If you’ve recently given birth, chances are you are too tired and preoccupied with caring for your baby to have the time to even think about looking after your own needs. “For many women, the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can lead to many common skin issues such as acne, dry or dehydrated skin, darks spots and hyperpigmentation,” says Gemma Clare, Holistic Skin and Wellbeing Expert. “Pregnancy can also exacerbate existing skin issues.”

How soon after pregnancy can you have treatments?

“Treatments that involve injectables, and many ingredients such as retinols are off limits during pregnancy and until breastfeeding is completed, which could take anything from three-to-six months,” says Clare. “But there are still things you can do to enhance your skin health safely.”

Skincare to avoid includes all retinols until breastfeeding is complete; benzoyl peroxide which is often used in anti-acne formulations, and salicylic acid—although lower concentrations (2%) may be safe, it's best avoided. In terms of treatments, botulinum toxin, dermal fillers, strong chemical peels, lasers and radio frequency-based devices are all off limits.

Post-pregnancy, and after breastfeeding is complete, you can opt for light peels and facials using gentle ingredients; LED light therapy, and skincare with ingredients including glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, azelaic acid, vitamin C, and mineral-based sunscreen.

Common skin issues caused by pregnancy

It’s natural for the face and body to experience changes during pregnancy.  These may include:

Pigmentation 

Melasma, also known as ‘pregnancy mask,’ is a common skin condition where patches of brown or greyish patches develop, usually on the face. It is thought that the increase in oestrogen and progesterone triggers the melanocytes (pigment producing cells) in the skin to produce extra pigment. Women with darker skins are more likely to develop melasma. “Melasma may fade after pregnancy as hormone levels drop,” says Amish Patel, Aesthetics Practitioner and Skincare Expert, Intrigue Cosmetic Clinic. “If there are still dark patches, I recommend waiting until after finishing breastfeeding which may be three-to-six months or longer, before taking action with treatments such as chemical peels. Sun exposure can make melasma worse, so it’s advisable to wear sunscreen.”

Try:

• Cosmelan Pigmentation Peel can be used to reduce all types of hyperpigmentation, including hormone-induced pigmentation such as melasma. Azelaic and kojic acids work by decreasing the skin’s natural melanin production and inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase. This helps to even skin tone and reduce pigmentation.
• UltraClear Laser is an FDA approved, fractional laser treatment that only targets those areas of the skin affected by hyperpigmentation. It uses a cold laser beam to remove pigmentation and smooth the skin.
• SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense Corrective Serum contains 1.8 per cent tranexamic acid and niacinamide to reduce the appearance of skin discolouration.
• AlumierMD Even Tone is a lightweight serum that contains white shiitake mushroom, licorice and brightening peptides to minimise dark patches and even skin tone.

Postpartum acne

“Fluctuating hormones during pregnancy and postpartum can lead to skin breakouts and acne,” says Clare. "Usually, this disappears as hormones start to balance out (usually within six-to-eight weeks. Using gentle skincare ingredients such as azelaic acid and vitamin C can help."  If acne was a problem before pregnancy, it’s important to establish the root cause, eg: poor diet or ongoing hormonal imbalances that may need to be addressed.”

Try:

• Dermalux LED Phototherapy combines antibacterial blue light to calm and treat acne prone skin, and red light to even skin tone and texture, increase hydration and boost collagen and elastin production.
• WOW Facial is a six-step facial that is tailored to suit individual skin needs. The facial combines deep cleansing, exfoliation, microneedling, LED light therapy and hydration to rejuvenate and treat acne prone skin.
• SkinCeuticals Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment contains azelaic acid to erase skin irregularities and promote brightness.
• Dr Glycolic Multi-acid (6.5%) Micropeeling Glycolic Acid Pads are infused with 5% glycolic acid, niacinamide, lemon, bilberry and orange AHAs.

Dry, dull skin

“Hormonal changes can cause skin to lose elasticity and moisture during pregnancy,” says Clare. “Gentle skincare can help to rejuvenate the skin. Most women don’t want anything too techy or noisy after having a baby—a gentle, hydrating facial can be really relaxing. I also often use a Gua Sha roller with oil to massage away tension in the face and neck.”  

Try:

• iS Clinical Fire & Ice Facial combines two treatment masks—a warming (Fire) resurfacing mask that contains gycolic acid and retinol, and a cooling (rejuvenating) mask with aloe vera, green tea and grape seed extract, to leave skin dewy and radiant. Use after the breastfeeding period is finished.
• Cosmecutis Pregnancy Glow Facial combines facial massage, a rejuvenating mask, vacuum suction, and LED light therapy. The treatment is performed against a backdrop of soothing alpha brainwave music and relaxing meditations. Suitable for women from the 12th week of pregnancy to the end of lactation.
  
• Skinbetter Science Alto Advanced Defense and Repair Serum contains vitamins C and E, hyaluronic acid and additional botanical extracts to hydrate and rejuvenate the skin.
• Medik8 Ultimate Recovery Bio-Cellulose Mask is a hydrating mineral sheet mask containing hyaluronic acid.

Saggy skin

“Saggy skin is where skin loses its elastin, and the collagen—the scaffolding which provides the lift and support for the skin—starts to break down,” says Patel. “This can happen post-pregnancy where skin has been stretched. Pregnancy puffiness and water retention can also occur in the facial area, which can make skin feel less firm.”

Try:

• Cosmecutis Wonderlift Facial combines a stimulating deep cleanse and vacuum massage to boost circulation and stimulate collagen and elastin production. It removes puffiness and visibly lifts, tones and smoothes the skin.
• Ultherapy uses a micro-focused ultrasound device to firm and tighten sagging skin by promoting collagen production and improving skin elasticity. Ultherapy can be used on the face, chin, jaw and abdomen (after breastfeeding). 
  
• AlumierMD AHA Renewal Serum contains 8 per cent lactic acid, allantoin and vitamin B5 to improve texture, tone and radiance.
• Skinbetter Science Instant Effect Eye Gel comes with a cooling, stainless steel roller for under eye bags and puffiness.

Stretch marks

“Stretch marks usually fade with time,” says Patel. “If they don’t, you can tackle them further down the line with targeted treatments such as laser or microdermabrasion.”  In the meantime, keep skin supple by massaging with products formulated for stretch marks.

Try:

• SkinPen Precision Microneedling uses precision grade needles which help to break down scar tissue and trigger the skin’s natural healing process, stimulating collagen production and new, healthy cells. LED light therapy completes the treatment.
• Alma Hybrid is an FDA-approved laser treatment that combines three energies—the ablative CO2 laser and the non-ablative 1570nm laser, combined with ultrasound technology to reduce and improve the appearance of stretch marks. Can also be used on scars. To be used after breast feeding is complete.
• Kit & Kin Stretch Mark Oil contains a blend of 15 naturally nourishing ingredients including macademia seed, apricot kernel, carrot and mandarin oils.