Postpartum Skincare Guide for Glowing New Moms

By Dr. Kenosha Gleaton, OBGYN

We’ve all heard of that pregnancy glow. But, what should postpartum moms expect when it comes to their skin?

In this postpartum skincare guide for glowing new moms, you’ll learn about common postpartum skin challenges and how to best care for your skin during this time.

Why Our Skin Changes After Pregnancy

Estrogen and progesterone drop significantly after pregnancy, and prolactin increases to produce breast milk. These hormonal fluctuations cause changes throughout the body, including the skin.[1]

The skin is also stretched during pregnancy as your body grows to house your developing baby. After birth, as you start to lose weight, you may notice you have stretch marks, loose skin, or spider veins. Skin tone and elasticity usually return to normal levels about six to eight weeks after birth.[1]

Common Postpartum Skin Concerns

Certain postpartum skin conditions are more common than others. You can support your skin and overall postpartum health with the Postpartum Essentials Bundle.

Breakouts and Acne

For some women, pregnancy-related acne may disappear during the postpartum period. Others may continue to experience breakouts. Because breastfeeding impacts hormone levels, you may find that hormonal acne doesn’t go away until after you finish nursing.[2]

Dry and Flaky Skin

You may also notice that your skin becomes dry or flaky due to hormonal changes and your increased hydration needs while breastfeeding.

Essential Postpartum Skincare Tips

Follow these skincare tips to managing postpartum concerns.

Managing Breakouts

You can help manage and reduce breakouts by keeping your skin clean and hydrated. Drink plenty of water and use a daily moisturizer. Wash your face twice a day with a breastfeeding-safe skincare product, and be sure to remove makeup nightly before bed.

Combating Dry Skin

Breastfeeding increases your hydration needs. Use moisturizers and lotions to keep your skin hydrated. Be sure you are drinking at least eight to 10 glasses of water daily.

Try our Hydration & Energy Electrolyte mix to boost your energy and hydration all in one!

Controlling Oily Skin

Top tips to balance your skin’s oil production include the following:

• Cleanse twice daily with a gentle cleanser
• Moisturize after washing with an oil-free moisturizer
• Consider a special cleanser made for oily skin
• Exfoliate once or twice per week to remove dead skin
• Use blotting papers to control oil throughout the day if needed
• Choose a healthy diet over processed or fast food
• Get professional facials
• Take biotin and collagen supplements to promote healthy skin
• Consider seeing a dermatologist if your skin doesn’t improve

Special Considerations for Postpartum Skincare

Here are some extra steps you can take for postpartum skincare.

Breastfeeding and Skincare

If you are breastfeeding, you may want to be mindful when choosing skincare products to ensure that all ingredients are safe.

Topical medications are generally the first line of recommended treatment. Antibiotics such as clindamycin and metronidazole are generally regarded as safe. Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and azelaic acid are also options.[2]

Light-based therapies such as red or blue-violet light therapy may be used in addition to topical medications.[2]

Oral therapies may be considered as a second line of treatment. Some medications should be avoided while breastfeeding. These include [2]:

• Fluoroquinolones
• Tetracyclines
• Cotrimoxazole

Sun Protection

Postpartum mothers should wear sunscreen to protect their skin. Hormonal changes increase your risk for hyperpigmentation.[1] You may notice that you’re more sensitive to the sun. But, you also might be more sensitive to your sunscreen.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) doesn’t currently have any recommendations for sunscreen products specific to breastfeeding mothers.[3]

However, there have been reports of increased absorption of chemical sunscreens, so many women opt to use mineral sunscreens instead, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.[3]

Creating Your Postpartum Skincare Routine

It’s important not to neglect your postpartum skincare routine. Instead, make it a part of your postnatal care practice.

Below are steps to build the perfect skincare routine for you.

Step 1: Consider your unique needs

Customize your skincare routine to address your specific concerns. For example, if you have acne, choose a cleanser that’s designed for acne-prone skin.

Step 2: Keep it simple

Baby brain is a thing. Do yourself a favor and don’t overcomplicate your skincare routine. Your routine doesn’t have to be fancy. Focus on the basics: gentle cleanser, toner, and moisturizer.

Step 3: Be mindful of skincare ingredients

If you’re nursing, there may be certain skincare products you’ll want to avoid as they may absorb through your skin, enter your bloodstream, and ultimately reach your baby through your milk. You may also find that your baby is sensitive to certain scents.

Step 3: Make it about more than just your face

Your whole body needs a little extra love. Consider adding some body butter and lotion to your daily routine. You could even use lavender or chamomile lotions at night to help promote sleep.

Step 4: Let your skincare routine be an act of self-love

Sure, you may notice a new stretch mark or two. Maybe you have linea nigeria (the pregnancy line) or varicose (spider) veins. You may feel different in your own skin. But, let that be okay.

Allow yourself to celebrate motherhood and appreciate your changing body. Make your skincare practice an act of self-love and speak positive affirmations to yourself as you nourish and care for your skin, maybe even giving yourself a little self-massage.

How Natalist Supports You in Your Postpartum Journey

Dr. Kenosha Gleaton is board-certified in gynecology and obstetrics and is the Medical Advisor of Natalist. She received her MD from MUSC and completed her residency at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC.

Dr. Gleaton is passionate about women, youth, and mentoring. She is a Scrubs Camp instructor, a program to increase student entry in healthcare, and serves as a Compassion International adoptive parent. She is also a member of the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology, the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, and the American Association of Professional Women.  

References:

1. Chauhan, G. & Tadi, P.. Physiology, Postpartum Changes. StatPearls. November 14, 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555904/
2. Kong YL, Tey HL. Treatment of acne vulgaris during pregnancy and lactation. Drugs.2013;73(8):779-787.doi:10.1007/s40265-013-0060-0.
3. Shareef, S., Boothby-Shoemaker, W., Abdelnour, A., & Albazi, E. Assessing public interest in sunscreen safety during pregnancy and lactation. International Journal of Women’s Dermatology. 2022: June 8(2):E18. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9119635/