Postpartum Skin Care: 9 Tips to Restore Elasticity and Achieve Tighter Skin

Motherhood is the name of a miracle, the miracle of bringing a miniature version of yourself into the world. Holding your little bundle of joy snugly in your arms can spark deep, tender love and unmatched joy. From such emotional surges to several body transformations, postpartum is a period of many revelations for a new mom like you.

For starters, you have experienced rapid weight fluctuations in the past nine months. And, you’re still experiencing a hormonal roller coaster with the usual decline in estrogen (the glam glow hormone) afterbirth. This means you may face issues like dark circles, dull skin, hair loss and saggy belly. But, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered with our time tested tips for skin rejuvenation and restoring elasticity.

Natural Ways to Restore Elasticity After Pregnancy

1) Drink more water

The most important and easiest thing you can do is keep yourself hydrated. Water keeps your skin tissue turgid and improves skin tone. Drinking enough water eliminates toxins from your body, promotes a healthier gut and helps all body systems function optimally. 

This promotes postpartum healing and clearer skin. The good news is that drinking enough water helps you in the long run by delaying the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on your face. Your skin’s aging process decelerates and you feel wonderful for your age.

2) Eat healthy

Whether breastfeeding or not, a balanced diet that includes all food groups and the essential micronutrients is necessary, healthy eating will keep your skin hydrated, improve fine lines and dark circles, and prevent sun damage. 

To improve skin texture after pregnancy, you need foods rich in antioxidants, beta carotenes, phytoestrogens, and omega-3 fatty acids. Include fresh fruits, veggies, nuts, and seafood to restore skin’s elasticity.

3) Lose weight slowly

Beware of fad diets. Now is not the time to cut on essential nutrients. Many of these diets will make you lose both fats and muscles and tend to dehydrate your body. The loss of muscles may worsen the problem of saggy skin in the abdomen and thighs.

Similarly, the low water content of skin tissue will lead to a dull appearance, worsening hair fall, and dark circles around the eyes. Thus, it is important to have a consistent and gentle fitness routine. 

Remember, your body has gone through a lot and needs sweet time to recover and heal.

4) Engage in a workout routine

A daily cardio routine is a good starting point. It increases blood flow to your skin and helps nourish the subcutaneous tissue, boosting collagen production. The enhanced circulation also flushes out toxins from your body, leading to glowing and plumper skin. 

Remember to include Kegels in your exercises, as they improve pelvic floor stability by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. In addition, core strength training exercises like Pilates will help build muscle mass and address areas of particular concern, like saggy belly and loose skin folds of thighs and arms.

5) Exfoliate your skin

Exfoliation is a great way to rejuvenate your skin. It works by removing dead cells from the skin surface. Gentle body scrubbing does wonders for your skin. It unclogs the pores and evens out the skin surface. The deeper skin cells are stimulated and collagen production is boosted. Your skin becomes more elastic and glowy. An Organic sugar scrub applied to your postpartum belly are great for stretch marks removal.

6) Keep your skin moisturized

Use a moisturizer twice daily to keep your skin hydrated. Dry skin is itchy, scaly and rough. Moisturizers soothe and protect it. All skin types benefit from moisturizers. However, for people with dry skin, all the more hydration is required, especially during winter. 

Keeping your skin moisturized with the best products has additional benefits, including anti-aging and sun protection. Look for products with hyaluronic acid and retinoids, particularly, as they are effective skin-tightening agents. Highlight ReHab here 

7) Wear a sunscreen

You are prone to develop hyperpigmentation during pregnancy due to the hormones. Use sunscreen to help prevent skin pigmentation and other sun-induced damages like sunburns and fine lines. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays of the sun can also cause certain types of skin cancer. Regular use of sunscreen has the long-lasting advantage of promoting healthier and more youthful skin.

Cosmetic procedures to restore skin elasticity

Many surgical and non-surgical techniques have been developed to address loose skin in various body areas after childbirth. Some of the popular and effective methods are listed below.

8) Non-surgical procedures

• Cryolipolysis or cool sculpting to reduce belly bulge.
• HIFU (High-intensity focused ultrasound) skin tightening to reduce double chin.
• Radiofrequency skin tightening to reduce cellulite and tighten thighs after pregnancy.

9) Surgical procedures

• Mastopexy or breast lift to tighten breasts after pregnancy.
• Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck to tighten the stomach after pregnancy.
• Perineoplasty to tighten lax perineal skin and loose vaginal opening after childbirth.
  
  

How long does it take for the skin to tighten after pregnancy?

The journey is highly individualized. Generally speaking, you will be able to see some changes in your body by 6 weeks postpartum. Your belly pooch will lessen. However, regaining skin elasticity may require several months and consistent efforts. Some marks you will carry for life, so you must maintain a positive state of mind and keep realistic expectations.

Bringing it all together

Postpartum skin care is vital to your overall well-being, as healthier skin does wonders for your body image and self-confidence. Follow the aforementioned tips to achieve tighter skin by restoring its elasticity. Having a newborn to look after should not restrict you from post pregnancy self-care and tending to your needs. A happy and content mother raises happy children and adds more positivity to the family dynamics.

About the Author:
Dr. Jehan Ara is a highly qualified consultant obstetrician and gynecologist with a passion for writing and health education. She has more than 10 years of practical patient care experience. She is currently working as an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology in a medical school and a clinical supervisor for postgraduate residents of obstetrics and gynecology in the affiliated teaching hospital. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Jehan is also a passionate writer and educator. She regularly writes articles and blog posts on women’s health. She is committed to helping women understand their bodies and make informed decisions about their health.