After delivery, it can be helpful to know what changes your skin and hair may undergo. Below are practical suggestions for caring for your skin and hair during the postpartum timeframe.
Pregnancy alters the body in both visible and hidden ways — including effects on hair and skin. Some changes, such as increased pigmentation, may persist into the postpartum stage.
The postpartum period for a birthing parent begins at delivery and may last from six weeks up to six months.
Read on to learn what changes you might notice in your hair and skin after childbirth and how to adjust your care routine.
Understanding postpartum changes to skin and hair
Studies indicate that increased estrogen levels during pregnancy can influence the skin. Common skin-related issues that may appear during or after pregnancy include:
- stretch marks
- eczema and dryness on the body and scalp
- hyperpigmentation
- spider veins and other vascular changes
- nipple-related symptoms
- acne
Hair shedding is also frequent after childbirth. Hair often becomes fuller during pregnancy and remains in a growth phase longer, but following birth you may notice what feels like sudden hair loss.
This stress-related shedding is known as telogen effluvium. It’s widespread and can persist for roughly up to a year after delivery.
Five postpartum skin-care strategies
Many skin issues that occur during pregnancy and after birth resolve on their own over several weeks to months.
Here are simple everyday measures that can help.
1. Minimize stress where possible
The postpartum phase can be demanding — you’re focused on your baby’s needs, adjusting to new routines, and likely dealing with fragmented sleep, among other stressors.
Lowering stress may lessen systemic inflammation and can improve conditions such as eczema.
Think about asking family or friends to help with errands or meals, calling someone when you feel isolated, or having a partner or friend watch the baby so you can take a calming soak.
2. Choose a mild cleanser
To avoid worsening dryness, select a cleanser that preserves your skin’s natural moisture barrier and doesn’t strip it.
Look for a gentle cleanser that contains:
- a slightly acidic pH
- surfacing agents that cleanse without removing essential proteins and lipids
- humectants (ingredients that attract and retain moisture)
- occlusives (barrier-forming creams to lock in hydration)
- emollients (softening moisturizers that smooth the skin)
Some new parents experience acne. It’s a common postpartum concern among Black mothers, according to Bukky Aremu, an advanced practice registered nurse in dermatology.
“Acne often clears in a few weeks to months on its own, but medical care should be considered to avoid scarring,” Aremu notes. “There are topical options safe for breastfeeding, and severe cases may need oral antibiotics.”
Whichever skin issues you face, avoid products containing likely allergens or irritants.
3. Keep skin well moisturized
If you’re prone to eczema, frequent handwashing that accompanies baby care can trigger flares on areas like the hands and wrists.
To reduce hand eczema from repeated washing, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying moisturizer after each wash and choosing products without fragrances or dyes.
“A sensitive, fragrance-free moisturizer used regularly can calm inflamed, itchy skin. Topical steroid creams are prescribed for inflammation and are safe during breastfeeding,” Aremu says. “Using a gentle soap substitute and ongoing moisturization even after symptoms ease can help prevent recurrence.”
4. Tend to nipple care
If you have cracked, dry, sore, or other nipple issues related to breastfeeding, consult a healthcare professional for tailored treatment advice.
Read more about nipple care during breastfeeding here.
5. Don’t skip sunscreen
Pregnancy-related hyperpigmentation can darken with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, including sunlight.
If you have areas of hyperpigmentation, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA, UVB, and visible light.
Sunscreen is important for everyone, including people with darker skin tones, experts emphasize.
“Always consult your healthcare provider before using medications postpartum — this includes skincare ingredients like retinol, hydroquinone, and some chemical sunscreens,” Aremu advises.
Four postpartum hair-care recommendations
If you’re experiencing postpartum hair shedding, know that shedding usually returns to baseline within about a year after childbirth.
If it’s distressing, try these approaches to manage shedding and encourage a return to your pre-pregnancy hair state.
1. Handle your hair gently
With dry or thinning hair after pregnancy, be gentle — pulling at roots can harm follicles.
While your hair regrows, consider:
- avoiding chemical services, or having them performed by a trained professional
- limiting heat styling like blow-drying or flat ironing
- requesting looser braids or twists
- removing braids after around three months
- taking out hair extensions or weaves after about eight weeks
2. Use shampoo and conditioner suited to your hair
If your hair feels dry postpartum, seek a stylist’s advice on products that add moisture without weighing hair down.
Different textures respond differently to rich conditioners and intense hydration. Try a few conditioning products to determine what suits your hair best.
Black and naturally textured hair
Hair thinning and loss are a major concern for many African American women, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
If your hair is naturally dense and textured, your priority may be concealing visible thinning. Limpness may not be the main issue, even with postpartum shedding.
Some specialists in Black hair care suggest hot oil treatments and deep conditioning sessions.
3. Think about supplements
Nutrient deficiencies can affect hair health.
Ensuring adequate levels of nutrients linked to hair growth may support regrowth, including:
- vitamin D
- iron and vitamin C (taken together if iron is low)
Folate, B12, and biotin have been studied for ties to hair loss and recovery, but there’s insufficient evidence to draw firm conclusions yet.
Ask your clinician about testing for deficiencies and whether supplements could support hair regrowth and postpartum recovery.
Consider vitamin D if you have darker skin
About 75% of non-Hispanic Black people in the U.S. have vitamin D insufficiency, compared with 44% of Hispanic people and 20% of non-Hispanic white people.
Over-the-counter vitamin D supplements are an easy, effective way to raise levels for hair and general health. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist for advice, and you may wish to have your vitamin D measured first.
4. Try a fuller-looking haircut
While waiting for hair to regrow after postpartum shedding, opt for a cut that creates the appearance of more volume. Shorter styles can produce a fuller look.
A shorter style may also be simpler to manage, which can be helpful when you’re caring for a newborn.
Bottom line
Pregnancy is a remarkable process that produces many visible and unseen changes — your skin and hair included.
Most of these skin changes are temporary and typically revert to their pre-pregnancy state within weeks to months. You often don’t need to treat them, especially when your attention is focused on a new baby.
However, if they cause discomfort, adding a few targeted self-care steps to your routine can provide relief.
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