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How to Care for Your Skin Postpartum
Written by: Maxine Resimius | Published:
Welcome to the Fourth Trimester
Postpartum is sacred. It’s raw, beautiful, exhausting, empowering, and wildly transformative. While so much attention naturally shifts to your sweet new baby (understandably so!), let’s not forget: your body just did something incredible. And now, it’s in the process of healing and recovering.
During this season, hormonal shifts are inevitable. Estrogen and progesterone levels drop dramatically after birth, and this sudden change can lead to a cascade of skin and hair changes you may not have anticipated.
Common postpartum skin changes include:
- Dry, flaky skin or scalp
- Eczema
- Melasma (patchy dark spots)
- Hormonal acne
- Thinning hair or hair shedding
Let’s talk about simple, manageable ways to care for your skin (and yourself) as you navigate this new season of postpartum.
Hormones and stress are deeply interconnected. Elevated cortisol from chronic stress can disrupt sleep, slow healing, and worsen skin concerns like acne, inflammation, or eczema.
Even small shifts can make a difference:
- Ask for help (seriously, don’t try to do it all)
- Vent to your partner or call a friend
- Take a slow, grounding walk outside
- Soak in a warm bath
- Watch a feel-good show while nursing or during naptime
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Support Your Skin Barrier
Your skin barrier is a protective shield that keeps moisture in and irritants out. After birth, it can become sensitive and compromised, leading to dryness, irritation, and inflammation.
Simple tips:
- Use gentle, non-toxic, fragrance-free skincare
- Focus on hydration, nourishment, and barrier repair
- Avoid harsh cleansers, over-washing, or aggressive exfoliation
Try:The Simple One – a nourishing tallow balm with minimal ingredients and maximum skin-loving benefits. Perfect for sensitive postpartum skin that needs gentle tender loving care.
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Don't Skip SPF
Dramatic hormone shifts after pregnancy can leave your skin extra sensitive, making it more prone to sunburn, irritation, and melasma.
That’s why SPF is absolutely essential. Apply SPF any time you're heading outdoors to protect your skin!
Look for a sunscreen that is:
- Mineral-based (zinc oxide is a great option)
- Fragrance-free
- Non-comedogenic
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Apply Vitamin C
Topical Vitamin C is a great option for postpartum mothers looking to brighten and even out their complexion.
What it does:
- Fades melasma and dark spots
- Boosts collagen
- Soothes redness and inflammation
- Brightens dull, tired skin
- Helps acne-prone skin by calming breakouts and fading marks
Skin tip: Use a gentle, nourishing formula like The Bright One – designed to hydrate, soothe, and support a radiant glow, without irritating sensitive skin.
5
Nourish From Within
Your body is in the process of replenishing nutrient stores, and your skin relies on that internal nourishment to glow again.
Your gut health plays a crucial role in your overall well-being, including the appearance of your skin. Supporting gut health can reduce inflammation and improve nutrient absorption, promoting a clearer, more glowing complexion.
- Prebiotic-rich foods: garlic, onion, leeks, oats, bananas, and other fiber-rich options
- Digestive support teas like peppermint or ginger
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Balance Blood Sugar
Blood sugar regulation is essential postpartum – it directly impacts hormonal balance, energy, mood, and skin health.
Simple tips:
- Pair carbs with fat, fiber, and protein
- Avoid skipping meals
- Incorporate movement after meals, like a walk, a little dancing, or tidying up around the house
- Try diluted apple cider vinegar water before carb-heavy meals
8
Don't Forget the Scalp!
When estrogen levels drop after birth,it can lead to noticeable hair shedding – a completely normal (though frustrating) part of postpartum. An itchy, dry scalp is also a common side effect during this time.
If this sounds familiar, try:
- Massaging a botanical scalp oil into your roots 1–2x/week
- Choosing oils like sweet almond, jojoba, or castor oil to support growth and soothe irritation
- Being gentle – skip tight ponytails and rough brushing
And most importantly, remind yourself: your hair will grow back. Be kind and patient with yourself. Your body is still healing, shifting, and catching up after doing something truly incredible.
Try: The Hair Oil – a nutrient-rich formula infused with organic flowers and herbs, designed to address a wide range of hair and scalp concerns.
The Takeaway
Postpartum is a time of healing, rebuilding, and redefining self-care. It won’t always feel easy, but there are small, sustainable ways to nurture your skin, balance your hormones, and uplift your spirit.
This is about progress, not perfection. Take one small step at a time – whether it’s a warm bath, a nourishing meal, or a swipe of balm on dry skin.
You’re doing a beautiful job, mama. Your glow will return in time, with care.