Postpartum Skincare

All ammas face a multitude of skin changes during pregnancy and postpartum. From experiencing severe acne and unwanted facial hair growth, to stretch marks, there are many transformations that occur throughout pregnancy and after child birth during postpartum. There are many products on the market that cater specifically to the issues we undergo while pregnant.

All ammas know not to use retinoids (vitamin A derivative) during pregnancy because they are contraindicated. It is specifically for this reason retinoids are commonly avoided while breastfeeding. Additionally, hydroquinone and salicylic acid are also contraindicated during pregnancy and should be avoided while nursing. Because our skin can absorb “upwards of 60 percent of topical applications” ammas need to be cautious about what they put on their bodies, just as they are about what they put in their bodies.

Fortunately for ammas, organic and natural skincare options are available. Good ol’ plain yogurt (you’ll want to go dairy-full here) is an alternative for naturally exfoliating your postpartum skin. The lactic acid in yogurt gently and organically exfoliates and softens the face without having to resort to harsh chemicals like glycolic acids. Using honey as a moisturizing mask is yet another natural alternative. Honey (especially Manuka honey) contains antimicrobial properties, which act as anti-inflammatories, and can help heal skin. For the sensitive skin ammas, oat and its extracts are favored amongst those who suffer from eczema or other atopic allergic reactions. Research suggests that oatmeal “possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and its administration is effective on a variety of dermatologic inflammatory diseases such as pruritus, atopic dermatitis, acneiform eruptions, and viral infections.” Colloidal oat baths are not only soothing for amma’s skin, but baths in general help to calm your mind!

While there are great brands out there that make natural and organic skincare products, it’s really easy to find most of these items in your kitchen pantry, and fridge. Simple DIY recipes for the postpartum amma mean there’s one less product with preservatives and harsh chemicals that you’re putting in and onto your body. Don’t forget to nourish from within as well. All our amma360 products are specifically made for ammas with natural and organically sourced ingredients!

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¹“An Overview of the Safety of Skin Care Products During Pregnancy.” Infant Risk Center, https://www.infantrisk.com/content/overview-safety-skin-care-products-during-pregnancy. Accessed May 30, 2023.

²“7 Pregnancy-Safe Makeup Brands with Nontoxic Ingredients.” The good trade, https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/pregnancy-safe-makeup/. Feb. 22, 2023.

³Gyoseon Yeom, Dae-Myoung Yun, Yun-Won Kang, Ji-Sook Kwon, In-Oh Kang, Sun Yeou Kim. “Clinical efficacy of facial masks containing yoghurt and Opuntia humifusa Raf. (F-YOP). National Library of Medicine, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22152494/. Sep.-Oct. 2011.

⁴Pauline McLoone, Afolabi Oluwadun, Mary Warnock, and Lorna Fyfe. “Honey: A Therapeutic Agent for Disorders of the Skin.” National Library of Medicine, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5661189/. Aug. 4, 2016.

⁵Nader Pazyar, Reza Yaghoobi, Afshin Kazerouni, Amir Feily. “Oatmeal in dermatology: a brief review.” National Library of Medicine. Mar-April 2012.