Postpartum skincare routine.

Not sure where to start with your postpartum skincare? Reduce the hyperpigmentation and regain your supple skin again.

Picture this, you’re a brand new mom bringing home your new baby. Your skin feels and looks different. You’re not sure where to start with your postpartum skincare. 

Postpartum skin was nothing like my pregnancy skin. The texture felt dry, dull, and less supple. While doing a lot of skin-to-skin I was apprehensive to try new products. Being a new mom I found it difficult to make time for an elaborate skincare routine. I wasn’t sure where to start with my postpartum skincare.

My main goal was to create an easy postpartum skincare routine that addressed my hyperpigmentation and gave me glowing supple skin.

Disclaimer: The blog post outlines my postpartum skincare journey and routine. The products I have tried have worked for me and the same results may or may not apply to all readers. This blog post is not intended to replace medical advice.

Tackling dry, loose skin during postpartum

I needed moisture and lots of it. When I think of skincare I always remember that our bodies are composed of 70% water. So that was the first thing I incorporated into my postpartum skincare routine. I started by adding more water to my daily routine.

Drinking water for postpartum skin

Increasing my water intake helped rehydrate my body and improve my skin texture. Not to mention drinking more water helped to lose the post-baby water weight.

Moisturizing is essential for a postpartum skincare routine

I wanted to jump back into my pre-pregnancy skin routine but I was cautious because I was still doing a lot of skin-to-skin. Using moisturizing products with a minimal fragrance and strength. Some of my favorite products included a moisturizing cleanser that didn’t strip my skin. Hyaluronic acid was my best friend using it alone and in a day/night moisturizer. Another great ingredient was squalene oil which helps to moisturize and soften skin. 

Safe products to use 

Hesitation surrounding my skincare was based on the fact that newborn skin is delicate and sensitive. Being a new mom I was suspicious of every bump, rash, and irritation on my newborn’s skin. I was doing a lot of skin-to-skin and pumping breast milk. I wanted to ensure there was a low chance of the product absorbing into my bloodstream and ending up in my breast milk. 

Collagen

I knew that I would need a boost of collagen. Collagen helps to improve the elasticity and firmness of the skin. There are many ways to increase your collagen, I purchased a powder form to add to my coffee in the morning. I also added more collagen-rich food to my diet.

Addressing hyperpigmentation for postpartum skin

Throughout my life, I have had combination skin. I was prone to the occasional hormonal and chocolate fuelled break out. In my twenties, I started to notice hyperpigmentation on my face. During pregnancy, I noticed that hyperpigmentation became more pronounced. Are these patches permanent? What can I do to treat them? What can I do to prevent them? 

After speaking with a medical doctor and aesthetician I became aware that these areas of hyperpigmentation also known as melasma and are brought on by hormonal changes during pregnancy. There are many products of varying strengths that can be used to treat melasma.

Retinoids and Alternatives

Retinoids work wonders! But while pumping breast milk I had to wait. As an alternative, I tried glycolic acid and vitamin C. I was pleasantly surprised by the results I got from using the glycolic acid and sparingly using vitamin C. I used to vitamin C once a week as a spot treatment because I was experiencing sensitivity.

Safe sun protection during postpartum

Melasma worsens with sun exposure. I first noticed my hyperpigmentation after many summers in the sun and I’m pretty sure I wasn’t applying sunscreen. Lessons learned! I applied sunscreen as part of my morning skincare. It has become part of my routine regardless of whether I’m going outside and don’t forget to wear a hat. 

What I look for when choosing a sunscreen

When choosing sunscreen I prefer cream or lotion with a 30-50 SPF. I try to avoid sunscreens that leave a white cast (it’s not a cute look) instead I like a dewy or glow finish on my skin. I also look for minimal fragrances as a personal preference. 

Ingredients that helped my hyperpigmentation

There are many options on how to treat melasma. My list very minimal and I have seen results. I have been using glycolic acid a couple time s week in the morning or evening routine religiously and that has worked well for me. 

I have also used vitamin C and niacinamide. These three ingredients have been a great first step in treating my melasma. 

 Ingredients that work for hyperpigmentation

While looking for products to use for treating hyperpigmentation it’s important to remember there are different strengths, to apply in the correct sequence ( usually moving from light product to thicker heavier product). I was a complete novice when looking for products and what ingredients actually work. I created a short list of ingredients to look out for.

AHA’S and BHA’S

Glycol acid 

Kojic acid

Lactic acid 

Mandelic acid 

Brightening

Niacinamide 

Vitamin C

Tranexamic acid

Kojic acid

Prescription 

Tretinoin

Azaleic acid

Products I am considering

Some products which I plan to try in the future include a retinoid which will penetrate the skin deeper. I am also very interested in light therapy to help with stubborn hyperpigmentation and correcting sun damage.