4 weeks post partum - gah

[MATB1]

My skin is dry, to the point it looks like eczema on my fingers, my lips are dry, my hair is frizzy yet greasy. Moisturiser just sits on top of my skin... Bleurgh.

I suppose there was a mass exodus of hormones after DC was born but I'm almost one giant crust.

This is dc2 and I'm breastfeeding again this time and conscious that I'm that wee bit older too... But I'm keen to avoid the slummy mummy look and would love to blossom in my mid-30s rather than spiral downwards from here on in....

I suspect you're going to tell me that drinking water and eating well is my only saviour?!

I made sure about this point post partum that I tried to find time to do a little regime of things - cleanse, tone and moisturise every night with a cleanser for dry skin and a night cream (Aldi!), shower every night too as I seemed to have more opportunity then, and use body lotion. It really only take 10-15 minutes but you do feel better and I noticed my skin looking better once I consciously did the routine. Also dolloped on random serums and eye creams I had lying about. I think just setting aside a bit of time helps you feel better. This was after Dc2 too and I felt 'myself' a lot sooner actually. I know what you mean about not wanting to slum it for too long.

Superdrugs Vit E oil is brilliant for really dry skin. I'm not post partum but often have exactly the skin you describe and this is my go to and it sorts it right out. I usually follow it with the same brand intensive moisture cream as well. The body cream in the same range is also good. Not a cream but I find Lush Flying Fox shower gel, even though it really is expensive for what it is, is really really good for super dry skin. It's filled with honey and really brilliant if you can tolerate the smell of all the jasmine in it

Thank you - yes I guess it's a case of paying myself some attention. I've never been great at looking after my skin etc but I think I'm going to have to now.

Amazingly my bump has gone down far quicker than with dc1... Though the layer of jelly is quite worrying! But that's made me feel it's possible for me to look good after having 2 children.

I spent my teens and twenties feeling insecure and inadequate in the looks department and feel that with two daughters now I must be a good role model in terms of teaching them to feel good about themselves.

I remember that phase. It does pass, your body is massively in flux. I found taking my antenatal vitamins helped - the B6 evens out things on the hormones front.

Apparently the best thing you can do as a mother of daughters is never comment on your own appearance in front of them (positive or negative).

Almond oil has been recommended on here for dry skin. I started using it yesterday and so far it's great!

Express a little breastmilk and rub it on your face, you will have lovely soft skin after a few days.

Also don't forget that when breastfeeding you need more of everything so make sure you are getting enough calories and nutrients, I remember eating lots of avocados for some reason. Also things like olives, porridge or flapjack with lots of fruits and nuts in, basically stuff which is healthy but not too low fat or calorie. And yes yes yes to tons of water :)

im 3 weeks post partum with ds2 and I make sure everyday with out fail I shower and moisturise. I cleanse tone and moisturise mh face mornjng and night. make sure I get dressed and put make up on it makes a huge difference.

im also making sure I eat as well as I can lots of fruit as its easy to grab and eat on the go/one handed amd drink loads of water

Ok so I've seen a slight improvement in my skin this week - and I've been better at c/t/m every morning and night. I suspect I'm still not drinking enough as I've been getting dreadful headaches mid morning.

That's a great idea re breast milk on eczema! Of course I knew you can use it on all sorts of baby issues but didn't for one second think to use it on myself!! Good one, thanks!

Hope it helps! Also good for conjunctivitis if you can master the squirting in the eye technique! Haa.

Both my DDs had gunky eyes as newborns so I got squirting then...

If you're talking about squirting it in my own eye - now that would be a sight/skill!!!

This is fab stuff

www.boots.com/en/A-Derma-Epitheliale-AH-Skin-Repair-Cream-For-Damaged-Skin-40ml_1536/

Doesn't clog pores, isn't greasy, make up can be worn over the top. Considering it is diet cheap, it is a wonderful product.