I thought we’d change it up a bit because whilst I know my readers love jumping on here to read my ranting, dilemmas and current chaos of 3 kids. Funny enough, I don’t have the answers to everything and as someone who has experienced dramatic effects from both pregnancy & postpartum to my skin, I thought I’d ask the pro!
Six months after having baby number three, my body is still doing all sorts of unexpected things… Most notably my skin.Throughout pregnancy, I developed quite a bit of pigmentation. It’s something I got with all three of my babies but this time, it appeared worse and in larger patches. I had what I can only describe as clusters on both cheeks under my eyes as well as a nice moustache shadow as it developed all across my upper lip. Sexy. Months on, I’m still dealing with redness I’ve never really had, dry patches and some days, a blotchy complexion that makes me want to hide under a hat and also I feel no makeup can cover. My skin is drier than it’s ever been and whilst I want to blame the Melbourne weather and my love for blasting the heater, there’s certainly been a shift from the inside out.
I’ve been leaning heavily on someone I like to call my skin queen, Alisha from Bare Laser and Skin in Hampton. I’ve been seeing her for many years (after she was highly recommended) and she’s helped me through everything from post-baby pigmentation to hormonal breakouts and texture issues as my skin ages. I hate to admit it as sometimes I still feel 20, but as I approach my 35th birthday, accepting middle aged skin changes is my current status.
I recently asked her for her expert insight tailored for tired mamas who just want the facts and some solid solutions. What are the most common postpartum skin issues you see, and what actually works to treat them?
MELASMA (PREGNANCY PIGMENTATION)
If you’re seeing dark patches on your cheeks, upper lip, or forehead, keep in mind this is extremely common. You're certainly not alone! Melasma is one of the most common postpartum skin concerns and is caused by hormones. It’s super common and treatable, even while breastfeeding.
Alisha’s top tips:
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Laser Rejuvenation (Nd YAG Q Switch):Targets deeper pigment without harming the skin’s surface. Safe while breastfeeding.
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Hydroquinone 4% (Prescription Only): A topical fade cream. Ask your GP for a version without retinol.
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Daily SPF 50+: Non-negotiable people!!! Choose a zinc-based one if your skin is sensitive, and reapply often. Yes, even indoors!
SKIN TAGS
These little soft skin growths can pop up during or after pregnancy. They are often seen around the neck, underarms, or under the bust thanks greatly to our beautiful hormonal changes again as well as friction.
Alisha’s top tips:
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Diathermy: A quick, heat-based removal treatment. Offered as a free add-on with Laser Rejuvenation at Bare. Yay!
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GP options: For larger or sensitive areas, your doctor can freeze or snip them off.
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Prevention: Gentle exfoliants with AHAs (like glycolic acid) can help prevent new ones by reducing friction.
ACNE AND CONGESTION
Hormones, sleepless nights, and disrupted routines are the perfect storm for postpartum breakouts, especially around the chin and jawline.
Alisha’s top tips:
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Laser + LED Light Therapy: Clears blocked pores, fades spots, and calms inflammation. Safe to do while breastfeeding.
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Topical products: Look for niacinamide, azelaic acid, or gentle salicylic acid. Skip anything with retinol unless okayed by your GP.
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Doctor support: Prescription topicals like azelaic acid or clindamycin may be helpful if acne is persistent.
Right now, I’m personally working on calming the redness and rehydrating my flaky skin, while slowly tackling any leftover pigmentation from pregnancy. I must say I had Alisha of do a soliddddd micro needling session on me, and despite the fright I got at the conclusion of the service (hello redness haha!), my skin had never glowed better and I’m awaiting another spare block in my life currently to get back down there. Maybe in the next 6 months lol.
The combo of Laser Rejuvenation and a strict SPF routine has made a noticeable difference already too, and yes I’ll put my hand up and say despite having a pale complexion prone to freckling, it’s only really since I turned 30 that I fully grasped the importance of SPF everyday, all day, all year ‘round.
Please note this is not a sponsored blog nor did Lish ask me to do this write up… it’s genuinely because she has helped me understand my skin on such a deeper level and manages to have the answer to everything!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your postpartum skin, just know you're not alone, and you don’t have to deal with it forever. A few small tweaks and the right support can make a big difference. Please know it’s ok to put the same love into yourself you so frequently put into everyone else around you!