As you adjust to life with a new baby, you might also notice new skin changes. Your body just went through an incredible transformation, and it may take time for your skin to adjust. These changes are completely normal—and, with the right postpartum skincare, you can get back to a healthy, happy glow!

COMMON POSTPARTUM SKIN CHANGES

Your body has been through an amazing journey, and your skin is still catching up. Experiencing any combination of these changes is perfectly normal:

• Hormonal acne: Fluctuating hormone levels can trigger breakouts, especially along the jawline, chin and cheeks. This often happens as estrogen and progesterone levels drop after delivery.
• Melasma & hyperpigmentation: Often called the "mask of pregnancy," melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation where brown or gray patches typically appear on the forehead, cheeks and upper lip.
• Dryness or dehydration: Sleep deprivation, hormonal changes and the physical demands of new motherhood can leave your skin feeling tight and parched.
• Increased sensitivity: Your skin might react more strongly to products you've used for years. This heightened sensitivity is often temporary but requires gentle care.
• Stretch marks & skin texture changes: Areas that expanded during pregnancy may feel different in texture, and you might notice changes in firmness and elasticity.
• Dullness or uneven tone: Exhaustion and hormonal shifts can create a lackluster or patchy complexion.

WHEN WILL THESE SKIN CHANGES FADE?

This is probably the question on every new mom's mind! The timeline for skin recovery varies from person to person, but most pregnancy-related skin changes begin to improve within the first few months postpartum as your hormones start to stabilize.

Hormonal acne often settles down by 3 – 6 months after delivery, though this can vary if you're breastfeeding. Melasma tends to be more stubborn, potentially taking 6 – 12 months to fade significantly.

Some women find acne and melasma to persist longer, especially with continued sun exposure. Skin texture and elasticity improvements happen even more gradually over the first year.

While your skin may not return to exactly how it was before pregnancy, it will continue to improve with proper care and time. The key is patience and consistent, gentle postpartum skincare.

WHAT TO PRIORITIZE IN YOUR POSTPARTUM SKINCARE ROUTINE

Focus your new postpartum skincare routine on these foundational steps to support your skin's recovery.

GENTLE CLEANSERS

Your skin barrier needs extra TLC right now, so harsh cleansers are off the table. Look for creamy, hydrating formulas that remove impurities without stripping your skin.
Our Mega Cream Cleanser is perfect for this phase, offering a thorough cleansing while maintaining your skin's natural moisture balance. Its ultra-gentle formula dissolves dirt and makeup without causing irritation or dryness.

BARRIER-SUPPORTING MOISTURIZERS

Hydration is absolutely essential for postpartum skin recovery. Choose moisturizers with ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides that help restore and strengthen your skin barrier.

Consider our Ultra Hydro Gel combined with Daily Repair Cream for lightweight yet powerful hydration. It’s pharmaceutical-grade Hyaluronic Acid helps plump and smooth your skin while supporting the barrier function your skin desperately needs.

SUN PROTECTION

Daily SPF is crucial for preventing further pigmentation and protecting your recovering skin. Even if you're spending most of your time indoors, UV exposure through windows can worsen melasma and slow your skin's improvement.

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect against UVA and UVB rays. We recommend a GlyMed SPF product suited to your skin type for reliable protection without a heavy or greasy feeling on your already sensitive skin.

HYDRATION FROM THE INSIDE OUT

Don't forget that postpartum skincare starts from within! Staying well-hydrated supports your skin's natural recovery processes. Keep a water bottle nearby during those long feeding sessions, and consider adding hydrating foods to your diet for extra benefits.

SMART INGREDIENT SWAPS FOR NEW MOMS

You've probably already altered your skincare routine for your pregnancy, but what about now that you're a new mom? With your hormones settling back to normal levels, it's time to reevaluate what ingredients are best for your skin, especially if you're breastfeeding. Here's your guide to making smart swaps for your postpartum skincare routine.

INGREDIENTS TO EMBRACE POSTPARTUM

• Niacinamide: This powerhouse ingredient reduces redness, regulates oil production and strengthens your skin barrier. It's gentle enough for sensitive postpartum skin and safe for breastfeeding moms.
• Vitamin C: Perfect for addressing dullness and hyperpigmentation, Vitamin C serums like GlyMed's pharmaceutical-grade formula can brighten your complexion and protect against environmental damage.
• Hyaluronic Acid: Your hydration hero! This ingredient can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, so it's the perfect choice for combating postpartum dryness.
• Gentle AHAs: Lactic Acid and Mandelic Acid are mild exfoliating acids that can help with texture and dullness without being too harsh on sensitive skin.
• Ceramides: Found in our Peptide Cream, these lipids lock in moisture and protect against irritation while strengthening your barrier function.
• Shea Butter: This nourishing and anti-inflammatory ingredient is another great option to hydrate any damaged skin. Our Cell Protection Balm makes great use of this ingredient and can soothe irritation from breastfeeding. Or, when combined with our Vitamin E Cream, it creates the perfect moisturizer for your healing belly.

INGREDIENTS TO APPROACH WITH CAUTION WHILE BREASTFEEDING

• Retinoids: While incredibly effective for acne and aging concerns, Retinoids should generally be avoided during breastfeeding.
• High-Concentration Salicylic Acid: Small amounts in cleansers are typically fine, but avoid leave-on treatments with high concentrations while nursing.
• Hydroquinone: This skin-brightening ingredient should be avoided during breastfeeding. Opt for Vitamin C or Niacinamide instead.

Always consult with your healthcare provider about specific ingredients if you have concerns, especially when breastfeeding.

A REALISTIC ROUTINE FOR NEW MOMS

As a new mom, you need a routine that's effective but doesn't require a PhD in skincare to execute! We've created a simple, realistic routine that can work around your busy schedule:

MORNING ROUTINE

Step 1: Wash your face with lukewarm water and your usual cleanser. Or, if you need a gentler option, try our Gentle Gel Cleanser with Amino Acids.

Step 2: Apply our Ultra Hydro Gel along with Daily Repair Cream to boost your hydration levels.

Step 3: Use a hydrating moisturizer with built-in SPF, such as our Hydrating Protection Gel with SPF 30, or layer your regular moisturizer under sunscreen. Daily Repair Cream is a great option.

EVENING ROUTINE

Step 1: Remove any makeup with a gentle cleanser like GlyMed's Mega Cream Cleanser.

Step 2: Apply a pigment-targeted or hydrating serum with Hyaluronic Acid or Niacinamide.

Step 3: Follow with a nourishing moisturizer like our Vitamin C Cream to support overnight recovery.

WEEKLY ADDITIONS (WHEN POSSIBLE)

Once or twice a week, treat yourself to a gentle hydrating masque. GlyMed's Hydrating Masque with Enzymes offers a spa-like experience that should fit right into your schedule to provide deep hydration.

EMBRACE YOUR SKIN'S JOURNEY WITH PROFESSIONAL HELP

Your postpartum skincare journey is unique, just like your experience as a new mom. Some days your routine might be flawless, and other days you might forget to wash your face until noon—and that's completely okay! The most important thing is choosing high-quality, gentle products that work with your skin's current needs, not against them.

If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure about your postpartum skincare routine, consider consulting with a licensed GlyMed Pro who can provide personalized recommendations that focus on hydration and protection. Our expert help and support can make a world of difference as your skin adjusts to its new normal, and sooner than you know it, you'll have a glowing, healthy complexion again!