Sleepless nights, endless nappies, and the not-so-glamorous topknot that’s now part of your everyday wardrobe… welcome to motherhood. But there’s something else many new mums didn’t quite expect: what the heck is happening to their skin?
Hormonal acne, dry patches, pigmentation… it’s like puberty 2.0 (only now, you’re juggling it with a baby on your hip).
“Postpartum skin issues are incredibly common, yet so few people talk about them,” says Karen Van Rensburg, brand manager at Sanosan, a baby and mother skincare brand known for its high-quality products with a focus on natural ingredients. “New moms are often surprised by how dramatically their skin changes — from dry, flaky patches and pigmentation, to oiliness and breakouts that make them feel like they’re going through puberty again.”
Why your skin feels like it’s having an identity crisis
During pregnancy, hormones work overtime and often, that gives your skin a healthy, dewy glow (cheers, oestrogen!). But once baby arrives, those levels take a nosedive, leaving your skin looking and feeling… less than glowy.
Here’s what many mums face in the weeks and months after birth:
- Dryness & dehydration: With oestrogen levels dipping and breastfeeding drawing water from your body, your skin can start to feel like the Sahara. Think flakiness, tightness, and itching.
- Pigmentation (melasma): Those darker patches, especially on your cheeks and forehead? Blame the hormones again. Some will fade, others stick around longer than your maternity leggings.
- Hormonal acne: Breakouts on the chin and jawline are common, and lack of sleep and stress can make things worse. Because obviously, new mums needed one more thing to deal with.
- Loss of elasticity & stretch marks: Your skin has stretched (a lot) to grow your baby. Now it needs time — and a little TLC — to recover.
So, what can you do?
The good news? You don’t have to just “deal with it.” With a little care (and a lot of moisturiser), your skin can bounce back. Sanosan recommends sticking to gentle, nourishing products and resisting the urge to go full-on exfoliating warrior.
“Many new moms are tempted to use harsh scrubs or active ingredients to ‘fix’ their skin quickly, but this often makes things worse,” says Karen. “Your skin needs time, nourishment, and support — just like the rest of your body after birth.”
Here’s how to help your skin heal:
1. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Opt for a fragrance-free moisturiser packed with natural oils and humectants like glycerin. Slather it on right after your shower to seal in the goodness.
2. Be sun smart
Melasma loves UV rays. Even on cloudy days or in winter, wear SPF. Your skin will thank you.
3. Keep it simple
Avoid strong acids, retinoids, and alcohol-based products, especially if you’re breastfeeding. Gentle and natural is the name of the game.
4. Show your skin some elasticity love
Look for products with natural lipids and vitamins to support the skin barrier. Look for products rich in omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids, which your body can’t produce on its own. These oils are super moisturising, absorb easily, and help soften skin while promoting healing.
5. Don’t rush it
More than 60% of women still report postpartum skin issues six months after giving birth. There’s no deadline here. Think of it as part of the “fourth trimester”. Your skin’s recovering, just like you are.
You’re not alone (really)
Let’s get one thing straight: wanting to feel good in your own skin doesn’t make you vain. It makes you human. Caring for your skin after birth isn’t about vanity – it’s a form of self-care. And let’s be honest, when you’ve given so much to someone else 24/7, you deserve a little time for yourself. And with the right care, your skin will find its balance again.
