Are you seeing changes in your skin after the birth of your little one? Is it very different from how your skin looked before and during pregnancy? If yes, your post-pregnancy hormones are responsible for said changes.
The good news is that these skin conditions are temporary and there are tonnes of treatments available that can help minimise as well as eliminate these problems.
Listed below are 5 common postpartum skin issues and how you can effectively deal with them...
Melasma
Melasma is a type of skin pigmentation where you develop dark patches on your skin. This is caused by increased melanin production due to hormonal and genetic changes, as well as UV exposure.
Remedy: Slather a generous amount of a sunscreen such as the Lakmé Sun Expert Ultra Matte SPF 50 PA+++ Gel Sunscreen during the day and some Lakmé Absolute Perfect Radiance Skin Lightening Night Crème to prevent and lighten the spots.
Hormonal acne
Post pregnancy, the progesterone and estrogen levels in your body fluctuate a lot leading to increased sebum production and clogged pores. This leads to an increase in the appearance of acne.
Remedy: Use sebum controlling products such as the Dermalogica Sebum Clearing Masque, which is an oil-absorbing clay mask that helps detoxify skin to clear and prevent breakouts.
Stretchmarks
This is a skin condition that affects at least 90% of pregnant women. These marks occur due to the excessive stretching of the skin and appear mainly around the belly.
Remedy: Use an intensive, heavy moisturiser during and after your pregnancy on your stomach and breast area. You can try the Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Glow Body Lotion for this purpose.
Dry skin
Hormonal changes during and after child birth tend to sap skin of lipids. This leads to dry and flaky patches on your face and neck.
Remedy: Apart from staying hydrated internally by eating a lot of fruits and drinking enough water, you can apply the Pond’s Light Moisturiser Non-Oily Fresh Feel day and night to keep your skin moisturised and healthy.
Facial spider veins
Increased blood circulation and fluctuating hormone levels enhances the appearance of facial veins that look like spider webs.
Remedy: This usually disappears on its own a few months after childbirth. But as a precautionary measure, you can apply a skin soothing cream such as the Lakmé 9to5 Naturale Aloe Aqua Gel to keep skin inflammation and redness under control.
Written by Urvi Dalal on Feb 14, 2019
Writer, avid reader and hardcore beauty enthusiast is the best way to describe Urvi Dalal. With over 5 years of writing experience in the beauty industry, you can trust her to have the latest skin, hair and makeup tidbits on her fingertips. In her time working as a beauty writer, she has had the opportunity to interact and work closely with a string of dermatologists, makeup artists and hairstylists. All that knowledge exchange, coupled with her flair and love for writing make it possible for her to bring you some authentic yet fun beauty content. When Urvi isn’t working, you’d usually catch her curled up with a big, fat book, drinking a cup of tea or practising her makeup skills; there is no in-between!