Post-Pregnancy: Skin Problems Faced by New Moms

After having a baby, you might notice fairly quickly that the glow you have while pregnant is now gone leaving your skin dry, flaky and dull. This is a normal condition suffered by new mothers or second time moms. Believe it or not the stress of pregnancy and now dealing with a newborn is just beginning to leave its trail of destruction on your skin.

Common Skin Problems

Pregnant and new mothers suffer from common skin problems. One of them is puffy eyes caused by late nights and fatigue. Breastfeeding, for instance, can take its toll on the skin and the eyes are always the first to be affected. Dark circles are signs of sleepless nights tending to a newborn. Another skin problem that post-pregnancy brings is dry skin which is not only caused by sugar and caffeine fixes to stay energized but also by harsh soaps, shampoos and hot showers that deprive the skin of emollients and oils. Fine lines and wrinkles may start to appear due to exhaustion. Let us face it, pregnancy is heaven compared to the real work that’s going to start once the baby is out. And finally, you might also experience pigmentation or dark spots that appear on the epidermis.

Treatment Plan

The good thing about these skin problems is that there is something you can do about them. A combination treatment plan and therapy will work best in managing skin issues. For example, we do know that eye bags and dark circles are caused by ‘fluid retention’ so drinking lots of liquids can help. It is also best to keep yourself hydrated especially if you are expressing milk or breastfeeding. There are also store-bought eye creams that get good reviews to help relieve tired eyes and put back the sparkle in them. Look for eye creams that have vitamin C and antioxidants.

You can reduce dry, flaky skin by drinking lots of water, avoiding hot showers and harsh cleansers and moisturizing. In choosing moisturizers and lotions, go for hypoallergenic products that are rich in hyaluronic acid to fix the skin barrier and retain moisture. Add flaxseed and fish oil to your diet or take them as supplements.

For melasma or skin pigmentation, there are over-the-counter products that you can get to lighten dark spots. If buying products for skin discoloration, look for active ingredients such hydroquinone, kojic acid, retinoic, lactic and citric acid or salicylic acid combo to correct dark spots.

Lines and wrinkles are mainly caused by raging hormones and tiredness. Buy products that contain helpful ingredients such as niacinamide (vitamin B3). It reduces water loss and may improve the elasticity of the skin. Note that these products will not solve every skin issue and they are not overnight miracle workers. Getting adequate rest, eating a balanced diet, keeping skin clean & hydrated as well as using sunscreen are equally important.

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