The best postpartum skin care products for new moms

New parents, especially new moms, undergo a handful of changes once their new baby has arrived. Navigating late night feedings, diaper changes and eager visitors are just a few challenges new moms face as they begin their postpartum journey, but what about your skin? Major hormone fluctuations can cause our skin care needs to change postpartum. With the help of board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO, Dr. Joel Schlessinger, we’re addressing some common postpartum skin concerns and how to address them, including:

• What causes skin changes postpartum?
• The most common postpartum skin issues
• Which skin care ingredients should be avoided postpartum?
• The best postpartum skin care products

What causes skin changes postpartum?

While you probably have your favorite pre-pregnancy skin care products, they may not be what your skin needs postpartum. Pregnancy and postpartum skin changes arise for a variety of reasons, the most obvious being big hormonal changes. Hormonal fluctuations, mainly in progesterone and estrogen, are responsible for many of these changes and new concerns.

“Lower levels of estrogen, vascular changes and reduced hydration due to nursing can impact the body’s natural ability to produce hyaluronic acid, elastin and collagen,” says Dr. Schlessinger.

“There are a variety of products that have the ability to counteract these effects,” he adds. “Of course, I always recommend consulting your doctor about any products or treatments you plan on using.”

The most common postpartum skin issues

Many of the skin concerns you experience as a new mom may be a continuation of the skin issues you experienced during pregnancy. However, new concerns can arise postpartum. Acne, melasma or dark patches, dryness and dehydration are all incredibly common skin issues that can occur in the first few weeks and months of motherhood. While they might be a nuisance, the good news is most of these concerns should subside over time as your body and hormones go back to normal.

Which skin care ingredients should be avoided postpartum?

Most skin care products are completely safe to use during pregnancy, postpartum and breastfeeding, but we always recommend consulting your doctor about your skin care regimen if you have questions. But, there are a few known ingredients to avoid while nursing or pregnant. Salicylic acid, hydroquinone and vitamin A derivative products, such as retinol, should all be avoided postpartum and while breastfeeding out of an abundance of caution.

The best postpartum skin care products

It’s important to remember that your body has been through a lot. Rest, time and a little extra TLC will make a huge difference. In the meantime, these multitasking skin care solutions are specially formulated to nourish and promote healing for vulnerable and sensitive skin types, making them the best skin care products for new moms. And we’ve kept this new mom skin care routine as simple as possible, focusing on key products and non-negotiables like sunscreen to save you time and energy.

LovelySkin LUXE Gentle Cream Cleanser

The perfect first step in any routine, this ultra-nourishing cleanser effectively removes makeup and impurities while leaving skin hydrated and soothed. Moisturizing meadowfoam seed extract and olive oil, along with reparative 3% afaLUXE™, improve skin’s moisture barrier while encouraging natural exfoliation for balanced, glowing skin without tightness or irritation.

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Antioxidant Serum

With pure vitamin C and vitamin E, this beloved serum is a fan favorite among skin care enthusiasts. The nourishing formula is packed with a potent blend of revitalizing antioxidants and vitamins, putting it on our list of the best skin care for new moms. Enriched with 15% L-ascorbic acid, or pure vitamin C, this hydrating serum diminishes dark spots and increases firmness for smoother, more radiant-looking skin.

SkinMedica TNS® Advanced+ Serum 

If you’re looking to rejuvenate skin while dramatically reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, look no further than this bestselling serum from SkinMedica. A highly active blend of botanicals, peptides and marine extracts promote skin renewal for plumper, more youthful skin in as little as two weeks. Plus, each ingredient in this advanced formula is perfectly safe for postpartum and nursing mamas.

Kate Somerville KateCeuticals Lifting Eye Cream

Lack of sleep is no match for this revitalizing eye cream. The clinically proven formula instantly diminishes dark circles and puffiness with powerful peptides and revitalizing red and brown algae. An innovative blend of amino acids stimulate collagen synthesis and skin repair for a youthful, rested appearance regardless of how much sleep you’ve actually had.

ALASTIN Skincare HydraTint Pro Mineral Sunscreen SPF 36

When it comes to skin care for new moms, we’re all about working smarter, not harder. That’s where ALSATIN Skincare comes in. This all-mineral, broad-spectrum formula protects skin against damaging UV rays and blue light while camouflaging imperfections with a flattering tint. Hydrating ingredients provide lasting moisture and comfort while powerful antioxidants protect skin from free radical damage.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

This daily oil-free moisturizer works to strengthens the skin’s natural protective barrier, providing up to 48 hours of skin-plumping hydration. Glycerin and Prebiotic Thermal Water weightlessly moisturize skin while essential ceramides work to prevent water loss. Nourishing niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, soothes redness and irritation for calm, balanced skin.

Whether you’re a mom-to-be or just curious about pregnancy-safe skin care, you can read our blog on the top four skin care ingredients to avoid during pregnancy and what to use instead.