From the Guidelines
Postpartum skin care should prioritize gentle, hydrating routines to address common concerns like dryness and hormonal breakouts, as recommended by the most recent evidence 1. To achieve this, consider the following tips:
- Use a mild skin moisturizer to avoid dryness of skin, as suggested by the 2018 study on systemic mastocytosis 1
- Apply water-soluble sodium cromolyn cream two to four times a day for urticaria, pruritus, vesicles, or bullae, while avoiding denuded lesions 1
- Utilize topical corticosteroids and cream for skin concerns, and consider diffuse lesions treatment with bath or sterile gauze with zinc sulfate 1 Additionally, general hand hygiene practices can inform postpartum skin care, such as washing hands with lukewarm or cool water and soap for at least 20 seconds, and immediate application of moisturizer after cleansing 1 It is essential to prioritize gentle, effective routines that address common postpartum skin concerns, while also considering the safety of ingredients for breastfeeding mothers. Key ingredients to highlight include those that are safe for breastfeeding, such as vitamin C, niacinamide, and lactic acid, while avoiding retinoids, high-concentration salicylic acid, and hydroquinone. Consistency and simplicity are crucial for new mothers with limited time, and the routine should emphasize safe, efficient skincare during this busy life stage.
From the Research
Postpartum Skin Care Tips
- A well-balanced diet, adequate hydration, use of a topical moisturizer, protection from the sun, and avoiding smoking and tobacco are essential for healthy skin 2
- Using a skincare regimen that includes a moisturizer, cleanser, and sunscreen can help improve skin health and reduce irritation 3
- A skincare routine that includes vitamin C, mandelic/malic acid, and broad-spectrum ultraviolet A/ultraviolet B sunblock can be effective in treating melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation 4
- A comprehensive skin care routine that includes multiple products such as cleanser, toner, eye cream, serum, and day and night cream can provide better results than a simple routine 5
- Daily skincare routines can have a significant long-term impact on the overall quality of a person's complexion, and individualized skincare routines can be designed to address specific skin concerns 6
Key Ingredients and Products
- Topical moisturizer 2
- Sunscreen 2, 3, 4
- Vitamin C 4
- Mandelic/malic acid 4
- Cleanser 3, 5
- Toner 5
- Eye cream 5
- Serum 5
- Day and night cream 5