Serum, common skin issues, confidence, cortisol levels, dark circles, dark discoloration, Decleor Cica Botanic Oil, dehydration, Dermalogica Circular Hydration Serum, Dermalogica Clear and Brighten Kit, doctor, dry skin, dryness, effective management, effective strategies, elastic fibres, expert advice, fatigue, first-time mum, genetics, guide, healthy diet, healthy weight, hormonal fluctuations, hydration, lack of sleep, love the skin you're in, mask of pregnancy, Melasma, midwife, moisturising, moisturising regimen, Murad Correct and Protect Serum SPF45, natural radiance, new motherhood, new mums, oestrogen, oil production, periorbital hyperpigmentation, pigmentation, post-pregnancy dryness, post-pregnancy skin, postpartum acne, pregnancy and childbirth, prevention, product recommendations, progesterone, rest, seasoned pro, sebum production, skin care, skin type, skincare products, skincare routines, staying hydrated, stress, stretch marks, structural proteins, sun exposure, sun-protective measures, susceptibility, thighs, under-eye darkness, weather changes, weight gain
Becoming a mother is a beautiful and transformative experience, but it often leaves behind significant changes in your body, including your skin. The journey of pregnancy and childbirth can impact your skin in various ways, from stretch marks and pigmentation to acne and dryness. As you cradle your precious bundle of joy, you might also find yourself cradling concerns about your skin’s appearance and health.
In this blog post, we will delve into the world of post-pregnancy skin care and explore effective strategies to help you regain your skin’s natural radiance. We’ll discuss the common skin issues that new mums face and provide expert advice, and product recommendations to address these concerns. Whether you’re a first-time mum or a seasoned pro, this guide will empower you with the knowledge and tools to embrace your post-pregnancy skin with confidence and love the skin you’re in.
(Do make sure you check with your midwife or doctor regarding the ingredients of any new products you want to try beforehand, especially if you’re breastfeeding.)
Acne
Acne after pregnancy, often referred to as postpartum acne, is a common but frustrating occurrence for many new mothers. This skin condition can be attributed to a combination of hormonal fluctuations, increased oil production, and stress, all of which are prevalent during and after pregnancy. Hormones like oestrogen and progesterone rise significantly during pregnancy and then drop abruptly postpartum, triggering increased sebum (oil) production. Stress and lack of sleep can further exacerbate acne. Dermalogica Clear and Brighten Kit contains three Dermalogica products with highly active ingredients to clear breakouts, smooth skin and brighten skin tone, which would be the perfect way to kickstart your new and improved complexion.
Melasma
Melasma, often referred to as the “mask of pregnancy,” is a skin condition characterised by dark, patchy discoloration, primarily on the face. It commonly occurs after pregnancy due to the influence of hormones, particularly oestrogen and progesterone. These hormones become imbalanced during pregnancy, leading to an overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour. Additionally, increased sun exposure during pregnancy can exacerbate melasma. While this condition typically fades after childbirth, its exact causes are complex, involving genetics, hormones, and sun exposure, making it essential to take sun-protective measures. Murad Correct and Protect Serum SPF45 is a satiny-smooth serum with 100% mineral SPF that’s tested and scientifically proven to visibly correct discolouration and prevent future hyperpigmentation.
Stretch Marks
Stretch marks, often a post-pregnancy concern, result from the stretching and tearing of the skin’s elastic fibres. During pregnancy, the body undergoes rapid weight gain, causing the skin to expand. Hormonal changes, particularly increased cortisol levels, can weaken the skin’s structural proteins, making it less elastic. Genetics also play a role in susceptibility to stretch marks. These reddish or purplish lines often appear on the abdomen, breasts, and thighs. While they may fade over time, prevention through moisturising and maintaining a healthy weight can help minimise their occurrence, while using Decleor Cica Botanic Oil can reduce existing stretch marks.
Dark Circles
Dark circles after pregnancy, also known as periorbital hyperpigmentation, can be attributed to various factors. Hormonal fluctuations during and after pregnancy can lead to skin discoloration and increased blood vessel dilation, contributing to under-eye darkness. Additionally, factors like sleep deprivation, stress, and fatigue are common during the postpartum period, further worsening the appearance of dark circles. Genetics and skin type also play a role in their development. Effective management involves adequate rest, a healthy diet, hydration, and using skincare products designed to target discoloration – we recommend CACI – Eye Revive Serum.
Dry Skin
Dry skin post-pregnancy is often linked to hormonal fluctuations and changes in oil production. During pregnancy, hormones like oestrogen and progesterone surge, leading to increased blood flow and oil secretion. However, after childbirth, these hormone levels drop, impacting skin hydration. Additionally, the stress and fatigue that often accompany new motherhood can contribute to dehydration, not to mention the added pressure of breastfeeding on the body. Changes in weather, skincare routines, and genetics can also influence post-pregnancy dryness. To combat dry skin, maintaining a moisturising regimen, staying hydrated, and adopting a balanced lifestyle are essential – we recommend Dermalogica Circular Hydration Serum