Hey Mamas!
In this post we’re diving into a topic that hits close to home for many of us: the wild ride of hormones and their impact on our skin during three pivotal stages of life - pregnancy, postpartum, and pre-menopause. We're specifically focusing on the role estrogen plays in your different phases of motherhood to explain some of the ever changing effects it has on the health and well-being of our skin.
First, let's cover off on what estrogen is and what it does for our female bodies. Estrogen plays a key role in our sexual and reproductive health and is responsible for the development of female sexual and reproductive characteristics.
Some of the effects of estrogen include:
- Menstrual cycle regulation.
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Enabling your ovaries to work properly, particularly to help stimulate the growth of the egg follicle.
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Supporting the reproductive tract, urinary tract, heart, blood vessels, bones, breasts, skin, hair, mucous membranes, pelvic muscles, and the brain.
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Supporting the development and effects of endorphins, the "feel-good" chemicals in the brain.
- Protecting our body from nerve damage, and supporting the stimulation of nerve growth.
Next, let's discuss the impact of estrogen in the different phases of motherhood, beginning with pregnancy.
Pregnancy
Are you still waiting for that dewy glow? Your body experiences an extreme spike in estrogen when you become pregnant in order to keep you healthy and to support the growth and protection of your growing baby. This increase in estrogen can be a huge bonus for many women who experience their skin becoming more radiant and plump. This is thanks to increased blood flow and collagen production, courtesy of our friend estrogen! While this increase in estrogen can create a beautiful glow for some women, the estrogen also over-produces an oily substance called sebum which can lead to adult acne or more severe breakouts. .
Here are some ways of managing your skin during this time:
Stay Hydrated: Hydration is crucial during pregnancy, not only for your overall health but also for your skin. Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day to keep your skin hydrated and glowing. Try adding this natural electrolyte and mineral powder from Goodonya for an extra boost of hydration!
Gentle Skincare Products: Look for a pregnancy-safe skincare routine like the
Pregnancy Bundle from GloMama with products that are free from harsh chemicals like retinoids and salicylic acid. Our gentle Kale Face Cleanser, Rose Gold Oil Moisturizer and Shea Body Butter are the perfect combination of products to gently clean and hydrate your skin during a sensitive time.
Sun Protection: Pregnancy hormones can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, increasing your risk of sunburn and pigmentation. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every morning, and reapply every two hours if you're spending time outdoors. Our favorite mineral sunscreen is the
Fortuna Sunset SPF 50 Hydrating Sunscreen with Hyaluronic Acid.
Healthy Diet: What you eat during pregnancy can have a significant impact on your skin's health. Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your diet to provide essential nutrients for your skin, such as vitamins A, C, and E. We've been trying out some of the hormone balancing recipes from
SoFreshnSoGreen and so far are IN LOVE. Highly recommend the
Better Than Botox Green Smoothie.
Manage Stress: Pregnancy can be a stressful time, but finding ways to relax and unwind can benefit both you and your skin. Practice prenatal yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to reduce stress and promote overall well-being. Here's one of our favorite
maternity yoga videos from Yoga with Adriene to help you keep your calm during a time when your body (and skin) are going through so many changes. Bonus, her sweet pup joins her for all of her sessions!
Postpartum
Then comes the magical moment of childbirth, and suddenly, you’re thrust into the whirlwind of postpartum life. Estrogen levels take a nosedive, along with progesterone, leaving your skin feeling a bit… deflated. Remember all that extra moisture and plumpness from pregnancy? It disappears literally over night and is replaced by potential dryness and even some unwanted pigmentation.
Postpartum hormones can also trigger conditions like postpartum acne or exacerbate existing skin issues. Plus, the stress of caring for a newborn can take its toll on your skin, leaving you feeling like you’ve aged a decade in the blink of an eye. But fear not, mama bear, this too shall pass.
Here are a few ways you can get your glow back:
Moisturize Regularly: Combat postpartum dryness by moisturizing your skin regularly with our
Embrace Collagen Moisturizer and
Shea Belly & Body Butter. Ingredients like shea butter, jojoba, and aloe vera help restore hydration and maintain skin barrier function.
Address Hormonal Acne: If you're struggling with postpartum acne, consider incorporating our
Kale Face Cleanser into your skin care routine. Packed with kale, carrot, lemon and green tea extract to help reduce the production of certain oils and fend-off unwanted acne.
Reduce or Eliminate Alcohol Consumption: We all know that drinking alcohol can cause dehydration and this means
your skin loses fluid and nutrients that are vital for healthy skin. Especially limit alcohol if breastfeeding as you need all of the hydration you can get to produce milk and stay hydrated yourself. We're gulping down this natural electrolyte and mineral powder from Goodonya!
Many mothers are having children later in life and already in the full swing of an anti-aging routine and still having babies. here are some ways mothers can transition into this pre-menopause phase of life and care for our skin properly.
Pre-Menopause or Perimenopause
Fast forward a few years, and you find yourself in the realm of pre-menopause. Estrogen levels start to decline gradually, signaling the beginning of yet another chapter in your skin’s journey. This decline can lead to decreased collagen production and elasticity, making fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable. And let’s not forget about the joy of hormonal fluctuations wreaking havoc on your complexion. Hot flashes, anyone? Here are some ways to keep your skin looking vibrant and youthful:
Boost Collagen Production: As estrogen levels decline during pre-menopause, collagen production also slows down, leading to loss of elasticity and firmness in the skin. Incorporate skincare products containing collagen-boosting ingredients like our Embrace Collagen Moisturizer to
improve skin elasticity and increase blood flow to your skin, leaving you feeling refreshed.
Stay Sun-Safe: Protect your skin from further damage by wearing sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and reapply every two hours when outdoors or after swimming or sweating.
We swear by the Fortuna Sunset SPF 50 Hydrating Sunscreen with Hyaluronic Acid.
Hydrate Inside and Out: Hydration becomes increasingly important during pre-menopause to combat dryness and maintain skin health. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and use hydrating skincare products like serums and moisturizers like our
Firm Serum and
Anti-Aging Rose Gold Oil for all-day hydration.
Get Outside: Prioritize self-care activities that promote relaxation and stress relief, such as meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature. Taking care of your mental and emotional well-being can have a positive impact on your skin and overall health during pre-menopause.
Incorporating these recommendations during these transformative stages as a mother can give your skin the health and vitality to look and feel your best. Be kind to yourself and your skin!
