Hi,

Your body weight,skin,hair goes through a massive tranformation over nine months due to hormonal changes in the body,so you need to accept the fact that you will take time to return to your original self.

1. Flacky Skin,Cracked Heels And Chapped Lips-

REASONS: Hormonal changes can sap skin of lipids during and immediately after pregnancy,leading to moisture-sapped patches on the face as well as cracked feet and chapped lips,But is it long-term ?No.As the reason behin dry skin is lack of hydration and moidture, the sooner you restore moisture levels, the sooner your comlexion will return to normal.

PREVENT IT:Though some effects of hormones on the body cannot be avoided, a wellplanned, nutritious diet, adequate rest, consumption of adequate water, exercise and regular intake of supplemants to save your skin from extreme dryness.Skin should be massaged with a generous amount of moisturiser and oils.

SOLUTION:For smooth, soft skin and feet, apply a natural oil such as coconut or olive oil or a natural chapped lips.Another quick remedy is applying a paste of honey and vaseline on the lips and leaving it for 10-15 minutes. Remove it by using a cotton ball dipped in warm water.

2.Stretch Marks-

REASONS:Stretch marks from around those places where large amounts of fat are stored such as thighs, breasts, stomach, arms, etc. They usually form due to hormonal changes.

PREVENT IT :To avoid stretch marks, follow a moisturising routine before delivery and throughout your pregnancy. You can use a light, non-sticky oil with a blend of calendula, lavender, rosemary and chamomile and vitamins A & E. Apply in all areas twice a day with a light massage. Monitor your weight gain during pregnancy.

SOLUTION:Olive oil, when rubbed daily helps, as it contains lots of nutrients and antioxidants. You can also mix white sugar with almond oil and a few lemon drops and apply it on affected areas.

3.Melasma-

REASON:One of the most common post-partum problems in Asian women is a butterfly shapped dark or light brown patch occurring on the face-cheeks, nose, forehead or lips.These dark patches are caused by high levels of pregnancy hormones in your body, which suddenly decrease after you give birth. Elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone trigger melanocytes, causing dark spots to appear on the skin which further darken on sun exposure.

PREVENT IT:Start using sunscreens of SPF 30 plus every morning. Re-apply at least 2-3 times, even if you are indoors.

SOLUTION:Use skin lightening creams containing hydroquinone, tretinoin, vitamin C, kojic acid etc.but only after consulting a dermatologist.Home remedies include application of freshly-cut garlic or radish on the patches.Make a paste out of dried and powdered orange peels and rosewater. Apply on the face and leave for 20 minutes.

4.Tired Under Eyes With Dark Circles-

REASON:As the mother is busy tending to the baby, she has absolutely no time to catch up on lost sleep.Other reasons are exhaustion and poor blood circulation.Also, nutritional deficiencies of iron,folic acid,vitamin K and C can lead to puffy eyes.


PREVENT IT:Though under-eye circles, as well as puffiness cannot be totally prevented, having a well-balanced, nutrious diet is helpful.Also use good quality dark sunglasses whenever you step out in the sun.Avoid too much caffeine.A good 8 hours of sleep is recommended.

SOLUTION:One of the effective home remedies for dark circles is potato slice or juice.Tea bags,when dipped in water and cooled, can also help.Try sandalwood paste with milk as a pack.Take a nap when your baby is sleeping during the day and put slice of fresh and cool cucumber on your eyes.You can also apply any fresh fruit juice on a cotton pad and soak it over your eyelids

5.Hair Loss-

REASON:Hair loss after pregnancy is the sudden shedding (sometimes in clumps) of hair that many new mothers experience between three and six months after they give birth. This is because your pregnancy hormones keep those hair from falling and thus your hair looks luscious during pregnancy. But soon after chilbirth, your hormone level drops back to normal and those extra strands fall off too.Normally, average hair loss is 100 hair strands a day.

PREVENT IT:Keep your hair heathy by eating well and taking a prenatal vitamin supplement. You can also use a light a natural hair oil a few times a week to maintain the strength and softness of hair.

SOLUTION:Ensure good nourishment for your hair through protein-rich foods such as sprouts, fish, lentils,green vegetables, etc.But extra gentle on your hair to prevent excess hair loss after pregnancy.Shampoo only when necessary.Use a good conditioner and a widetoothed comb to minimise tangling.

Hi Arshima,

Nice article there. I wish your efforts pay off well and help our women readers, in need.