Skincare tips for new mums

Childbirth and pregnancy are life-changing experiences for women. Your priorities may shift once your newborn is in your arms as suddenly you have less time for your previous daily routines. Skincare may take a back seat as your little one becomes the center of attention. Your skin also goes through a lot of changes during and post-pregnancy. For some they may have been glowing and look radiant throughout pregnancy, and for others they may have developed acne or rosacea. Don’t worry; this is completely normal.

Going through this phase is a true roller-coaster of hormones and the built-up stress and fatigue of becoming a new parent could easily leave your skin looking dull, dry, worn out and prone to breakouts. One may also notice hair loss post pregnancy - Telogen Effluvium which commonly occurs 12-16 weeks postpartum.

Here Are Some Tips To Get Your Glow Back!

-Get plenty of sleep. We know this sounds impossible but make sure you hit the bed whenever your little one is sleeping. Sleep deprivation results in dull and dry skin as sleep helps the skin repair and recover from inflammation

-Avoid skin dehydration. This may seem like an obvious thing - just drink more water… but actually there is a lack of evidence stating that drinking more water results in glowing skin, instead avoiding hot showers/baths, the use of heavily fragranced products and too much alcohol will prevent skin dehydration resulting in a brighter skin appearance

-Invest in a good SPF. Post pregnancy we often feel tired/fatigued and notice fine lines and wrinkles and the dark circles under the eyes more easily. UV damage causes 80-90% of our wrinkles therefore the most important skin care product is your sunscreen. Get the protection your skin needs and the gorgeous glow you crave post pregnancy with Elta MD UV Glow!

Don’t skip the Cleanser. There cannot be an excuse to skip this. Cleansing the skin at the end of the day just like brushing your teeth is vital. This will remove the dead skin cells, oil, bacteria etc.. which builds up on the skin’s surface throughout the day resulting in healthier appearing skin and reduction in breakouts such as acne.

-Eat fruits, veggies, and good fats. Fruit and vegetables are essential to ensure you get enough vitamins and minerals that make your skin glow. Pregnancy takes its toll on the body and often women are deficient in vitamins post pregnancy such as iron. (especially those who suffered from hyperemesis/extreme morning sickness) Most self-proclaimed diet experts will tell you to cut down on fat, but that's a bad idea. If you have good fat that comes from nuts, olive oil, etc., it'll show on your skin as good fats are essential for firm and supple skin. For a new busy mum a quick way to consume these is in a smoothie with fruits, veggies, and nuts.

If you’re really struggling with your skin postpartum or have other skincare concerns, do get in touch with us on 01 912 3030 / info@instituteofdermatologists.ie