Pregnancy and childbirth change a woman’s body in many ways. Many women experience the changes more on their skin, especially on their bellies and face. Which is why we are sharing 5 tips for a skincare routine postpartum.
BY: MYRTLE BAUTISTA
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Pregnancy and childbirth change a woman’s body in many ways. Some women feel chronic back and joint pain. Others experience the changes more on their skin, especially on their bellies and face. You may start to notice brown marks developing around your cheeks, nose, and eyes. It can feel a little frustrating to see these alterations—but luckily, there are some ways you can improve your condition.
After childbirth, a woman’s estrogen and progesterone levels decrease significantly. Due to these hormonal changes, it might not be the smartest move to start using chemical-based skincare products just yet. It might not be safe for you and it could also not be the safest option for your baby.
The great news is that you can still pamper yourself with natural skincare that doesn’t involve all the chemicals that most store-bought products use. Here are five natural postpartum skincare tips every mother should know. EARTHHERO is a GREAT resource for natural skincare products for postpartum.
Tip #1 Use Apple Cider Vinegar
A slight change in your skin pigmentation is expected during and after pregnancy. If you’ve always had freckles on your cheeks or chin, you may notice them get a little darker. The center of your tummy and the skin around your nether regions might also darken, too. This condition is called melasma and can develop around the eyes, cheeks, nose, and forehead.
Fortunately, this is only temporary and will eventually go away a few months after giving birth. In the meantime, there are ways you can reduce the appearance of melasma while you wait for your skin to go back to normal. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, apple cider vinegar may be a great natural remedy for skin pigmentation.
Here’s how you can use this remember:
- Combine half a cup of water and apple cider vinegar into one container
- Apply the mixture to where you have melasma
- Let the mixture sit for about two to three minutes before rinsing it off with warm water
Experts recommend doing this twice a day or more for best results. Continue the process until you achieve the outcome that you want.
Tip #2 Get Active
One of the best things you can do for your health and wellbeing is exercise after pregnancy. Doing so can help you lose the pregnancy weight you gained in those long nine months. Furthermore, it can improve your cardiovascular fitness, abdominal strength, and overall energy levels. This is a great post that shares 6 Exercises to do Postpartum
Emotionally, exercise can also help relieve stress and encourage restful sleep. It can also help relieve symptoms of postpartum anxiety or depression, which a lot of mothers experience after childbirth.
Nevertheless, getting back into the gym right after childbirth can be challenging. If you had an uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery, exercising a few days after giving birth shouldn’t be a problem. Regardless, it’s important to listen to what your body has to say about it.
If you feel discomfort or worry about working out so soon after giving birth, take a moment to assess yourself and your situation. Don’t force yourself to do something you’re not ready to take on just yet. Take everything one step at a time to avoid injuring yourself physically or emotionally.
For your safety, consult your doctor about the types of exercises you can do. That way you can still stay active while avoiding exercise that could potentially hurt you
Tip #3 Switch to Natural Beauty Products
Some beauty and skincare products can cause allergic reactions in babies. Babies have sensitive skin that doesn’t react well to triggering ingredients. Using natural products for your skincare routine for postartum that don’t contain parabens, chemical sunscreens, and retinoids is ideal for every new mother. Researchers have yet to study these ingredients for side effects on newborns. It’s best to err on the side of caution in this situation. Read more about How Toxins Effect your Skin & Baby.
Instead of using chemical products, consider switching to natural alternatives, such as organic soap brows, coffee ground exfoliants, and shea butter moisturizers. These products don’t contain ingredients that could potentially harm your baby. To be safe, ask your doctor for recommendations for skincare products you can use.
Tip #4 Prioritize Sun Protection
The folate levels in your body won’t normalize immediately after birth. It’s why many new mothers drink folic acid supplements postpartum. Unfortunately, excessive sun exposure can reduce the effects of folic acid in the body. Remember to apply sunscreen before stepping into the sun. Furthermore, make sure to wear protective clothing that shields your skin and eyes from the sun.
Tip #5 Stay Hydrated
Your body is still facing changes even after birth. This might leave you feeling tired and sleepy most of the time. Staying hydrated ensures that nutrients are delivered effectively to cells in your body. Furthermore, they encourage proper organ function, regulate body temperature, and improve skin elasticity. Staying hydrated is great to add into your skincare routine postpartum
To ensure you get enough water every day, carrying a bottle of water with you wherever you go is a great idea. You can take a sip of water now and then while you’re watching your baby or while you’re out running errands.
Bottom line
Being a new mom is challenging and oftentimes overwhelming. While it’s easy to become invested in the health and safety of your baby, you need to set aside time to take care of yourself too. Skincare is just one of the many ways you can continue showing yourself love postpartum.
Consider the tips mentioned above and try to apply them in your daily routine to support your skincare routine postpartum. Good luck, mommy!
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