My Clean Skincare Favorites as a New Mom

Pregnancy and being a new mom can do a number on your body (hello, hormones!). That’s why it’s essential to have clean, quality products on hand to support your changing skin.

Transitioning into motherhood means your usual daily routines will likely change, but that doesn’t mean you must stop caring for yourself! Trust me, self-care might look different when you become a mom, but I know first-hand how important it is.

If anything, this time is more important than ever to show up for yourself and take some time out of each day for some self-care. Personally, my skin became so dry after having my kids. For a while, it felt like no matter what I did, my skin was cracking and flaking daily.

New mom skincare at a glance:

  • Skin can change throughout pregnancy and postpartum
  • There are certain ingredients to avoid if breastfeeding
  • Look for products free from alcohol, parabens, and phthalates
  • A simple three-step postpartum skincare routine can be effective
  • Be patient with your skin — it’s been through a lot!

A thorough skincare routine is a fantastic way to honor yourself and your body, and it doesn’t have to be anything complicated or excessive. All that matters is that you have clean products that feel good on your skin and that you love. 

Motherhood, with its sleepless nights and hormone fluctuations, can also bring about new skin concerns, so it can be beneficial to find some new products that support your needs.

We’re going to explore some of the best skincare for new moms, including products that target different concerns like dullness and blemishes. All of these products have lovely, clean ingredients. 

new mom using skincare products in her robe

Top skincare picks for new moms

Before we dive into my favorite skincare picks as a new mom, I want to preface my product choices with this:

Clean skincare products are more expensive than conventional products because they use higher quality ingredients, such as organic and sustainably sourced ingredients, and are often produced in smaller batches.

Personally, my postpartum skin was so much happier using more natural products, and a little really does go a long way. Even though my skin still has a ways to go in recovering from pregnancy and breastfeeding, it’s on its way, thanks to these products.

One Love Organics Botanical B Enzyme Cleansing Oil

First and foremost, it’s vital to have a product in your regime that can thoroughly remove any makeup, sweat, dirt, and who knows what else from your skin.

The easiest way to accomplish this is to use an oil cleanser as your first step. These products efficiently break down makeup and oil before you use your regular cleanser, and they help keep your skin hydrated and nourished (which I desperately needed!).

The One Love Organics Botanical B Enzyme Cleansing Oil is suitable for all skin types and works to purify, soften, and tone the skin after long days when you just want to clean your skin thoroughly. 

postpartum mom doing her skincare routine with clean beauty products

Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser

A gentle but effective facial cleanser is paramount in a skincare routine.

The Brightening Cleanser by Indie Lee is a great option filled with antioxidants like strawberry seed oil and tomato extracts, and it can even be used as a mask if you leave it on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing it off.

If you do oil cleanse, it’s essential to go in with a regular wash-off cleanser such as this one afterward!

Ursa Major Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum

If skin dullness has become your concern, one of the best ingredients to target is vitamin C. The Ursa Major Brighten Up Vitamin C Serum has aloe vera and blood orange peel oil to brighten and smooth the skin’s tone.

It’s lightweight, compatible with all skin types, and gentle enough for daily use after cleansing. And yes, a Vitamin C serum is breastfeeding-safe!

Marie Veronique Barrier Restore Serum

The skin on your face is one of the most delicate areas on your body, and it needs to be treated as such! When your skin’s moisture barrier is compromised, it can result in unevenness in your tone, breakouts, increased dryness, and overall sensitivity.

This is where the Marie Veronique Barrier Restore Serum comes in, a nourishing serum chock-full of repairing ceramides and humectants to hydrate and rebalance the skin deeply. 

Pai All Becomes Clear Blemish Serum

If blemishes are something you want to target with your skincare routine, especially after giving birth and dealing with hormonal changes, then the Pai All Becomes Clear Blemish Serum might be a good addition to your lineup!

This serum has a high concentration of zinc, which is fantastic at controlling oil and congestion, reducing flakiness, and restoring the skin’s barrier. Gently pat this in after cleansing and drying to minimize blemishes and irritation.

Osea Advanced Protection Cream

Everyone needs a great moisturizer to keep their skin hydrated and protected.

With beneficial ingredients such as Undaria seaweed, turmeric, and marine extract, the Osea Advanced Protection Cream is deeply nourishing and keeps the skin youthful and radiant.

Even if you keep it to the basics with a cleanser and this moisturizer (plus sunscreen in the morning), your skin will thank you! 

Herbivore Botanicals Blue Tansy Mask

For nights when you have a little extra time, and you want to exceptionally pamper yourself, look no further than the Herbivore Botanicals Blue Tansy Mask.

Editor’s note: if you are breastfeeding, it’s best to stay away from this mask due to the presence of thujone in Blue Tansy.

This gel mask is the perfect way to treat yourself, with soothing components like aloe, white willow bark, and blue-tansy essential oil to reduce blemishes and congestion.

Sahajan Radiance Eye Cream

Those long nights with a newborn where you get little sleep can leave you feeling like you have the heaviest bags under your eyes, but that’s where a nourishing eye cream like the Sahajan Radiance Eye Cream comes to save the day.

Suitable for all skin types, this eye cream, formulated with ingredients like neem oil and niacinamide, can be used morning and evening to combat dark circles and fine lines for eyes that don’t give away how many z’s you got last night!

Indie Lee Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

It’s absolutely vital to have a high-quality SPF as the last step in your daytime skincare routine to prevent sun damage. The Indie Lee Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 is a clean, broad-spectrum sunscreen with zinc oxide as the primary ingredient.

This sunscreen is safe for all skin types and can be used on the face and body. It will protect you from the sun’s intense rays. I try to wear sunscreen daily, even when it’s cloudy.

gua sha and jade roller

Rose Quartz Gua Sha Tool

Using a gua sha stone postpartum can help to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote lymphatic drainage. It can also help to relieve muscle tension and pain, and improve the appearance of skin.

Pro tip: If you had a c-section, as your incision heals, use your gua sha and a bit of vitamin E oil or an organic scar balm to gently work on your scar and release scar tissue. Scar massage can be a helpful practice if it’s part of your routine.

What skincare products to avoid while breastfeeding

Because our skin is our largest organ and everything we put on it ends up in our bloodstream, it’s important to know what to avoid, especially if you’re breastfeeding. Breast milk is made from your blood, after all.

Here are some skincare ingredients to avoid:

  • Retinoids (retinol, retinoic acid, retinyl palmitate, retinyl linoleate, tretinoin, isotretinoin, adapalene, tazorac, and differin)
  • Salicylic acid (except for low-dose products, such as those containing up to 2% salicylic acid)
  • Hydroquinone
  • Oxybenzone
  • Niacinamide (high doses)
  • Lactic acid (high doses)

As mentioned, these ingredients can be absorbed into the bloodstream and passed into breast milk. While limited research exists on the safety of these ingredients for breastfed babies, it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid them.

Other ingredients that breastfeeding moms may want to avoid include:

  • Essential oils (some essential oils can be toxic to babies)
  • Artificial fragrances (can be irritating to the skin and may be harmful to babies)
  • Parabens (preservatives that have been linked to hormone disruption)
  • Phthalates (chemicals used to make plastics more flexible that have been linked to reproductive problems)

If you are unsure whether a particular skincare product is safe to use while breastfeeding, it is always best to consult with your doctor or dermatologist.

Tips for choosing safe skincare products while breastfeeding:

  • Look for products that are labeled “breastfeeding safe” or “pregnancy and postpartum safe.” Yes, they do exist!
  • Avoid products that contain the ingredients listed above.
  • Choose products that are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.
  • Start with a small amount of any new product and test it on a small area of your skin before using it on your entire face.
  • If you experience any irritation, stop using the product immediately.

An effective three-step postpartum skincare routine

Step 1: Cleanse

Use a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup from your skin. Avoid harsh cleansers that can strip your skin of its natural oils. Instead, choose a cleanser that is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.

Step 2: Moisturize

Moisturizing is essential for all skin types, but it is especially important for postpartum skin. Postpartum skin can be dry, flaky, and sensitive. Choose a moisturizer that is rich and hydrating.

Look for a moisturizer that contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and other ingredients that help to repair and protect the skin barrier.

Step 3: Protect

Sun protection is important for everyone, but it is especially important for postpartum skin, which is more susceptible to sun damage. Who knew?!

Choose a sunscreen that is broad-spectrum and has an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, including your face, neck, and ears.

Here is an example of a simple 3-step postpartum skincare routine:

Morning:

  1. Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser.
  2. Apply a moisturizer that contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and other ingredients that help to repair and protect the skin barrier.
  3. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all exposed skin.

Evening:

  1. Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser.
  2. Apply a moisturizer that contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and other ingredients that help to repair and protect the skin barrier.
  3. Apply a thicker moisturizer or night cream to your face and neck.

You can also add a toner to your routine, which isn’t always necessary (I do love a toner session, though!). If you do choose to use a toner, choose one that is alcohol-free and fragrance-free.

It is important to be patient with your skin during the postpartum period. It may take some time for your skin to return to its pre-pregnancy state. Be gentle with your skin and use products that are safe and effective for postpartum skin.

Caring for yourself inside and out

Prioritizing skincare as a new mom is not just about maintaining your physical appearance but also about nurturing yourself during the busy days of motherhood.

By embracing the best skincare for new moms we discussed today, you can integrate a self-care routine filled with intention and feel your best as you take on the remarkable journey of motherhood. When you show up for yourself in this way, you’ll feel that much more ready for whatever the days may bring. 

Whether you commit to a quick morning routine, a few moments during nap time, or a well-deserved spa night, it’s not only an investment in your skin but in your overall health and happiness.

As a mom, you are always putting everyone else first, but having a set skincare routine with clean products is a small yet significant way you can show up for yourself every day. 

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