Beauty & Skincare

6 Postpartum Skincare Tips From Dermatologists

written by EMILY SHEPARD

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postpartum skincare"
postpartum skincare
Source: Social Squares
Source: Social Squares

Everything changes after you have a baby, and your skin is no exception. The skin on your face, stomach, and everywhere in between could show signs that you’re a new mom. From postpartum breakouts to dark circles under your eyes, new moms see it all. Hormonal shifts, changes to your blood flow, and glandular changes all affect your skin’s health and appearance. In addition, according to Babycenter, lack of sleep and changes in your skin glands, metabolism, and immune system can also wreak havoc on your youthful glow. 

New moms may also experience dry, saggy, itchy, and/or oily skin, redness, puffiness, stretch marks, and postpartum hives. Oh boy! 

The bottom line is that your skin changes after you have a baby, and the products and skincare routine that worked before might not work as well now. 

Luckily, there are so many ways you can combat these skincare challenges. In addition to a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet, exercise, and plenty of water and sleep (ha!), there are many ways you can tend to your largest organ, your skin. 

We spoke with dermatologists Dr. Leela Athalye and Dr. Chris Robb about their postpartum skincare tips and advice to help new moms care for their skin and get their radiant glow back. 

 

1. Use a Vitamin C Serum in the Morning 

Dr. Athalye recommends applying a vitamin C serum in the morning because it protects the skin from pigmentation, discoloration, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. The antioxidants in vitamin C serums will improve your skin’s natural radiance and visibly brighten your skin. The following are some dermatologistrecommended vitamin C products to try. 

the-everymom-postpartum-skincare
Dermstore | Revision Skincare
C+ Correcting Complex
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Create
Target | CeraVe
Vitamin C Serum
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the-everymom-postpartum-skincare
Dermstore | SkinCeuticals
Vitamin C Serum
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the-everymom-postpartum-skincare
Dermstore | VivierSkin
Vitamin C Scrub
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2. Use a Retinol Cream in the Evening 

Apply a retinol cream in the evening to initiate collagen remodeling and prevent and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and pores. It will also help to fade age spots, firm skin, and even skin tone. Retinol cream can also be applied to stretch marks to reduce  their appearance. Note: Consult with your doctor before using retinol if you’re breastfeeding. 

Aestheticare
AC Advanced Retinol
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retinol
Dermstore | Revision Skincare
Retinol Complete
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3. Use a Thick Moisturizer With Ceramides

Use a good, thick moisturizer with ceramides. Ceramides are the fats we lose as we age. A moisturizer with ceramides will also restore skin’s natural moisture and maintain skin’s natural barrier. 

postpartum skincare
Amazon | CeraVe
Moisturizing Cream
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postpartum skincare
Aestheticare | Skinbetter
Hydration Boosting Cream
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postpartum skincare

Source: Sora Shimazaki | Pexels

 

4. Use Sunscreen Daily 

Apply sunscreen every single day, ideally every two hours. Apply whether inside or outside, because UVA can penetrate windows. Dr. Athalye says the best sunscreen is “whatever sunscreen you’ll wear!” Sunscreen is essential for the health and appearance of your skin. Use a sunscreen with an added tint for a natural, no-makeup look.

Dermstore | Colorescience
Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50
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Skinstore | EltaMD
UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
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Aestheticare | Alastin
HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 36
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5. Use Hyaluronic Acid Serums 

Use a hyaluronic acid serum or other hyaluronic acid products to make your skin look plump and healthy. Apply every morning or twice daily for skin that looks supple, smooth, and hydrated. 

postpartum skincare
Ulta | Neutrogena
Hydro Boost Gel-Cream
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postpartum skincare
Amazon | Vichy
Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Serum
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6. Consider Skin Treatments

Skincare treatments can help care for some common postpartum skin issues.

Meet the expert
Dr. Chris Robb
Board-Certified Dermatologist

Below are some recommendations from Dr. Robb:

  • For stretch marks: Use the most emollient moisturizer possible, such as one from Alastin.
  • For laxity in the abdomen:  Sofwave is a highly-focused ultrasound therapy that’s ideal for loose and sagging skin. 
  • For skin discoloration, or melasma, on the face: Try a MOXI fractional laser treatment and/or a specific melasma peel. 
  • For improving the overall quality of post-pregnancy skin: Broadband light (BBL) therapy improves nearly every aspect of the skin.

If and when you feel frustrated with the appearance of your skin, remind yourself of the incredible strength of your body: You just brought a new life into this world! Give yourself and your skin time and grace to adjust and heal.

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