You are sleep deprived, exhausted and you battle hunger pangs all while looking after a totally dependent baby throughout the day. You look at the mirror and feel like your skin has been through a wringer. You realize you can’t let the hormones wreak havoc on your appearance, but, finding the best skin care for moms is like a minefield with the texture change and extra sensitivity. You might find it newly dry or oily. Taking care of your dark circles, blemishes and stretch marks become tougher than managing your mood swings, when you are pregnant or a new mom.
However, it is not impossible to repair and restore your skin. There are various skin care products and treatments to make you glow again!
Skin care tips for the new moms!
1. Drink plenty of water :
Many people underestimate the power of drinking water. Water helps balance the pH of your skin. It flushes out toxins from the body to help improve the health of your skin and prevents pimples and acne. Water hydrates your skin which helps to retain elasticity and prevent wrinkles. It is the most natural way to get the glowing skin you desire.
2. Make lifestyle changes :
Get enough sleep so you can recover from the rigors of motherhood. Stay away from caffeine and alcohol as they cause dehydration and sleep deprivation; and quit smoking. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and food rich in antioxidants and omega-3s, vitamins A and C to keep your skin looking young and radiant.
Don’t forget about self-care! Take time for yourself and do things you enjoy like reading or going for a walk in the park with baby.
3. Be gentle on your skin and hair :
Wipes help remove make-up quickly. But they are abrasive and contain alcohol. As convenient as it may be, switch to a cleanser. Avoid harsh chemicals and fragrances and choose natural alternatives. Simplify your skin care routine. I know it’s easy to be obsessed with actives and acids. But, do not go over board. Just like your baby’s skin yours need to be cared for too. In fact, take a bath with your child . Besides the perfect bonding experience, you can also share Neutral’s baby soap and washing gel. They are mild enough for everyday use, because the formulas are specially developed so that they reduce the risk of irritation and allergic reactions in the child’s skin – and yours.
4. Don’t hesitate to visit a Dermatologist :
Most women experience changes in their skin and hair along with their bodies during pregnancy and postpartum. It is not just you. But why plodder along with something when it’s clearly making you unhappy. Consult a dermatologist, as they will assess your skin type and help pick the right skin care products for you.
5. Invest in the products best for your skin :
While you don’t hesitate to spend on your baby’s products, you tend to go for cheaper ones when it comes to self care. Or, you splash the cash on actives and serum rather than moisturizer. Always know your needs and what goes in to your skin care products before buying them.
10 must have products for your skin care routine
1. Cleanser
While you can skip any part of your skin care routine, make sure you wash your face twice daily with a cleanser. A good cleanser is gentle on your skin and removes all impurities and gets your skin oil free. Don’t over do it. Too much cleansing will breakdown skin barrier.
The MamaEarth products are made for moms like you. So why don’t you try their Vitamin C cleanser!
2. Toner
Toner is totally optional. If you are prone to acne, look for ones specifically formulated for acne. If you have dry skin, opt for hydrating toners. They are soothing and help balance the pH of your skin.
Like me, if you are keen on using products of the same brand too, try this Mama Earth Vitamin C kit!
3. Serums
Because a serum is lighter and delivers active ingredients to the skin quickly, it goes on first, after you’ve cleansed your skin. Serum improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and provides visible effects. Based on the ingredients, they can be used for hydrating, anti-aging and skin brightening. Dermatology experts recommend Vitamin C serums. They are good for all ages and mitigate dark spots.
Give this plum serum a try!
4. Moisturizer
Irrespective of your skin type, this is a must have skin care essential. Your skin might become drier than usual post pregnancy. Moisturizer combats dehydrated skin and re balance it, strengthening your skin barriers. If you have oily skin go for light moisturizers to prevent piling under make-up. For very dry skin, thicker creams are suggested.
This body shop product is a luxury product for your skin that you must try!
5. Sunscreen
UV rays are pretty much the reason for premature aging. Plus, if you’re treating hyper pigmentation without daily SPF use, it’s like taking two steps forward and one step backward. So there is no option here when it comes to using sunscreen. Smooth on a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen in your morning skincare routine, including on your neck and the backs of your hands. I know most of your concern is your skin becoming greasy on using one. But have you ever tried the photostat gold sunscreen yet? It has matte finish and totally grease free!
6. Eye masks / creams
Dark circles under the eyes are a tell-tale sign of fatigue and are the signature of every new mom. They can be very adamant and difficult to bid goodbye to. Many products make bold claims that they completely eliminate dark circles They fail most of the times, because dark circles are caused by multiple factors like lack of sleep, allergies, increased screen time or genetics. For long term results, include a cream containing Retinol-A in your skin care routine. But, if you had a rough night, under eye patch could be a good way to relieve puffiness.
Mother and pocket friendly Mama Earth under eye cream for the tough rings under your eyes.
7. CC Creams
It’s no secret that new moms find very little time to shut their eyes, let alone self care. I am sure sneaking time for make-up could become an impossible task. Fret not. A quick layer of CC cream can help to give the illusion of flawless-looking skin by blending the blemishes and you are good to go out.
Ladies, you can ‘fake it till you make it.’ However, your body has been through a lot to bring life into the world. So cut yourself some slack. Embrace the imperfections. You are radiant anyway!
8. Stretch marks cream
We know it’s impossible to get rid of stretch marks overnight. You need Vitamin E oil and many other natural and chemical extracts to get the even-toned skin back and remove those marks. Researchers have studied many of the creams, lotions, and gels sold to treat stretch marks. Use the product on early stretch marks. For mature ones, laser therapy from a dermatologist will give the desired result.
Give this Palmer’s cocoa butter massage oil a go!
9. Coconut oil
Simplicity is the key. Nothing works better than coconut oil, when it comes to dry, cracked and sore nipples from breastfeeding. Also it serves multipurpose, You can use it to remove make-up at night and even hydrate your body instead of lotions. Plus it is the best product for your hair too and it is evidently proved.
Get this Kama Ayurveda virgin coconut oil for glowing skin.
10. Lip balm
If your lips feel chapped or dry, you might instinctively lick your lips to keep them moisturized. Doing so actually leads to more dryness. Lip balms are your go to solution. for dryness. Look for a lip balm with ingredients like shea butter or petrolatum. Don’t forget to apply SPF 30+ to your lips any time you’ll be heading outside.
Go for Plum candy lip balm to give your lips a velvety texture.
Your skin can’t escape the rules of nature during pregnancy and motherhood. But there is hope that you can keep your youthful glow even after that. I hope this post added value to your life and solves your queries on skin care.
Related : Post partum essentials for the new moms!I
If you are looking for natural ways of skin and hair care, try reading, Ayurveda – Vedic pregnancy skin and hair care partner!
Such an insightful and holistic post! Pregnancy is quite challenging but definitely rewarding. Thank you for this useful post – I was able to learn a lot!
Most welcome Yamini!