Any nursing mother wants to look beautiful, especially after nine months of pregnancy, when, under the influence of hormonal changes, the color and composition of the skin changed, rashes and spots appeared.
After the birth of a baby, a woman must adhere to strict restrictions that apply not only to food, but also to usual cosmetics. After all, most modern gels, creams and varnishes contain a significant amount of substances that can provoke various pathological reactions.
What to look for when choosing cosmetics after childbirth
Immediately after the birth of a child, a woman’s immune system is significantly weakened, so it is not recommended to expose her to local exposure to biologically and chemically active substances. The following substances are prohibited during this period of a young mother’s life:
- Do not use cosmetics containing propylene glycol. It can negatively affect the functioning of the liver and kidneys of a nursing woman. In addition, this substance is a strong allergen and is extremely harmful to the baby.
- In cosmetology, various flavors, so-called fragrances, are widely used. Ointments and lotions containing such substances can provoke severe allergic reactions in a child.
- Cosmetics containing ethyl alcohol are strictly prohibited. Alcohol solutions can negatively affect the skin of a young mother, which is already thinned after pregnancy. The structure of a woman’s skin can also be damaged by parabens - special substances used in cosmetology to preserve and extend the shelf life of creams, gels and ointments.
- And, of course, cosmetics that contain formaldehyde or benzene are completely prohibited for a nursing woman. These substances are quite strong mineral poisons, so their use is very dangerous for a child.
These can be processed medicinal plants, thanks to which cosmetics will contain only vitamins, natural oils, and natural dyes.
For daily care of their appearance, nursing women are advised to purchase cosmetics only in specialized stores or pharmacies. All products must have appropriate quality certificates, which must indicate whether this ointment or cream can be used by a young mother.
We recommend reading the article about belly cream after childbirth. From it you will learn about the indications for using stretch mark cream, its correct use and approved products.
And here is more information about recovery after childbirth.
What to do?
Every second mother is concerned about this issue. There is no universal advice, because everything is individual. But if you choose good techniques and therapeutic methods, you can cope with the problem.
It all depends on the location, depth, and size of the striae. After analyzing the situation, you can use the following methods:
- local therapy, using ointments, creams, oils;
- hardware involves injections and laser;
- folk remedies.
Will the cream work for a tummy tuck after childbirth? It all depends on the degree of damage to the dermis and the depth of the scars.
Homemade cosmetics for mom after childbirth
Specialized cosmetics are often quite expensive, and not every young woman can afford such expenses. In addition, many young mothers are justifiably afraid that their baby will not have a reaction to a pharmaceutical product.
Most experts advise breastfeeding women to take care of their appearance and prepare cosmetics with their own hands from natural ingredients. Moms should remember three basic rules for using homemade cosmetic compositions:
- Any cosmetic procedures can be performed no more than once every two days. This rule does not apply to personal hygiene, showering and washing the mammary glands before and after feeding the baby.
- Before using homemade masks and creams for the first time, you should consult your doctor, since for each skin type you should use products prepared on the basis of certain ingredients.
- When making your own cosmetics, you need to limit as much as possible the use of lemons, oranges, honey, coffee and other products that can provoke allergic reactions not only in a woman, but also in a child.
To care for facial skin, many traditional medicine specialists suggest that nursing women use milk, curd and fruit masks. If a woman has dry skin, then wiping her face with a milk-water solution or applying a cottage cheese or banana mask is best. When a woman has oily skin, it is recommended to use a mixture of grated apple with potato starch or a medicinal mask consisting of sauerkraut for facial care.
Quite often, ladies use a mixture of egg yolk, honey, sour cream and carrot juice to improve the condition of their face. This mask copes well with wrinkles and folds, but you should remember about the high allergic activity of eggs and honey, which can cause problems for the baby.
Hair is the main pride of any woman, and caring for it should not stop during breastfeeding. Doctors advise mothers to replace regular shampoos with a decoction of young wheat sprouts, a mixture of kefir and warm water in a 1:1 ratio, and regularly rub olive and hemp oil into the hair roots.
After such a procedure, you can wash clean hair with baby shampoo and rinse with lemon juice diluted with water. When using lemon, it is necessary to carefully monitor the baby's condition, since citrus fruits can provoke allergies.
A few words about home methods for caring for the skin of your hands and nails at home. Experts recommend the following recipes:
- To keep a woman’s hands in excellent condition, she should take care of them regularly, at least 2-3 times a week. The simplest thing is to put your hands in a warm potato broth and keep them there for 10 - 15 minutes. You can use a mixture of pureed vegetables and milk for compresses. Tea lotions have a good effect.
- To strengthen nails, young mothers can use baths with olive or linseed oil. The oil is heated to 35 - 40 degrees and hands are placed in it. The whole procedure lasts about a quarter of an hour, but during this time women’s hands receive a sufficient amount of vitamins A, E, and C.
There are a large number of recipes for homemade skin care products that a nursing woman can afford. But before using any of them, you should definitely consult your doctor.
Watch the video about skin care after childbirth:
Oil
By moisturizing the dermis, we make it more stretchable, thereby reducing stretch marks.
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The following products are suitable for these purposes: olive oil, sea buckthorn oil, almond oil. They contain a unique vitamin composition that can cope with many skin defects.
Professional cosmetics after childbirth
The skin of the hands and feet suffers the most after childbirth in nursing mothers. In addition to this problem, women who have had nine months of pregnancy would like to restore the beauty of their hair and remove the consequences of childbirth itself in the form of stretch marks and cellulite. Pharmacies and beauty salons offer mothers a large selection of skin care products that are not prohibited during breastfeeding.
Cosmetics for hands after childbirth
Since there are practically no fat glands in the skin of the hands, it is the hands that are primarily subject to pathological changes after childbirth. A sharp weakening of the immune system of a young mother also leads to dry hands.
There are three main principles for restoring normal skin on women's hands. This is timely moisturizing of the skin, restoration of normal tissue nutrition and cleansing of the skin from bacteria and other microorganisms.
Why is this happening?
As mentioned above, due to a significant increase in size and stretching of the dermis, scar-like stripes appear. In the deep layers of tissue, when the skin is thinned, tears appear. Then they are replaced by connective tissue, resulting in a defect in the integument.
However, in addition to the stresses that provoke the formation of striae, there are also so-called predisposing factors
- lack of vitamins
- heredity
- small amounts of selenium and copper for the formation of collagen synthesis necessary for the skin.
A good postpartum skin cream will help cope with the problem, regardless of its origin.
What cosmetics should you avoid?
When trying to restore its former beauty, a nursing mother should first of all think about the safety of her child, therefore the cosmetics used should not contain substances that can cause pathological reactions in the baby. Various lotions, creams and gels in which manufacturers use chemical odor enhancers should be completely prohibited.
Mothers are not recommended to use cosmetics with large amounts of mineral oils, which are often replaced with vegetable oils in order to save money. These substances are not only harmful to a woman’s skin, they can cause poisoning in a child. It is worth limiting the use of products in which manufacturers use artificial preservatives to extend shelf life.
Will stretch marks go away?
In fact, small, narrow, non-deepening stretch marks may disappear over time. But if they are of a pronounced nature, then you cannot do without special and medications.
Many people notice scarring when breastfeeding; breast cream after childbirth does a good job.
Basic body care tips for a young mother
The basis of beauty and health will always remain personal hygiene, proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. The period of breastfeeding is no exception to the rule.
In order not to harm the baby, a nursing mother should follow a few simple rules:
- Cosmetic masks, wraps and other procedures should not be overused. A woman can afford such methods of restoring the beauty of her skin no more than 2 - 3 times a week.
- Do not use various gels and creams to moisturize the skin before feeding the baby. Any product always has a minimal odor, which can cause a child to refuse to eat.
- During breastfeeding, the anti-cellulite massage beloved by many ladies is prohibited , since during it, toxins are released from the woman’s cells and tissues, which can enter the baby’s body with milk.
- A woman during lactation is not recommended to take sunbathing, but there are no obstacles to a Russian bath or sauna. Just remember that staying in a steam room can cause a rush of milk into the mammary glands.
- Doctors categorically prohibit breastfeeding women from using decorative cosmetics and changing hair color. The thing is that hair dye and cosmetic coloring products contain mineral substances that are very dangerous for children.
We recommend reading the article about hair coloring after childbirth. From it you will learn about the dangers of the procedure and the entry of toxins into the body, important tips for young mothers.
And here is more information about tampons after childbirth.
One should not think that during the period of breastfeeding a woman is prohibited from taking care of her appearance. Manicure and pedicure sessions, a visit to a beauty salon, where she will be offered a light facial massage, and gentle cosmetic masks will be a wonderful rest and way of relaxation from everyday worries for a young mother.
It is advisable to start applying a tummy tuck cream after childbirth even before. Usually a line of cosmetics contains special products during the period.
Clothes and cosmetics for mom. The one in which the woman came to the maternity hospital. Body after childbirth. In this part, women suffer the most from their stomach.
The first weeks after birth. At first, greater value than external. To avoid stretch marks and cracked nipples, use special cosmetics to give a gentle massage to avoid lumps, pain, and stagnation of milk.
However, not every laxative after childbirth is allowed for breastfeeding. So that mom doesn’t get confused about what laxatives she can even use.
After childbirth, for many women, the joy of motherhood is often overshadowed by a changed figure. Your tummy sags, your back hurts, and your hips don’t fit into your favorite pants. And I really want to show off my toned figure in a mini bikini on the beach by summer. Correcting your figure in problem areas - the back, stomach and hips is not so difficult; it can be done both at home and in a beauty salon. However, you need to remember that not all procedures can be done during breastfeeding and the first months after childbirth.
Features of the female body after childbirth. During pregnancy, weight gain ranges from 10 to 20 kg, sometimes a little more or less. The deposition of subcutaneous fat is designed by nature to protect the baby and nourish him in the first weeks after birth. Fat is needed so that the mother has a source of energy to produce milk, because in the first weeks of caring for the baby it is not always possible to eat regularly. The distribution of fat throughout a pregnant woman's body is ensured by pregnancy hormones, but now that the birth is over, the fat hangs on the hips, back and butt, and the skin of the abdomen looks unattractive. Even if a woman begins to lose weight, fat deposits do not always disappear from those places. The ones that I would like to remove are the face and chest that lose weight first. but the butt and waist remain until the last. Exercises and cosmetic procedures will help you get your body in shape after childbirth - especially your stomach, buttocks and thighs.
Cosmetics and salon procedures After childbirth, the skin of the body changes somewhat, the body requires attention. However, it is necessary to take care of yourself after consulting a doctor - not all procedures can be done in the first months after childbirth, many of the remedies are contraindicated during breastfeeding. You may need anti-cellulite body creams, scrubs and peels. However, they must be of natural ingredients - chemical peels are prohibited during breastfeeding. Scrub and peeling help remove superficial layers of skin with dead skin particles that interfere with the penetration of anti-cellulite products to the subcutaneous layer. When choosing cosmetics to care for problem areas, be guided by the reputation of the brand, the advice of a cosmetologist and the labeling - “acceptable during pregnancy and breastfeeding.” They are hypoallergenic, will not cause skin irritation and do not contain fragrances.
One of the excellent anti-cellulite remedies is vacuum massage - it can be performed in a salon or at home using special silicone or glass jars. This procedure combines both cosmetic and therapeutic effects - negative pressure is created on the surface of the skin, which deeply massages subcutaneous fat deposits, increases blood flow to these areas, flushing out toxins and increasing metabolism, while the effect is achieved quickly and without flabby, sagging skin . Vacuum massage is performed on the abdomen, buttocks and thighs; the inner thighs and popliteal fossae should be avoided.
The first few procedures can be quite painful and may leave some bruising. This indicates stagnation in the tissues and gradually, as metabolism and blood circulation normalize, these phenomena disappear. These procedures can be used no earlier than 2-3 months after birth. Breastfeeding is not a contraindication to this procedure.
Mesotherapy is one of the effective ways to lose weight and get rid of cellulite in the thighs and buttocks; special fat-breaking substances and drugs that enhance metabolism and blood circulation are injected under the skin using microneedles. But you can do this after you finish breastfeeding, or no earlier than 4-6 months after giving birth, when hormonal levels stabilize. Mesotherapy is good to combine with wraps or massage procedures. In a complex of 10-15 procedures, fat will significantly decrease, and the skin will tighten, become smooth and elastic.
Myostimulation. These are analogues of physical training, but for lazy or busy women. Using muscle stimulators, portable devices in the form of butterflies or belts, you can pump up weakened muscles in the buttocks, abs or thighs. Professional Dorga muscle stimulators. But they have adjustable programs, sending pulses of different frequencies. Due to the influence of impulses, passive muscle contractions occur in transverse and longitudinal positions. This enhances the effect.
Cream rating
There is no universal remedy suitable for everyone. Although our skin has the same structure, it reacts to cream therapy differently for everyone. Therefore, the optimal remedy for yourself is selected individually, depending on the effect. The presented rating contains information about the action of each component so that you can get an idea of the effectiveness of the product.
Cream “Mama Comfort”
The “Mama Comfort” line of products is designed specifically for pregnant and nursing mothers. The composition is specially designed for particularly sensitive skin during the postpartum period. The cream can also increase the elasticity of the skin of pregnant women. Price ~ 300 rub.
Components:
- hyaluronic acid: regulates the water-fat balance, maintaining the optimal amount of fluid for the skin in the intercellular space;
- horse chestnut extract: blood circulation stimulator, enhances skin nutrition and regeneration;
- oil extract: rich in fatty acids to improve skin elasticity;
- innovative complex REGU-STRETCH for correcting the skin's ability to stretch.
Cream “9 months”
Like the “Mama Comfort” series, the “9 months” line is designed for expectant mothers and includes not only stretch mark cream, but also products for the care and protection of the skin of the whole body. This cream not only helps prevent, but also actively fights stretch marks that have already formed. Price ~ 300 rub.
Components:
- soybean hydrolysates, elastin: supply the skin with the necessary substances to maintain its elasticity;
- antioxidants: echinacea extract, wheat germ oil to protect the skin from harmful effects and stress;
- grapefruit oil: stimulates blood circulation and also helps eliminate fat deposits and cellulite;
- complex of oils: supplies the skin with nutrients.
The dual action of the product ensures the prevention and correction of stretch marks. Effectively fights existing stretch marks and prevents the appearance of new ones. Price ~2,500 rub.
Components:
- specially developed substances elastoregulator, arabinogalactan, lupeol provide increased elasticity;
- Japanese sophora, a complex of trace elements responsible for regeneration;
- Shea butter and avocado peptides have a nourishing effect.
Cream "Pregnacare"
Cream for the prevention and treatment of stretch marks (striae) that occur during and after pregnancy. The components of this product not only eliminate existing stretch marks, but also actively fight new defects, since they contain a stimulator of elastin production. Price ~ 550 rub.
We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the Formation of a lump after a boil. After removing the boil, a seal remains
Compound:
- aloe vera, panthenol nourish the skin;
- allantoin, evening primrose oil promotes regeneration;
- vitamin E, calendula extract, soy glycine act as antioxidants;
- Lemon oil stops the breakdown of collagen and elastin and stimulates their production.
Cream from Avent
A popular anti-stretch mark cream in Europe.
Contains natural oils rich in minerals, vitamins and amino acids, plant extracts, including extracts of sea plants and algae. The light, citrus-based scent contains notes of lemon and grapefruit, known for their ability to ease symptoms of nausea during pregnancy. All Philips Avent cosmetics have undergone strict dermatological testing.
The special formula of Avent cream helps relieve fatigue and increase skin elasticity, preventing the appearance of stretch marks. This nourishing, non-greasy massage cream helps improve skin elasticity, moisturizes and softens it. Hypoallergenic. Price ~ 500 rub.
Active components:
- shea seed oil has a softening effect;
- extract of sea plants and algae increases skin elasticity;
- Papaya and sweet almond oil (purified of potentially allergenic free proteins) relieve congestion and promote fluid removal.
Reduces the risk of stretch marks. Helps improve skin elasticity and significantly reduce existing stretch marks. Price ~ 1,500 rub.
Components of the cream for stretch marks after childbirth "Vichy":
- Vichy thermal water: stimulates skin regeneration;
- glycerin: retains skin moisture, preventing loss of elasticity;
- bassia oil: activates collagen synthesis and metabolic processes in skin cells.
The French manufacturer says the product is 85% effective against all types of stretch marks – both “old” and “new”. The basis of the current complex is extract of horsetail, ivy and mantle. These substances contain flavonoids, which stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. Price ~ 2,675 rub.
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Apply morning and evening with light massaging movements to problem areas for 8 weeks. The course can be extended. The result depends on the care with which you use this product. Do not under any circumstances interrupt the course you have started.
The product is developed on the basis of plant components that help eliminate skin defects and provide skin nutrition. Price ~ 2,000 rub.
Components:
- centella asiatica, crowberry berries activate the processes of regeneration and production of collagen and elastin;
- oil extract nourishes the skin.
The product was created not only to eliminate stretch marks, it is also used for many skin diseases (from scars, burns, stretch marks, for healing tattoos and any skin damage). Bioorganomineral complex, plant wax emulsion, sunflower oil extract, avocado, jojoba, aloe, orange, thyme, rosemary extracts give the effect of rejuvenation and regeneration of the skin, nourish it with the necessary substances to increase elasticity and retain moisture. Application: apply a thin layer to damp skin. Price ~ 2,500 rub.
The action of the product is based on blocking elastase, an enzyme that breaks down elastin. This effect is possible thanks to a complex of 4 amino acids. The cream also contains hyaluronic acid and silk proteins, thanks to which active regeneration and preservation of fluid in the intercellular space occurs. Price ~ 2,000 rub.
More creams: Clarins, Biotherm, Ives Roche, Oriflame, Venus, Green Mama, Roc, Eveline... Cream for stretch marks will be optimally used after childbirth in combination with good nutrition for the skin: walnuts, fish, low-fat dairy products, seeds pumpkin or sunflower, dried apricots.
Read also: Stretch marks on the stomach after childbirth: how to remove them at home and with the help of hardware cosmetology
The “Mama Comfort” line of products is designed specifically for pregnant and nursing mothers. The composition is specially designed for particularly sensitive skin during the postpartum period. The cream can also increase the elasticity of the skin of pregnant women. Price ~ 300 rub.
2. Cream “9 months”
Like the “Mama Comfort” series, the “9 months” line is designed for expectant mothers and includes not only stretch mark cream, but also products for the care and protection of the skin of the whole body. This cream not only helps prevent, but also actively fights stretch marks that have already formed. Price ~ 300 rub.
Drugs
You can also remove stretch marks on the stomach with the help of special medications, among which are the following:
To maintain the required tension in the muscular skin structures, Weleda is suitable. Wheat germ, arnica extracts, almonds will nourish the skin, improve the upper layers, removing cosmetic defects.
During pregnancy and after childbirth, many mothers prefer Johnson's Baby oil. There is a constant renewal of the cellular structure due to improved microcirculation.
Intimate muscles
Women are also concerned about the issue of vaginal toning. And no wonder.
After childbirth, its walls are expanded, muscle tone is weaker, all this affects intimate relationships. This problem can be solved with the help of vaginal cream after childbirth.
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