Dry Skin After Childbirth: What to Do?

Why is skin dry and peeling after childbirth?

Dry skin after childbirth is a common problem among women post-delivery. During this time, skin becomes more sensitive, peeling may occur, and it can become inflamed with the slightest damage.

There are several reasons for dry skin:

1) Changes in hormonal levels. During pregnancy, high hormone levels positively influence the skin, giving it firmness and elasticity. However, after childbirth, the situation changes dramatically, causing changes that inevitably affect the skin’s condition. The skin on the body becomes dry and flabby without any apparent reason.

2) Lack of water. The skin requires constant hydration, both internally and externally. This issue is especially relevant for mothers who are breastfeeding. It’s important to maintain a drinking regimen and adjust the feeding schedule accordingly.

3) Imbalance in diet and lack of vitamins. During pregnancy, a woman can afford a full sleep (sleep when tired) and eat as desired (that is, eat when hungry). However, with the birth of a child, this pace of life can change. Scattered eating and lack of sleep negatively affect the skin.

4) External factors. Being outside, the skin also undergoes several challenges, such as wind, sunlight, and dry air. All of this damages the skin if a woman is outside for an extended period. There is also a risk at home, as heating devices can have a negative impact on the skin as well.

5) Insufficient self-care. Many moms forget about themselves and their appearance after the baby is born, dedicating themselves entirely to the child’s needs. Do not forget about simple daily routines, at least such as cleansing and moisturizing.

6) Incorrect use of cosmetics, skincare mistakes. Washing with hard water using soap, as well as using products that do not suit the skin type, can lead to poor skin condition.

What to do to restore the skin’s former firmness, elasticity, and radiance?

If the skin of the body becomes dry and starts to peel after childbirth, it is necessary to pay attention to this as soon as possible. Here are the main recommendations:

– It is worth establishing a drinking routine. Everyone should drink about two liters of water per day, but a breastfeeding woman needs even more, as a significant amount of fluid is required to produce breast milk.

– A balanced diet helps replenish the lack of vitamins. It is recommended to pay special attention to this aspect, as proper nutrition not only helps to have beautiful skin, but also positively affects the overall condition of the mother and baby. More vegetables, fruits, fish, and greens are what a nursing mother needs. A dietitian-nutritionist on the momslab.com website can help create a competent menu that will be diverse and balanced.

– Sleep schedule. During sleep, the body rests, and the skin rejuvenates. It is advisable to sleep about 8 hours a day. Of course, not everyone has the opportunity to sleep continuously for this long, so you can split sleep into night and day. If this is also difficult, you can ask for help from your husband or close relatives. Let them take care of the baby while the mother rests.

– The right choice of skincare products. It is not advisable to buy products containing alcohol and lanolin.

– Use protective gear when outdoors, especially during long walks in windy or dry hot weather. Be sure to wear a sun hat or cap to protect against the sun. In cold weather, wearing gloves is essential.

– Devote at least 15 minutes a day to your skin. Proper cleansing and moisturizing are daily procedures. Once a week, you can use scrubs and perform dry body brushing with a brush. If your hands are dry and cracked after childbirth, apply a moisturizing or nourishing cream every night before bed and wear cotton gloves. After several such procedures, the condition of your hands will noticeably improve.

– It is also recommended to visit spas that offer various services to improve skin and overall body condition. However, moms don’t always have time to visit salons. For dry skin on the body and hands, you can perform a procedure called oiling at home. It is done like this: after taking a shower or bath, apply a generous layer of oil over the entire body so that the skin shines and the oil slightly runs down. Wait in the bathroom for 15-20 minutes. This time can be spent washing your face, brushing your teeth, etc. Then, rinse the oil with plain water or use an organic scrub. After that, towel-dry, blotting excess oil. After such a procedure, your skin will look great, and your mood will definitely improve.

– If the poor skin condition is due to hormonal imbalance, you need to be patient. It will resolve on its own in a couple of months.

– If the skin does not recover and there are suspicions of any skin diseases (atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, etc.), it is worth consulting a specialist and undergoing the necessary tests.