10 Ways to Care for Your Skin After Birth | Postpartum Skincare Guide

Healthy, glowing skin after pregnancy starts from the inside out. At Maternally Happy, we believe postpartum skin care is about combining the right nutrients, hydration, and gentle topical products so your skin can recover and thrive after birth.

Whether you’re adjusting to postpartum life, navigating Melbourne’s famously unpredictable weather, or simply wanting to feel your best, these tips will help you restore hydration, improve elasticity, and protect your skin long-term.

1. Nourish with Skin-Loving Fats: Healthy fats strengthen your skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and keep your complexion hydrated. Include at least one source in every meal:

• Salmon (rich in omega-3s)
• Avocado
• Chia seeds
• Walnuts
• Nut butters

2. Stay Consistently Hydrated: Aim for 2–3 litres of water per day. Hydration is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to keep postpartum skin plump and healthy while helping your body flush toxins.

3. Eat the Rainbow for Skin Nutrition: A variety of colourful fruits and vegetables delivers antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals essential for skin repair after birth.
💡 Pro tip: Start your morning with a smoothie of berries, leafy greens, and seeds for a skin-boosting nutrient hit.

4. Support Skin Elasticity with Collagen: Collagen is the structural protein that keeps skin firm and elastic - and it naturally declines as we age. After pregnancy, supplementation can:

• Improve skin hydration
• Enhance skin elasticity
• Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
• Support overall texture and radiance

Maternally Happy Collagen Protein is made with bioavailable peptides and vitamin C from certified organic superfoods, so your body can absorb and use it effectively. Enjoy 1–2 servings daily in smoothies, coffee, or your favourite recipes.

5. Protect from UV Damage: Sun exposure accelerates skin ageing and increases pigmentation changes common after pregnancy. Always wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, remember sunscreen can lower vitamin D production - so keep an eye on your levels.

6. Choose Natural, Fragrance-Free Products: Avoid harsh ingredients like synthetic fragrance, parabens, and phthalates that can irritate postpartum skin. Look for gentle, natural skincare to help restore your skin barrier.

7. Lock in Moisture with Maternally Happy Nourishing Belly & Body Oil: Our Nourishing Belly & Body Oil blends skin-loving botanicals to deeply hydrate, improve elasticity, and protect against dryness and stretch marks. Perfect for postpartum, pregnancy, or daily use, it:

• Locks in moisture after showers
• Helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks
• Leaves skin feeling soft, supple, and smooth

💡 Best results: Pair with our collagen protein for a complete inside-out skin care routine.

8. Maintain a Gentle Nightly Skincare Routine:

• Cleanse with a gentle, hydrating cleanser
• Moisturise to seal in hydration
• Invest in a silk pillowcase to minimise friction
• Exfoliate once a week to remove dead skin cells

9. Manage Stress for Clearer Skin: Stress hormones can trigger breakouts and dullness. Incorporate daily self-care - meditation, light stretching, reading, or mindful breathing - to support your skin and your mental wellbeing.

10. Prioritise Quality Sleep: Your skin repairs itself overnight. Aim for consistent, good-quality sleep whenever possible (yes, even with a newborn, naps count!).