By Kaley Clements
Have you wondered what is going on with your skin postpartum? I certaintly have.
After researching the causes of skin conditions during postpartum, it began to make sense to me. Women go through the most drastic biological change seen in humans during pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Of course our bodies will have some sort of reaction to this.
Dry skin after giving birth is brutal. In my experience, I could not keep my heels, hands and lips hydrated for months. Postpartum eczema are caused by stress and hormones. HarlanMD states that research has shown the link between changes in the immune system and stress during postpartum to increased eczema.
Psoriasis can affect your skin during pregnancy and postpartum. JAMA Dermatology reports that psoriasis typically affects individuals more postpartum rather than during pregnancy. Although psoriasis can be present during pregnancy, it is less common due to pregnancy causing immunosuppression and rising estrogen levels.
Our bodies can respond to inflammation with hormonal acne. Inflammation can be cause by any stress in the body, like birth. Acta Biochimica Polonica researched the cause of postpartum hormonal acne and it was found that immune system changes and stress are the likely cause, because the body responds to birth by “reactivating” the immune system and causing inflammation.
Due to hormonal changes, melasma causes dark spots on the skin during pregnancy, postpartum and while taking birth control. Tranexamic Acid is an effective treatment for melasma, topically and orally. The Journal of Contemporary Clinical Practice’s study on melasma treatment demonstrated better results with oral tranexamic acid treatment in postpartum women.
Here are some product recommendations for these skin conditions:
TONYMOLY Green Tea Korean Sunscreen (any skin condition)
Women’s SPF Jacket (any skin condition)
Minimalist Tranexamic Acid 3% Face Serum (melasma) – Promo Code- GXXDK7GA (5% off on Purchase)
Minimalist Face Moisturizer for Dry Skin (dry skin)- Promo Code- LWFVV6MQ (5% Off)
ProBliva Psoriasis Scalp Spray (scalp psoriasis)
Welmate Adaptalene Gel 0.1% (psoriasis and hormonal acne)
While postpartum, it is important to keep your body and skin hydrated, wear SPF and to limit stress. I know first-hand, these things are not always top priority, but putting them into your routine when you can is enough.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Esthi Kaley 