Pregnancy and childbirth can bring some significant changes in the body, including your skin. You have just delivered a life into this world and are looking for something to suit your tender skin at the current stage.
Postpartum skin care is not just about glowing skin but, overall addressing the skin concerns. Whether excess dryness, active acne, sensitive skin or a tired visible face, there is no sorcery of one product solution.
A real and functional skin care routine for new moms begins with basic products. Consistentialy using a gentle skin care routine for your concern will definitely benefit. An appropriate gentle face wash is a starting pillar to any skin care routine.
A face wash is an important step in a skin care routine as it helps in removing the excess oil, dirt, pollutants and environmental irritants and clears the skin pores to give a fresh and new look. But, when it’s for new moms, it definitely needs to be best in the market without a second thought.
Science Behind Postpartum Skin
Pregnancy and delivery doesn’t necessarily mean immediate transition to tired and sensitive skin. It can be noticed in weeks following childbirth. During pregnancy, increase in blood volume makes the skin healthy and glowing.
Hormones such as progesterone and estrogen present in the body helps to maintain placenta thus, a healthy pregnancy. But, due to heavy hormonal fluctuations and sudden changes, the effects are visible on the face. Since there is not much time for the body to adjust to changes, it causes postpartum skin issues.
Common Warning Signs
Some of the issues are as follows:
- Excess dryness
- Oiliness
- Acne
- Unexplained pigmentation in the forehead or cheeks area
- Dark circles
- Increased sensitivity to products used in the past
- Flare-ups
- Eczema
- Rosacea.
Why Ingredients Matters Post Pregnancy?
- Transport in breast milk
Skin is a permeable layer. Pregnancy can also increase permeability due to hormonal changes. Even though skincare applied topically, yet some of the ingredients might get absorbed into the bloodstream. Thus, trace amounts may enter breast milk and further be consumed by your newborn.
- Hormonal Dependency
During months of pregnancy, the body becomes used to a certain level of hormones in the body. Major hormonal shifts cause the postpartum bodies to experience skin sensitivity. Ingredients such as parabens and phthalates in regular skincare products, act as endocrine disruptors. In the body, it can cause hormone imbalances. Exposure to these chemicals after pregnancy can cause postpartum anxiety and depression to an extent.
- Increased Skin Sensitivity
Since, postpartum skin is sensitive. Any harsh chemical exfoliants or synthetic fragrances can cause irritation. Dullness, breakouts as well as uneven skin tone can occur. While in some cases, dermatitis has also been reported.
Ingredients To Avoid Post Maternity
- Retinoids (Retinol, Tretinoin)
Generally restricted during both pregnancy and breastfeeding. High doses of tretinoin absorb systemically and can be transferred to infants via breastfeeding.
- Hydroquinone
It is a skin lightening agent that has a high absorption rate through the skin. It can show some side effects in nursing mothers.
- Salicylic Acid in High Dose
Large amounts of chemical peels can absorb deeply into the system.
- Synthetic Fragrances
Often fragrance acts as hormone disruptors that can transfer to the baby.
- Parabens
It is commonly used as preservatives in skin care. They can mimic estrogen, thus disrupting hormonal and endocrinal functions.
- Phthalates
It causes increased oxidative stress in the body and neuronal disruptions.
5 Best Cleansers For New Moms
- Alite Neem & Aloe Vera Face Wash
It is a soap-free cleanser for gentle use. It can even be used during or post pregnancy. Herbal active like neem extract and aloe vera removes excess oil and impurities. It further does not dry out the skin barrier.
- Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Cetaphil’s cleanser is a mild and non-irritating formula. Also, best suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive or compromised skin post delivery.
- Fixderma Non Drying Cleanser
It is a no soap cleanser. It is a sulfate free cleanser which is ideal for new moms dealing with dry or irritated skin. It reduces dryness and discomfort. It also keeps the skin barrier intact.
- CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
It is a non-comedogenic cleanser suitable for dry to normal skin. It contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid as main ingredients. It provides barrier protecting action. Being fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, it is perfect for sensitive or allergy-prone skin.
- Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser
A light cleanser which gently exfoliates skin and unclog pores. Also it is suitable for acne prone and oily postpartum skin. But generally not recommended during breastfeeding without professional guidance. It is due to salicylic acid being the main ingredient.
Tips To Use The Face Wash Properly
If you are using the best face cleanser, it may also cause skin damage if it is not used in a correct way. Therefore consider the following steps during face cleansing:
- Use face wash twice a day. One in the morning and one before going to bed. As it is recommended by experts to prevent dry or flaky skin.
- Wash the hands first to remove dirt and germs from the hand.
- Use lukewarm water to rinse the face.
- Put a small amount of cleanser on the palms and gently massage the face wash in a circular motion for about 60-90 seconds and rinse thoroughly with water.
- Pat dry the face with a clean cloth.
- Apply a gentle moisturizer after cleansing to prevent dry or flaky skin. Hormonal shifts after birth can also leave skin shinier than before, in which case an oily skin moisturizer with a lightweight gel or lotion texture hydrates without clogging pores or adding to midday shine.
Final Thoughts
While postpartum skin deserves a dedicated skincare routine, it must be done with an understanding of the facts. During this healing period, it is essential to use gentle and hydrating cleansers. Choosing the best face wash for women should also involve checking ingredients carefully, as ingredients like salicylic acid must be kept at an optimal level in any facial cleanser. There should be no synthetic fragrance as well as no PEGs. Always consider patch testing any new product and consult a dermatologist. Most importantly, be kind to your skin.
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