If you’re a new mom, your body’s already going through a lot — and your skin is no exception. It might feel drier, more reactive, or just unpredictable. You may notice breakouts in places you didn’t before, or that your go-to products suddenly sting or don’t work the same.
None of this means you’re doing something wrong. It’s just your body responding to:
- Hormonal shifts,
- Fatigue and dehydration,
- Increased sensitivity (especially if you’re breastfeeding),
- Environmental stress, like Yerevan’s dry climate and sun exposure.
So if your skin has been feeling “off,” you’re not alone — and you’re not imagining it.
What postpartum skin needs
Postpartum skin isn’t just “tired skin.” It’s often more sensitive than usual, which means the harsh scrubs, strong retinol, and overly fragrant products might need to be put on pause for now.
Generally, your skin will do better with:
- Fewer products (2–3 steps is plenty),
- Calming ingredients,
- Fragrance-free, alcohol-free formulas,
- Products that help with hydration and barrier support.
Cleansing: Keep it mild, non-stripping
Your skin’s outer barrier is still recovering, so you want to avoid cleansers that foam aggressively or leave your face tight afterward. Gel and foam cleansers with high pH can be especially harsh during this time.
Instead, go for:
- Creamy or milk cleansers,
- Oil-based balms (especially in dry climates like Yerevan),
- Products with a short, simple ingredient list.
Even just rinsing with lukewarm water in the morning (and using a cleanser only at night) can help prevent over-drying.
Hydration without the irritation
Toners and mists can be helpful for calming your skin — but only if they’re very gentle.
Look for:
- Single-ingredient hydrosols (like cornflower or immortelle water),
- Alcohol-free formulas,
- No added fragrance or essential oils.
Hydrosols are basically plant waters — very light, but still soothing. They can help reduce redness or tightness, especially in Yerevan’s hot, dry summer.
Spritzing throughout the day can help refresh your skin without overwhelming it.
Moisturizers: Think nourishing, not active
Instead of using products packed with “actives” (like acids, vitamin C, or strong exfoliants), postpartum skin usually needs calming and repairing ingredients.
Helpful ingredients include:
- Calendula,
- Propolis,
- Beeswax,
- Jojoba oil,
- Ceramides.
Rich creams and balms can feel heavy at first, especially if you’re used to lightweight textures. But if your skin feels itchy, flaky, or reactive, something a little thicker — applied to damp skin — can help rebuild your moisture barrier.
And yes, baby creams and balms are often great for moms too. They’re made for ultra-sensitive skin and usually skip the harsh stuff.
Sunscreen still matters (even indoors)
It’s easy to skip SPF when you’re not spending much time outside, but postpartum skin can be more sensitive to sun, especially if you’re dealing with pigmentation or melasma.
Try to find:
- Mineral (a.k.a. physical) sunscreens,
- Fragrance-free and alcohol-free options,
- SPF 30 or above.
If you’re worried about irritation, do a patch test first. And if you’re staying mostly indoors, applying once in the morning is usually enough — no need to stress about constant reapplication unless you’re out in the sun.
A few practical reminders:
- Your skin doesn’t need to “bounce back” right away. Just like your body, your skin is adjusting. There’s no rush.
- Be suspicious of anything that promises instant results. Healing takes time — especially during postpartum months.
- If it burns or stings, stop using it. That includes products you used before pregnancy that suddenly feel different.
- It’s okay to skip skincare altogether some days. Some days, you’ll just wash your face with water and call it a win. That’s fine. You’re doing enough already.
Where to find gentle skincare in Yerevan
If you’re looking for gentle options that are locally available, there are some brands and shops in Yerevan that focus on simple, low-irritant skincare:
- Buy ABLOOM Soothing Lotion online – known for minimalist routines and natural ingredients,
- Buy BeeHonest Skin Cream with Honey online – offers calendula balms and multi-use creams suitable for babies and postpartum skin,
- Buy PURÈZ PURÈZ Deep Moisture Night Cream online – great for single-ingredient hydrosols like immortelle or cornflower, ideal for misting throughout the day.
You can find a more detailed breakdown of postpartum-friendly routines and product suggestions in this blog about postpartum skincare mineral products in Yerevan.
Final thought: Treat your skin the way you’d treat your baby’s
You’re in a transition phase — physically, emotionally, and hormonally. Skincare might feel like one more thing on your plate, but it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
Focus on comfort, not correction.
If it feels good, if it doesn’t sting, if it helps you reconnect with yourself for a minute in the day — that’s enough.
And if your skin needs a little extra support, that’s okay too. It’s been through a lot — just like you.