Dr. Zenovia Skincare aims to showcase the stories of real people. Hormones have a huge impact on our skin’s health throughout life’s various stages and postpartum is no exception. In this post, Anita, a mother of three, shares some of the hormonal skin changes she experienced after her first pregnancy. Everyone has a unique perspective and story to tell.

Postpartum Hormonal Skin Changes 

After giving birth, women experience a drop in estrogen levels, and the skin “feels” this change. Prior to pregnancy, Anita experienced hormonal breakouts around the time of her monthly period. During pregnancy, her skin was breakout free and glowing. After giving birth, however, that was no longer the case. 

“A few days after I delivered my first baby, in the middle of recovering from birth and attempting to learn how to breastfeed and manage life as a new mother, my skin began to itch and some painful bumps were starting to form”. Convinced she had an allergic reaction, Anita consulted with her doctor and dermatologist. “It turns out, all the hormones keeping my skin glowing and balanced during pregnancy had exited my body, revealing my post-birth skin”, Anita shares. 

Anita’s postpartum skin issues included painful cystic acne around her jawline, dryness, dark spots, and an uneven skin tone. Anita recalls being in her son’s nursery and glancing in the mirror, overwhelmed by all the changes with her body and skin. “My face looked like it had aged overnight. I spent the next few months making time for self-care and good skincare. Getting more sleep also helped improve my skin’s overall look and feel”, Anita shares. 

Postpartum Hormonal Skincare Routine

For new moms, skincare may not always be top of mind. Anita recommends that new moms “figure out a simple skincare routine that addresses their skin concerns and stick with it!” Anita notes that often, “we are so quick to rule products out if we don’t see an immediate change. It’s important to practice patience and remember that improving the skin doesn’t always happen overnight”. 

After giving birth, it is completely normal to experience a dysregulation of oil production that results in an increase in acne. Dr. Zenovia’s Oil-Free Aloe Vera Blemish Soothing Moisturizer features skin-soothing Squalene, antioxidant-rich Aloe Vera, and Dr. Zenovia’s proprietary REG-ulate360 Complex™ to help balance hormonal acne, reduce the appearance of redness, and promote the look of an even texture and tone for a supple, glowing, and blemish-free complexion. 

Other women experience a lack of luminosity and severe dehydration that results in dry, cracked skin. For cleansing sensitive and dry skin, Dr. Zenovia’s Bakuchiol Hydrating Cleanser contains a powerful antioxidant blend of Green Tea and botanicals to help brighten, nourish, and hydrate the complexion. 

To brighten the skin, fight against dark spots, and even skin texture and tone, Dr. Zenovia’s Vitamin C Toner contains Micronutrient Sea Salt and Vitamins C and E to soothe, soften, and immediately rejuvenate the appearance of tired, dull skin on contact. 

For daily skin protection and hydration, follow up with Dr. Zenovia’s Vitamin C Brightening Moisturizer SPF 30. This product contains transparent nano zinc-oxide mineral protection from harmful UVA/UVB rays and Clinical Vitamin C Ester to visibly help minimize the appearance of dark spots, discoloration, and fine lines and wrinkles associated with photoaging. 

Decreased estrogen and hormonal imbalance return to a steady-state once breastfeeding ceases and normal menstrual cycles return. 

Postpartum Stretch Marks

Aside from her facial skin concerns, Anita also shared that stretch marks were a huge blow to her body confidence postpartum. “I gained 23 pounds with each pregnancy, drank a lot of water, tried all the belly creams, and still got bad stretch marks”. Prescription creams, microdermabrasion, micro needling, and laser therapy treatment can help reduce or remove the appearance of stretch marks, depending on their severity. Dr. Zenovia recommends consulting a board-certified dermatologist to decide on the best treatment option for you.  

Postpartum Self-Care 

Anita also shared the importance of practicing self-care postpartum. “You are so exhausted by all the newness and change, but you need to find the time, even if it's only 5-10 minutes a day to devote totally to yourself. Tweeze your eyebrows, paint your nails, wash your face, or do a quick eye mask. Whatever you need to do to feel good is what you should stick with. And ask for help! Everyone loves a good newborn snuggle and wants you to have some much-deserved self-care time”. 

Note from Dr. Zenovia: While breastfeeding, topical skincare products should be cleared by consulting your dermatologist. Topicals that contain Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs), and Retinol should be avoided.

Anita Schallberger is an Influencer Marketing Manager at Dr. Zenovia Skincare, a Wife, & Proud Mother of Three Adorable Kids  

Learn More About How Hormones Affect Skin During Life’s Key Stages