Bump beauty: Self-care musts for new moms

As a new mom, it’s not always easy to take a step back from parenting to care for yourself. It seems there’s always someone or something that needs your attention. But it’s ok (and necessary) to focus on you, too! Self-care is so important, especially as your body recovers from pregnancy, giving birth, and caring for a newborn. 

So, when you’re ready, leave your baby to bond with your partner, a trusted family member, or friend, while you treat yourself to a head-to-toe pamper session (in less than an hour!).

Maximise your masks 

While the bathtub is filling up, apply a mask to your face to allow enough time for it to work its magic. Pick the type according to your postpartum skin concern – dryness, oiliness, sensitivity, uneven skin tone, or breakout-prone. It’s a good idea to pick one that complements your current skincare routine so you’re maximising the efficacy of your efforts. 

If it’s hair-wash day, slick a mask or nourishing treatment onto your strands after you wash and condition. You may be experiencing postpartum hair loss or dull strands (especially following the shine you experienced while pregnant) so a strengthening, hydrating, or oil-based mask will do wonders for treating your hair. 

Try these:
•    Sorbet Glow Up Exfoliating Clay Mask With Vitamin C
•    The Body Shop Almond Milk & Honey Face Mask 
•    Sorbet Sheet Mask Lavender 
•    The Body Shop Jamaican Black Castor Oil Hair Mask
•    Iwori Hair Treatment Mask Baoba
•    Umberto Giannini Grow Mask Hemp, Coconut & Shea Treatment 

Rest up and rinse off

Light a few candles and push play on your favourite playlist before you get ready for this next step. If you have the go-ahead to take a bath from your gynaecologist following your six-week check-up, enjoy it! Skip the foam and oil for now and rather opt for Epsom salts as they have healing benefits. 

Try this:
•    Clicks Epsom Salts 

If not, a lukewarm shower is just as relaxing – add a few drops of essential oil (lavender or chamomile offer relaxing properties) to the corners of the shower floor. Steam up the shower and take deep breaths as you scrub off the exhaustion. 

Try this:
•    The Body Shop Essential Oil Lavender & Vetiver  

Easy defuzzing

If hair removal is on your to-do list, take the effort out of the task by using a hair removal cream or lotion, or DIY wax strips. Not only are they gentle on your skin, but they’re also easy to use and offer hydration. 

Try these:
•    Sorbet Hair Removal Cream Sensitive Aloe Vera
•    Clicks In Shower Hair Removal Cream

Moisturise and massage

Spend a little time appreciating your body and applying a body cream, butter, or lotion (depending on how deep or lightweight you want your moisturiser to be). Try not to rush the process here; take in your new skin and the journey your body went through to get here. 

Gently massage the moisturiser into your skin, focusing on the parts that feel tender, stiff, or tired, like your feet, calves, hips, and breasts. 

There are formulations that offer targeted benefits such as firming, soothing or extra hydration, and some are infused with tissue oil to lighten dark marks and stretch marks. Try a moisturiser made specifically for new moms that is gentler on the skin, improves skin elasticity, and is fragrance-free for breastfeeding moms. 

Try these:
•    Sorbet Firming Body Cream 
•    Oh So Heavenly Advanced Benefits Body Cream Q10 Firming
•    Clicks Body Cream Tissue Oil
•    Oh-Lief Natural Olive Tummy Wax
•    Made 4 Mom Massage Lotion Fragranced 
•    The Body Shop Body Butter Avocado 

It’s pretty fun

Now that you’ve covered the self-care basics, use your last few minutes to feel like yourself again. Buff your nails and paint them in your favourite colour (opt for gel for longer wear), style your hair with trendy accessories or slick on your favourite lipstick or gloss.

Try these:
•    Sorbet Fair & Squarel Glass File And Buffer
•    Sorbet Pro Gel Effect Nail Polish Fierce Heart
•    Rimmel Super Gel Nail Polish Soul Session
•    Essence Gel Nail Colour 52 Coral Me Maybe
•    Oh So Heavenly Love Your Lips Lip Pen Nude
•    The Body Shop Rose Solid Lip Oil