The journey of motherhood is filled with joy, surprises, and a lot of hormonal changes. Let’s be real. The body undergoes some serious changes, some of which are challenging to undo. From the moment you conceive to the years leading to menopause, your hair and skin often show up in unexpected ways.
This guide walks you through the changes from postpartum to perimenopause and offers simple, natural tips to support your skin and hair every step of the way.
Skin and Hair Changes During and After Pregnancy
During your pregnancy, you will see your skin and hair change in look and feel. Here’s a brief overview of some common changes that occur:
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There is a general increase in pigmentation in the first trimester (3 months). Besides this, facial pigmentation is quite common. The good news is that this facial pigmentation tends to fade after pregnancy.
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Stretch marks (striae) are another common experience affecting almost all mothers during the second and third trimesters. These pink or purple bands develop on the thighs, stomach, breasts, and buttocks.
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Pregnancy hormones may also lead to acne and an increase in skin sensitivity. The surge in hormones can cause your skin to produce more oil, which may clog your pores and cause breakouts.
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Another significant change during pregnancy is the thickening of your hair because of high levels of estrogen. As a result, your hair may feel voluminous, and your hair fall may be reduced. However, after delivery, you must be prepared to deal with hair loss due to a drop in estrogen levels. While it is usually temporary, it is important to take great care of it.
Skin and Hair Changes Before and During Menopause
Like pregnancy, pre- and post-partum, menopause too brings about a lot of changes. Here are some notable ones:
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Your skin starts to sag due to a drop in collagen levels. This means the skin loses its volume and tightness.
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You may also notice some dark spots, like age spots, very evidently, after menopause.
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There may also be growth of unwanted facial hair on the chin and neck.
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Like postpartum, hair thinning and hair loss are quite common during menopause. The reason is the same: drop in estrogen levels.
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Just like menopause dries out your hair, it affects your skin’s moisture levels. Since estrogen stimulates oil glands, a drop in the levels causes your skin to get dry.
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You may also notice an increase in wrinkles and fine lines due to a drop in collagen levels.
How Moms Can Care
1. Nourish Well
Extra attention needs to be given to your diet during pregnancy and menopause. A diet rich in leafy greens, healthy fats, and protein helps restore your skin’s glow and strengthens your hair. It is quite possible that some of your vitamin and mineral levels are low. In such instances, women often benefit from supplements for iron, omega-3s, collagen, and biotin. Always check with your doctor before starting anything new.
2. Sleep and Stress Management
While you’re asleep, your body is repairing and rejuvenating itself. Consequently, a lack of good sleep means that your body does not have enough time to work on itself on the inside.
Stress is another factor that speeds up the aging process and increases the cortisol levels in your body, which may affect your skin and body. As a result, it is important to manage your stress levels via relaxing and regulating activities like yoga, meditation, and short walks.
3. Simplify Your Self-Care Routine
Complicating your skincare and haircare routine may make your skin and hair worse. As such, it is best to simplify the routine.
Choose gentle cleansers, toners, moisturizers, and sunscreens such as:
You may also want to include serums that are intensely hydrating, like our Intense Hydra Face Serum. Additionally, make sure to never skip the 3-step routine (cleanser-toner-moisturizer) and follow it up with sunscreen.
When it comes to your hair, go sulfate-free and avoid parabens to protect your fragile strands. Moreover, take the time to massage your scalp regularly with castor or coconut oil to improve blood flow and promote growth. Finally, give your hair a well-deserved break from heating tools.
Conclusion
Whether you're caring for a newborn or navigating the hormonal tides of your 40s, taking time to care for your skin and hair is a way to reconnect with yourself. With natural, gentle methods and staying in tune with your body’s needs, you can support your beauty and well-being through every phase.
You don’t need a 10-step routine; just a few mindful choices can make a big difference! We created Ecosaa’s range of products with two goals. One, to heal your skin. Two solution-focused approaches. And this means repairing and protecting your skin’s protective barrier and boosting the production of essential skin-musts like collagen. Each ingredient that we have chosen is best at what it does. When combined with other ingredients, they enhance each other’s ability to deliver nourishment.
Check out our entire range here: Collections – Ecosaa.