Hair & Skincare for New Mums

If you’d told me 9 months ago that I would need a new beauty routine once I’d given birth, I’d have laughed in your face and assumed it was a marketing gimmick. Clearly I was shocked when I found that my skin and hair had indeed changed once again (check out my pregnancy skincare tips here). As a new mum I really didn’t need another thing to worry about, but it happened nevertheless – spots, dry skin, reactions I’ve never had before, treatments not lasting as long as they did before pregnancy… the list goes on.

Skincare for New Mums

• You might find that your skin is more sensitive since giving birth and it can be useful to add products specifically for sensitive skin to your routine – I switched my daily microfoliant to a daily milkfoliant instead.
• For those that are breastfeeding, you will still need to avoid certain ingredients such as retinol, salicylic acid and hydroquinone.
• Nipple balm is a must – I’ve tried a few and found the Lansinoh nipple cream to be the best, especially since you don’t need to remove it before breastfeeding.
• If you find your skin is drier than usual, I swear by Palmer’s cocoa butter lotion for the body, and Drunk Elephant miracle butter for the face.

Haircare for New Mums

With all the changes happening in your body, you may have noticed your hair looking thicker and shinier during pregnancy. This is because of the hormone changes taking place, leading to less hair shedding. Unfortunately this doesn’t continue after birth; in fact you’ll probably notice you lose more hair than you did before pregnancy and it’s not as thick as it was. Thankfully this hair lose is only temporary and there are things you can do to help.

• Use a volumising shampoo and conditioner/one made for fine hair.
• Rosemary oil is a great ingredient – look for products that use it rather than applying the oil directly. I use the Aromatics Rosemary Root Enhancer.
• Avoid over brushing your hair – contrary to some old wives tales, brushing your hair does not promote growth, it actually pulls at the hair.
• Consider getting a new hair style that makes your hair appear fuller/thicker – I went for the pixie cut I’d always dreamed about. Plus shorter hair is a lot less hassle when you don’t even have time for a shower.
• Eat a balanced diet and take post-pregnancy supplements. I’m currently taking Vitabiotics Pregnacare.

Check out more of my beauty and pregnancy articles.
Words and pictures are my own.