Pregnancy brings about a lot of changes, but you may be surprised to learn that many of the changes involve your skin. For example, you may develop dark patches or blotchy spots, as well as acne, rashes, and stretch marks. But pregnancy isn’t the only time you may notice shifts in your skin health. Many skin changes continue or spring up after delivery as well. Like many postpartum issues, though, most of these can fade and resolve with time.
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Why do postpartum skin changes occur?
- What types of skin issues might I experience postpartum?
- When can I expect postpartum skin changes to fade?
- Are there any skincare products I should avoid while breastfeeding?
- What are some safe ways to take care of my skin postpartum?
Why do postpartum skin changes occur?
Postpartum skin changes can be a continuation of what began during your pregnancy, but you may also see new issues pop up. The changes are usually caused by the shifts happening with your hormones, skin glands, metabolism, vascular system, and immune system, both during and after your pregnancy. These changes, paired with the drastic changes in sleep, can have a major effect on your skin.
Also, if you had skin conditions before pregnancy, these may have been exacerbated by pregnancy – or if they got better during pregnancy, they might return postpartum. In general, skin changes occur in about 90 percent of pregnant women in one form or another.
What types of skin issues might I experience postpartum?
Your skin’s appearance or texture might shift after childbirth as your hormones and other systems start to return back to normal levels. Here’s a look at the most common postpartum skin issues:
Loose skin after pregnancy
It’s very common to have loose skin after pregnancy, particularly in the abdomen, as a result of your body accommodating a growing baby bump. That may look like sagging or wrinkled skin that can be easily pulled away from the muscles beneath. After nine months of stretching, it can take some time for the skin to go back to normal, and in some cases, at least some of the stretchy skin will remain.
Activity can be helpful, not just because it assists with strengthening core muscles, but also because it improves your vascular system, so your skin has more blood flow and oxygen. Keep in mind, though, that the recommendation is to wait at least six weeks before you start vigorous workouts. Check with your doctor or midwife to make sure you’re cleared to workout before you start.
A healthy diet can also be a plus, along with quality sleep. For some women, it takes about six months before they start to see a reduction in loose skin. If diet and exercise aren’t taking you as far as you’d like, you could consider a procedure like abdominoplasty – usually called a tummy tuck – but it’s not recommended if you’re planning on having more children. Plus, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, it’s not a procedure to consider right away. The organization notes that reputable surgeons will advise you to wait at least six months for this and ideally at least a year.
Postpartum dry skin
Fluctuations in hormones like progesterone and estrogen often change the skin’s texture, causing dry spots or an overall feeling of dryness. This can happen during pregnancy but may continue postpartum as well. Moisturizing more frequently, drinking more water, and eating nourishing foods can all help, and to prevent skin from drying more, try avoiding very hot showers or baths.
If you don’t feel like your having much luck with these strategies, consider talking to your doctor about the possibility of a condition called postpartum thyroiditis, when your body doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone. This condition affects a small percentage of women, only about 3 in 100, but if untreated, it may lead to an underactive thyroid. One of the symptoms is dry skin, along with muscle weakness, muscle cramps, and intolerance of cold weather.
Postpartum acne
When you’re pregnant, the glands in your skin that hold hair follicles and provide moisture, called sebaceous glands, become overactive and make excess sebum, a waxy, oily substance that in normal amounts can make your skin feel moisturized, but with too much, can lead to oiliness, especially on your face. That can lead to acne breakouts, which may continue postpartum. Breastfeeding may also change hormone levels, which can lead to more acne, and also cause the issue to linger.
Topical treatments are usually safe even if you’re breastfeeding, but be sure to check with your doctor first. It can also help to stay hydrated and follow a healthy diet. Take note if certain foods seem to make your acne flare up, such as dairy foods. In terms of what to try, foods like salmon, citrus fruits, walnuts, and tomatoes, along with other fruits and vegetables, are all good for the skin.
Postpartum itchy skin
Often related to dryness, itchy skin could be another sign of postpartum thyroiditis, or just a sign that you need to kick up your hydration. At least 8 to 10 glasses of water – 8 ounces each – is recommended, with postpartum needs at the high end of that range; even more if you’re breastfeeding. You may be itchy because your skin is more sensitive to allergens as well, such as dust or pet dander.
Postpartum oily skin
Similar to why your acne may flare up, that excess sebum your skin is creating can make give your skin an oily sheen as well, especially postpartum. Some strategies that may help include gentle cleansing along with moisturizing, to keep the skin from getting so dry that oil production goes into overdrive.
Postpartum hives
During the third trimester, some women develop a condition called pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP). This is the most common pregnancy-related skin condition and can be more common with first babies or multiples. The condition causes red, itchy bumps that are thought to be part of changes to the connective tissue in the abdomen.
After delivery, the condition can continue, or it’s possible that it will pop up for the first time postpartum. Either way, the rash usually fades within 15 days of delivery, but if it’s continuing, your doctor may recommend topical corticosteroids, along with antihistamines.
When can I expect postpartum skin changes to fade?
Although pregnancy-related skin conditions are common, they can be frustrating when they linger. That might involve symptoms like PUPPP, dry skin, acne, and redness. Many do resolve on their own within six months, especially as your hormone levels reset, but if they’re affecting your daily life or seem to be getting worse, talk to your doctor.
Are there any skincare products I should avoid while breastfeeding?
It’s always best to check with your doctor before using any medication while breastfeeding, and that can include skincare products that include ingredients like retinol and topical corticosteroids.
What are some safe ways to take care of my skin postpartum?
The type of skincare routine you’d do anytime still applies here, including using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater, cleansing your face twice daily, eating healthy foods, and staying hydrated. Maintaining an exercise routine and getting quality sleep – tough when you’re postpartum, but great when you can get it – also contribute to healthier skin. Most of all, just remember that your body takes time to adjust after having a baby, and your skin is no exception.
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