Many women experience a pregnancy glow before birth and probably worry about stretch marks only, a common skin condition that affects 90% of pregnant women. According to a report on MedicineNet, stretch marks can take six to 12 months to fade after giving birth. With treatment, stretch marks become less visible.

It’s important to understand that stretch marks are not the only skin issues you’ll struggle with postpartum. There’s a host of skin conditions you’ll experience, regardless of how well you take care of your skin during pregnancy. Keep reading to learn more about postnatal skin problems and how to manage them.

Melasma

Also known as the pregnancy mask, melasma occurs when the production of melanin increases because of changes in hormone levels. This skin pigmentation disorder appears as small spots or patches similar to freckles on the cheeks, upper lip, forehead, nose, and chin. Other causes of melasma include the use of oral contraceptives, genetics, and exposure to the sun.

Melasma is painless and can even go away once your hormone levels balance. However, it’s wise to manage the condition at its earliest stage before it worsens. The best treatments for melasma include applying sunscreen (SPF 30) and avoiding sun exposure.

Dermatologists also recommend using ingredients, like azelaic acid and Vitamins C, A, and E in topical therapy. These ingredients are safe for breastfeeding women and improve melasma by encouraging dead skin cells to peel, promoting growth of new healthy skin, and protecting the skin against free radicals. While other skincare ingredients, like hydroquinone and tretinoin improve melasma, they are off limits for breastfeeding mothers because they contain toxic bleaching compounds.

Hormonal Acne

Increasing fluctuations of progesterone, estrogen, and cortisol levels trigger production of sebum and clogged spores. As a result, blackheads, cysts, whiteheads, and pustules appear on your face and neck. To manage acne and achieve a youthful glow, you need to maintain a regular skincare routine, and your regimen should focus on cleansing, exfoliating, toning, and moisturising. While you can certainly spend money on pricey skincare products from high end brands, you can get the same results from private label products. Make sure you're using private label beauty products made of nourishing skincare ingredients to get the best results.

Typically, skincare products that contain retinoids and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), such as tropic acid and salicylic acid, can help treat acne. However, when absorbed into your bloodstream, these ingredients can affect your child's health when they breastfeed. To protect your child’s wellbeing, choose ingredients like azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide to unclog pore and reduce inflammation. Other remedies for postpartum acne include taking oral antibiotics, birth control pills, and avoiding fatty and acidic foods, as they trigger acne breakout.

Eczema

Hormonal fluctuations are the major cause of eczema. However, frequent handwashing and increased stress levels also trigger eczema, which is characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin on the face, hands, nipples, or neck. Like other postnatal skin issues, there are several ways to manage eczema safely. First, consider the foods you’re eating to ensure they are nutrient dense.

Avoid foods that trigger inflammation, such as white flour, foods with processed sugar, and dairy products. Also, don’t bath with hot water as this can make your skin dry and itchy. Equally important, apply skincare products that contain safe and soothing ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, oatmeal, hyaluronic acid, and Vitamin E.

Pregnancy brings about many skin changes, so you’re likely to experience skin problems. Eczema, hormonal acne, stretch marks, and melasma are common postnatal skin disorders. The good news is you can manage these skin conditions by maintaining a healthy diet and applying topical skincare products with soothing ingredients.

ABOUT OUR CONTRIBUTOR:
Jennifer Dee is a freelance writer with a passion for all things organic and natural, she loves writing about eco products and environmentalism. When not writing, she's travelling with her young family.