Ten Tips for Your Best Skin as New Mama
“Becoming a mama is the best reason you’ll ever have to take care of you.”
As a new mom, it's normal to suddenly be overwhelmed with all the new responsibilities in your life, and it's not uncommon that self care can take a backburner. However, prioritizing your own self-care - while difficult - can have a major impact on your mental health and wellness. Creating rituals that focus on taking care of you during this time will help establish habits that will continue throughout motherhood, and send the message that us mamas matter, too.
Here are Our Ten Tips for Your Best Postpartum Skin:
1. Stay Hydrated: Especially if you are nursing! Water is the biggest factor in producing milk. Even if you aren't breastfeeding, it's crucial to stay hydrated to aid in postpartum recovery. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day to support proper digestion, circulation, and overall health.
2. Gentle Cleansing: Use mild, fragrance-free cleansers to avoid skin irritation, especially if your skin is sensitive postpartum.
3. Moisturize Frequently: Apply a nourishing and hydrating moisturizer to prevent dryness and support skin elasticity.
4. Protect Your Skin from the Sun: Use sunscreen to shield your skin from UV rays, preventing sun damage and maintaining skin health.
5. Don't Ignore Scars: If you have cesarean scars, follow your healthcare provider's advice for scar care to promote proper healing.
6. Strive for a Healthy Diet: Eat balanced meals that are rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats to support both physical and mental health, ensuring you get essential nutrients. Look for foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, which are beneficial for skin health and recovery.
7. Get Adequate Sleep: We get it, we're moms too - "sleep" and "babies" don't usually go hand in hand. However, it's important to strive to get enough sleep whenever possible, grabbing a nap during the day where you can or going to bed 30 minutes earlier. Avoiding screen time for an hour before bed will help you wind down more for sleep.
8. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Avoiding the obvious toxins like smoking may be well known, but you also want to make sure that everything going in or on your body is safe for you and your baby! Make skincare, cleaning product, and food choices that have the health of mom and baby at the forefront.
9. Opt for Postpartum-Specific Skincare: Consider skincare products designed for postpartum skin, addressing specific needs during this period.
10. See a Dermatologist: If you have specific skin concerns, consult with a dermatologist for personalized advice and treatment options.
Above all - don't forget to give yourself grace. Adjusting to the changes motherhood brings takes time, and it's okay not to have everything figured out immediately. You aren't perfect, and no one expects you to be. Keep your focus on the main goal: a mentally well you!
* Remember to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice based on your individual needs.
