Women go through various changes throughout her life. From puberty to adulthood, to motherhood to old age, her body needs to adjust for every emotional, mental, and physical change that comes with it. And one area that receives all those jabs is the skin.
Post-partum skin issues
While others experience the so-called pregnancy glow, most women become more prone to various skin conditions during and after pregnancy. The hormones go haywire, making the skin vulnerable to oiliness, dryness, dark patches, and acne. Moreover, some would notice sudden hair loss, brittle nails, and an increase of stretch marks on certain parts of their bodies, affecting their overall self-confidence.
Mix in the stress of taking care of the child and keeping the household intact; getting your glow back may seem impossible. If you aren’t careful, this may result in depression, anxiety, emotional stress, and other mental health issues further affecting your well-being. However, there’s no need to fear embracing these changes.
Although these changes are inevitable, it helps to know that these are temporary. With a few self-care tips, a skincare routine, and a regular consultation with your trusted dermatologist for treatments best for your situation, you’ll find yourself in your usual glow in no time.
Avoid making drastic changes
While you may be tempted to buy cosmetic products that promise glowing and radiant skin, it’s crucial to let it rest. Your body has gone through a lot of stress and changes following childbirth, and just like you, your skin needs time to breathe, repair, and rebalance itself naturally. Thus, applying too many harsh creams and toners and going under surgeries will only exhaust your skin, causing it to sag or develop permanent pigmentations.
At this point, the natural way is your best solution. This means staying hydrated and cleaning your face with lukewarm water. Stay away from harsh soaps and chemicals and stick with gentle and organic products.
For example, if you have dry, flaky skin, washing your face with virgin coconut oil once a day will help replenish its moisture. On the other hand, if you have oily skin, go for organic oil-free products such as honey, oatmeal, egg whites, and lemons. Adding these to your skincare routine as a mask or cleanser can help you exfoliated and control skin issues without stripping its natural oils.
Get equal active and rest time
Your body housed a human being for nine months. So, naturally, it will loosen, sag, and will definitely need more time to recover. Therefore, giving yourself a deadline to go back to how your body was would be unfair for you and your baby.
For one, giving in to the pressure of looking your best after childbirth will steal your time away to enjoy motherhood. Instead, your focus will solely be directed towards meeting the standards and expectations of society. Thus, it may even result in you neglecting your obligations to your baby.
Instead, strive to get enough sleep and eat nutritious food. Moreover, it pays to feed your mind with good words and surround yourself with people who genuinely care about you. This can help you survive the first few months after birth and bounce back nicely from all the stress that comes with it.
When you can, gradually start a lightly active lifestyle by going out to get some sun, walking to the park with your baby, or do some mild workouts. Moreover, don’t underestimate the power of breastfeeding, as it can be beneficial for you and your newborn child.
For one, breastfed babies have a lower risk of obesity, diabetes, and various infections. Consequently, breastfeeding can reduce the chance of developing ovarian and breast cancer among mothers. Most importantly, it helps them lose weight and become conscious of their diet. Eating healthy food supports your baby and overall health resulting in better, clearer, and more radiant skin.
Consider touch therapy
Massage can do wonders on one’s body, especially after week-long child care. For one, it helps balance your blood circulation and relax those tensed muscles that may cause pain and discomfort. It also aids in rebooting the immune and endocrine system crucial for controlling growth, development, mood booster, and protection from germs and viruses. So, consider going for a massage at least once a month. You can also do it at home by massaging your face and neck every morning with organic oils.
Most importantly, thinking about other’s opinions on your body is a waste of time. You have gone through a lot; thus, it is crucial to be gentle with yourself. Take things one day at a time. There is no need to rush to get fit or achieve healthy skin right away. Instead, go at your own pace and enjoy the journey.
