Giving birth to a baby is strenuous. A large amount of energy and blood is expensed from the mother’s body resulting in an imbalanced body constitution (read Postpartum Confinement from TCM Perspective). This not only affects a mother’s health inwardly but the imbalances can also manifest in the external body, including appearance-related concerns, such as pale skin complexion, excessive hair loss, pigmentation changes, dry skin and rashes, and loose and saggy skin around the abdomen and thigh areas.
Using skincare products formulated with nourishing herbs is a great way for new mothers to achieve self-care after childbirth. Let’s explore how these products can be useful for you in managing postpartum skin concerns.
1. Maintaining personal hygiene
Keeping a clean body is essential to prevent postpartum infection and the passing of germs from mother to child. Choosing a body wash that is gentle on the skin helps maintain skin suppleness and prevents irritation due to dryness. It is also a good idea to use a body wash that contains herbal ingredients which are warming and help dispel wind, such as ginger or lemongrass. Although taking a shower is encouraged during the confinement month, there are some precautionary measures to note. For example, one should take the shower during the warmer time of the day (late morning or in the afternoon) using warm water and the shower should be brief.
2. Keeping the skin moisturized
Due to nursing and handling the baby, frequent hand washing or sanitizing is necessary. This can cause the hands to become dry, flaky and irritated. In addition, some mothers may experience drier skin postpartum due to yin deficiency (read Postpartum Confinement from TCM Perspective). Applying moisturizers to the hands and body can prevent transepidermal water loss, thus, keeping the skin hydrated and soothed. Moisturizers containing herbs and nutrients that nurture the yin and yang can further improve skin suppleness and minimize wrinkles.
3. Nurturing the skin
As a mother’s skin and connective tissues around the abdomen area begin to contract and return to the pre-pregnant state, it is important to provide adequate nourishment and hydration to support these changes. External applications of cream or lotion containing botanical oil, collagen and antioxidants can soften and smoothen the skin and also improve its elasticity. Certain herbal extracts can also improve skin tone and reduce saggy-looking skin.
4. Self-massage
Massage is a good way to promote the flow of qi and blood, increase body heat and relieve discomfort due to cold extremities. It also helps to relieve sore muscles. Applying body oil during a massage facilitates the gliding of fingers on the skin. Botanical oils rich in essential fatty acids enhance skin barrier function and maintain skin hydration. Certain herbs infused in body oil can further enhance the skin-warming effect, relieve dry, irritated skin and improve a pale-looking skin tone.
