How to take care of your skin after delivery

By Malaika Noor
SOME TIPS FOR SKIN CARE AFTER DELEIVERY
The first months after you have a baby are a busy and exhausting time. With all of a newborn’s demands, it can be difficult for Mom to find time for proper skin care. However, skin problems are not easy to hide. After delivery, hormone fluctuations can cause a variety of skin issues — from acne to blotchy discolorations. There are a variety of ways to include both external and internal skincare in your busy schedule.

Step 1
Wash away excess oil to prevent acne on your face. Cleanse your face twice a day with a mild cleanser, using your hands or a soft washcloth.

Step 2
Apply a water-based moisturizer after washing if you have dry skin.

Step 3
Drink at least eight glasses of water a day. This will help support liver function, as well, helping to stabilize your hormones.

Step 4
Eat dark green, leafy vegetables such as broccoli, arugula, kale and spinach. These types of vegetables are full of the vitamins and minerals your skin requires to stay healthy.

Step 5
Apply vitamin E oil, olive oil or cocoa butter to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Avoid stretch mark creams with unfamiliar ingredients, because they can be dangerous if you’re breastfeeding.

Step 6
Apply sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. Using sunscreen and covering up when outside can help fade pregnancy-related pigmentation patches called chloasma.

Step 7
Make sleep a priority. Plenty of sleep equals healthy skin. Try to sleep whenever your newborn sleeps.

Things You will Need:
Mild facial cleanser
Water-based moisturizer
Vitamin E oil, olive oil or cocoa butter
Sunscreen
Tips
Take a multivitamin to make up for any nutritional depletion during pregnancy. Skin needs adequate nutrition — especially the skin of mothers recovering from childbirth. Find a multivitamin with vitamins E, C, A, zinc and selenium. This is especially important for breastfeeding mothers whose nutrients are often exhausted during feeding.

See your doctor if you experience symptoms or skin issues that worry you.