Post-pregnancy skin

During pregnancy, hormones like oestrogen are released around your body, contributing to that pregnancy ‘glow’. But along with the glow, many women experience changes to their skin (aside from stretch marks), which can remain for some time after giving birth.

Targeting specific areas

Spotty back and chest? Hormone changes during and after pregnancy can make the skin oilier, while stress can contribute to this problem. But you can combat spots with perseverance and a regular cleansing ritual.
• Begin by washing with a deep-cleansing body wash – use a long-handled back brush on any hard-to-reach places and to stimulate circulation.
• Apply spot treatment gel or dab on Tea Tree essential oil, known for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties, to blitz the worst offenders.

Flaky elbows, knees and knuckles? Hands come in for a lot more wiping after you’ve had a baby and you’re usually on your knees when you’re doing it!
• Wash affected areas with a massage sponge or mitt using an exfoliating bath and shower gel to soften and cleanse without drying.
• Moisturise your body with a deep-conditioning treatment, paying special attention to those dryer areas, and use a rich hand cream like Dove Regenerating Hand Cream, which you can buy online here, on a daily basis to keep knuckles and hands hydrated.

Top to toe skin treatments - all from your own kitchen

Head to the kitchen cupboard and look beautiful on a budget with our fabulous ideas for home-made pampering:

Cucumber – 10 minutes with these sliced wonders will cool your eyes, help to reduce puffiness and calm irritation!
Banana – Mashed and mixed with a drop of honey, this is the perfect natural remedy for dry or irritated skin.
Tomato – Pulped to the max, the tomato has natural oils to calm and brighten dull complexions.
Oatmeal – Combine with double cream for an alternative to shop-bought exfoliating products.
Warm milk – Calcium is a true winner for both your inner and outer layers. Soak tired looking hands or feet in warm milk to help strengthen nails and hydrate skin.
Natural yogurt – Great for cooling and soothing tired skin. Great company for other ingredients in different masks. Great all round!
Avocado – Can be mashed and spread on your skin to help with instant hydration.
Honey – Believed by many to have natural antibacterial properties, honey is a favourite addition to a facemask or foot soak recipe.
Olive oil – This natural ingredient is famed for helping with skin moisture and elasticity.
Sea Salt – A soothing exfoliate that helps to remove dead skin particles and is also thought to aid circulation and metabolism when absorbed into the skin.
Lemon Juice – Refreshing and hydrating in any recipe, and helps give your concoction a nice smell!

A home-made treat for your feet

• Start by using a salt scrub to get rid of dead skin and increase blood flow.
• Add ½ cup of sea salt to a bowl of warm water and soak feet while the salt dissolves.
• Using a bath mitt, stroke over feet in circular motions, concentrating on the heels and balls of your feet.
• Soak for a further 5 minutes.
Next add: • 1 cup lemon juice • 3tbsp olive oil • ¼ cup milk
• To a new bowl of warm water, with just enough water to cover the feet.
• Sit back and relax while your feet soak!