The body undergoes several physical changes during pregnancy and after delivery, and skin changes top the list. The stretch marks on the belly are one of the most common skin problems post-delivery. Not just that, skin problems after delivery also include conditions such as melasma, a widespread skincare problem that occurs during pregnancy and extends to postpartum, and pregnancy acne might also follow. Such issues make skin care after delivery a vital aspect of self-care for every new mother.
After the delivery, the body takes time to accommodate and rebound its old form, which does not happen on its own. Amidst the new phase of motherhood, you need to take some time out for your skincare to protect your skin from damage and bring the glow back. In this article, we shall discuss the tips and tricks for better skincare after delivery. Let us get started.
In This Article
- Is Your Skin Different After Delivery?
- Top 6 Common Skin Problems After Delivery
- How to Reduce Skin Problems After Delivery?
- FAQ’s
Is Your Skin Different After Delivery?
Yes. Skin is the largest organ in our body, stretching and adjusting to accommodate the little one. The body goes through several changes during and post-delivery. Once the little one steps into the outside world, the skin must adjust to our changing body conditions.
There are several reasons why the skin changes after delivery such as
- Hormonal Changes
- Vascular Changes
- Glandular Changes
- Structural Skin Changes
- Underlying Skin conditions that get worse during pregnancy
Most postpartum skin problems are associated with pregnancy. Your body needs time to heal and get back to the pre-pregnancy stages. You might note that acne might pop up only after delivery, and it is only concerned with postpartum body conditions.
Top 6 Common Skin Problems After Delivery
Your body has undergone many changes during pregnancy and needs time to rebound. The initial days of sleepless nights add to worsen the skin condition. Without worrying much, you have patience and give your body its own time. The following are some of most common skin problems after delivery.
1. Dry Skin
The hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy can lead to dry patches on the skin, especially on the face. You can follow a simple moisturizing routine to get rid of dry skin.
2. Oily Skin
Pregnancy glow is one of the initial symptoms that indicates pregnancy. An increase in androgen hormones results in the production of sebum which also results in oily skin. For some women though, this oiliness will continue post-delivery too. To get rid of oiliness, you can follow a gentle cleansing routine.
3. Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are commonly found on the tummy. Your body has expanded to accommodate the little one, and you must wait until it returns to normal.
[Read : Stretch Marks After Pregnancy]
4. Acne
During pregnancy, the sebaceous glands in our body produce an oily wax called sebum, which helps keep the skin moist. During pregnancy, sebum can become excessive, clog the pores, and result in pregnancy acne. For some women, acne may continue post-delivery too, but this skin condition will settle with time.
5. Dark Spots
Dark spots, often known as melasma, are prevalent among pregnant women. They tend to get dark patches on the arms, neck, and face. Melasma is widespread during pregnancy and may extend to postpartum. It is not a severe issue but might be frustrating to deal with.
6. Hives
The most common skin condition during pregnancy is the Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy (PUPPP), also known as Polymorphic eruption of pregnancy (PEP). Women develop small, red, and itchy bumps and rashes across the abdomen during the third trimester or early postpartum. It happens when the abdomen tissue stretches and damages the connecting tissues.
How to Reduce Skin Problems After Delivery?
The following are some of the tips to reduce postpartum skin issues.
1. For Skin Acne and Pimples
- Wash your face twice using a mild cleanser and warm water.
- Do not squeeze the pimple.
- Consult the doctor if the problem persists or worsens
2. For Dry Skin
- Use a gentle cleanser to wash the face once a day and plain water to wash the face several times a day.
- Moisturize your face before and after bed.
- Do not take prolonged or hot bath showers.
- Drink plenty of water and fluids to keep yourself hydrated.
- If the problem persists, consult the doctor and take a blood test to check the thyroid levels.
[Read : Postpartum Thyroiditis]
3. For Oily Skin
- Choose oil-free products for your skin.
- Clean your makeup kits and brushes
- If you still face the problem, consult a dermatologist.
- Stay out of the sun.
- Eat a balanced and healthy diet.
- Drink lots of water.
- Maintain good hygiene.
Skin problems after delivery are common for most new mothers. These problems settle with time and care as we mentioned in this article. It is vital to stay away from products high in chemicals and choose natural and organic products. In case the skin issues seem to worsen, you can always consult a dermatologist or your gynecologist.
[Read : How Much Water To Drink When Breastfeeding?]
FAQ’s
1. Why Does Skin Get Darker After Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, hormone secretion is high in the body, which leads to the development of dark patches. These hormones reduce postpartum, and the dark patches will go away after delivery.
2. How Long Does it Take For Your Skin to Return to Normal After Pregnancy?
The uterus takes approximately six weeks to get back to the standard size, and the skin takes several weeks to months to get back to normalcy after delivery.
3. Does Breastfeeding Affect the Skin?
During breastfeeding, the progesterone is usually high and hence leads to dry skin, Make sure you drink plenty of water and use gentle moisturizers to care for your skin.
Read Also: Effective Tips To Tighten Skin After Pregnancy
