First, may we remind you that you have housed and birthed an entire person? Cut yourself some slack, please. It is important to take a minute and realise that what your skin is going through can be healed and even if you’ve only applied moisturiser once in the last 20 weeks, it is okay. However, if you have certain skin concerns that you would like to address, we have some expert advice for you. Known for her easy-to-follow skincare instructions, Dr Kiran Sethi, the founder of Delhi-based Isya Derm, is an authority on skincare. “With skincare, you have to be patient. New mums should ideally wait for three to six months to see results,” she explains. Read on for her top tips on nourishing your skin back to health.
The common post-partum skin concerns most women face
Post-pregnancy skin conditions depend on various factors like how your hormones rebalance themselves, whether you’re breastfeeding, your sleep cycle as well as any other post-natal issues. You can experience anything from dryness, to congested pores and breakouts to melisma, and if you’re one of the skin God’s favourites, healthier and glowing skin.
Acne & Pigmentation: “This is mostly caused by hormone changes.”
Dullness & Dryness: “This often happens because the delivery has been stressful on the body.”
The solutions
Acne: To manage zits, Dr Kiran recommends consulting a dermatologist. “We generally advise mums to use good skincare ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide and retinols.”
Pigmentation: “To fight this, use skincare ingredients that contain AHAs, alpha arbutin, kojic acid and lots of sunblock,” she explains. Exposure to the sun even while sitting in a car can darken existing freckles and encourage pigmentation.
Dryness: “To combat dryness, make sure your cleanser is non-foaming. Stick to using hyaluronic acid serums, heavier moisturisers and sunblock,” she adds. Pro tip: Begin by applying a hyaluronic acid serum to damp skin and then seal it with a moisturiser. Wait for it to dry and then apply SPF. This will prevent the formula from pilling.
Dullness: “To fight lacklustre skin, try using vitamin C products, AHAs, PHAs and sunblock,” she suggests. Vitamin C helps brighten dark spots and pigmentation and the acids help make skin more elastic, toned, and hydrated.
A basic skincare routine new mums can try
Cleanser: “Cetaphil cleanser or the iS Clinical Cream Cleanser.”
Serum: “Sesderma C-Vit Radiance Glowing Liquid Fluid (day), any serum with active ingredients at night.”
Moisturiser: As per your skin type
Sunblock: “iS Clinical Eclipse SPF 50+ (only in the day).”
