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How to regain firm skin after childbirth?

The skin undergoes significant stress during pregnancy. After childbirth, it may lose elasticity and suppleness, and appear drier. Skin discomforts, such as cellulite, stretch marks, or even brown spots, are also likely to emerge. Discover our advice for regaining toned skin after the birth of the baby.

Summary
Published February 8, 2024, by Pauline, Head of Scientific Communication — 6 min read

Apply nourishing treatments.

Certain nourishing creams and plant-based oils, such as shea olein oil or avocado oil, can help your skin regain its firmness after childbirth. They typically contain active ingredients that stimulate the production of elastin and collagen by fibroblasts, which helps to tone the skin and reduce the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite, for example. At Typology, we have formulated a gel-to-oil product suitable for postpartum women, providing flexibility and elasticity to the skin. For more visible results, we recommend applying it twice a day. Under the action of massage, the gel transforms into oil, which facilitates the massage.

It is important to adopt the right techniques to promote the skin's absorption of the active ingredients contained in this type of skincare product. Regardless of the target area, be it arms, buttocks, hips, or stomach, apply the product on clean, dry skin. Additionally, stimulate microcirculation by performing a toning massage and making smooth, fluid movements.

Important : If you are breastfeeding, pay attention to the composition of the skincare products you apply to your body, as it is likely to frequently come into contact with your baby's skin. For added precaution, we recommend using skincare products designed for pregnant women.

Adopt a healthy and balanced diet.

It is important to regain strength after childbirth, and this is achieved through nutrition. Moreover, a healthy and balanced diet is your ally in restoring firm skin after pregnancy. Indeed, certain nutrients such as zinc and copper play a role in the production of collagen in the dermis.

From a biological perspective, zinc is involved in the regulation of gene expression for prolyl hydroxylase and lysyl hydroxylase, enzymes that catalyze the chemical reactions leading to the synthesis of amino acids that make up collagen. Copper, on the other hand, is necessary for the conversion of proline into hydroxyproline, a key amino acid for the structure and stability of collagen.

However, it should be noted that any drastic diet is strongly discouraged, as it risks causing you to lose muscle instead of fat. Moreover, this type of diet often leads to weight regain, sometimes even more significant (yo-yo effect). Finally, a rapid weight loss, just like a rapid weight gain, can lead to the appearance of stretch marks.

To replenish nutrients and energy, it is recommended to adopt a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, but also in proteins and oilseeds. Salmon, tuna, or sardines, for example, contain omega-3s, which have benefits for heart health, visual health, and also for anxiety. Oilseeds, like walnuts, hazelnuts, or almonds, are rich in vitamin E, antioxidants, and vitamins B1 and B9, which protect the neuronal system, as well as in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.

Do not hesitate also to hydrate well, it's essential for eliminating toxins from the body but also for taking care of your skin. For this, there are several options, to adapt to the season and your desires: herbal tea, smoothie, milkshake, soup, broth... However, it is advisable to let hot or cold drinks return to room temperature, to promote digestion.

Engage in a gentle sport.

Gently resuming physical activity after childbirth is recommended, whether it's to tone your skin or to clear your mind. Some physical therapists or midwives offer a postpartum rehabilitation, which includes pelvic floor rehabilitation and abdominal rehabilitation. Women who have given birth vaginally or by cesarean section benefit from this type of exercise, as the lower abdominal muscles have been severely strained during pregnancy and childbirth. Over the course of the sessions, women notice an improvement in muscle tone and posture.

After postpartum rehabilitation, you can gradually resume physical activity. However, it is necessary to wait two months after a vaginal delivery and four months if the birth was performed by cesarean section. Strength training in particular can help reshape and tone the body, but if you are a beginner, it is advisable to be guided by a professional to avoid injury. Cardio exercises can also help you burn accumulated fat and gradually firm up your body.

It is also possible to opt for gentler sports, such as walking, yoga, water aerobics, or swimming. Regularly practiced, these will also allow you to tone your body and make you feel good. The important thing is to listen to yourself and not to push too hard, especially if you are tired, at the risk of injuring yourself.

Consider aesthetic medicine.

Some aesthetic medicine techniques also allow for action on skin laxity and offer to help tone the skin.

  • The surgical facelift.

    More invasive than the techniques previously mentioned, surgical facelift involves tightening the muscles and skin and removing excess fat through incisions. This operation is performed under local anesthesia and often results in swelling and bruising, which fade in the following days.

  • Mechanical stimulation to combat skin sagging.

    This technique is based on the stimulation of fibroblast activity, the cells in the dermis that synthesize collagen and elastin. To do this, the skin is gently grasped and released using a head equipped with flaps, the beating speed of which can be adjusted according to the desired goal. It takes about twenty sessions to achieve an improvement in skin elasticity and tone. There are no undesirable side effects.

  • The laser.

    This technique aids in restructuring the skin. The laser utilizes thermo-mechanical energy. Through the use of a titanium metal tip, it diffuses natural heat (up to 400 degrees) at the level of the epidermis and dermis for 5 to 18 milliseconds. This creates micro-channels in the skin, subsequently facilitating the injection of tightening agents, and in the process, stimulates the activity of fibroblasts.

Source

  • THORNBURG K. & al. The importance of nutrition in pregnancy and lactation: lifelong consequences. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (2022).

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