There are so many changes that we face post-baby, many of which I was prepared for. I knew my body was going to change. That my hormones were going to be up and down for a while. I’d heard stories that my hair was going to be different. But the one thing that changed the most, I didn’t expect at all. And that was my skin.

The combination of my hormones because of nursing and working out everyday have made my skin a mess. There are many days I wake up and look in the mirror and feel like my breakouts are worse than they were when I was in high school. Then I look at my legs and see the vericose veins that once bulged out of my legs when I was pregnant and the spider veins that have also managed to stick around.

But even with all of these skin problems, you want to know how many times I’ve gone to the Dermatologist to try to ask questions on how to get these things resolved? Zero.

I struggle with putting myself first when it comes to being busy with the kids and work all day. It’s a hard balance and unless my problem is an emergency, I just tend to avoid it altogether. That way I don’t have to get a sitter or worry about finding a time that the doctor is available and it works into my schedule as well.

While looking for ways to help my skin, I came across a new app called Spruce Health. Spruce is a dermatologist on your phone. It allows you to visit with a doctor on your time and your schedule without even having to leave the house. Yep, that means I can talk with a doctor and still have three kids running around the house and screaming in the background.

Spruce not only allows you to speak with a dermatologist, but you can also can be treated for a range of conditions on Spruce including acne, anti-aging, dry and itchy skin, rosacea, psoriasis, bug bites and stings and much more! Visits are $40 and include diagnosis, personalized treatment plan and 30 days of messaging with your doctor.

With the easy accessibility of Spruce, I decided to take advantage and ask a Dermatologist some of my top post-baby skin questions.

Dr Elan Newman is a Board-Certified Dermatologist for Spruce in California and he was kind enough to answer some top questions from moms that face skin issues after baby.

What is the most common skin problem mom face post-pregnancy? How do they help solve the problem?

• There are some really common skin changes that women face post-pregnancy (or sustain after pregnancy). Melasma (dark pigmentation, usually on the face), varicose veins and stretch marks are good examples of skin changes that start during pregnancy and may sustain post-delivery. The good news is that, in most cases, these should resolve themselves after pregnancy!  However, where they don’t there may be things new mothers can do which a dermatologist can also help with. For instance, sustained melasma, varicose veins and spider angiomas (very common little red bumps on the skin) can be treated once a mother is finished with weaning through a range of treatments and procedures.
• One other thing that some new mothers don’t always expect is hair loss post-pregnancy. Hair stays in an extended growth phase during pregnancy. Following delivery there is an abrupt hormonal shift which will cause that hair to fall out. There’s also a second wave of hair loss 3-4 months following delivery which can last as long as a year. In almost all cases, this resolves itself and normal hair growth tends to resume fairly quickly after that point

As moms, we are very busy throughout the day. What is one thing moms must work into their skincare routine everyday?

• Using an SPF of 50+ every day. I know this is classic dermatologist advice but I stand by my recommendation that all my patients where sunscreen with a minimum SPF 50 rating, every day (and sun-protective clothing where possible). This actually goes above the American Academy of Dermatology’s (AAD) recommendation of SPF 30 or higher.  I practice in Southern California where there is no shortage of sunshine but published data also shows that people only apply half as much product as they need to reach the SPF listed on the bottle. By using a higher SPF level, busy moms can always ensure they will get better protection because there is more active ingredient in the bottle, even if you don’t use as much as you are supposed to use.

What should all moms be doing to their skin?

• I already mentioned sunscreen above so the other thing I would recommend to all my patients, and especially active moms, is to keep your skin well moisturized. This is important to keep the skin barrier intact. Take the time to apply a moisturizer at least 2-3 times per week during the warmer months and daily during the winter.
• I have been asked ‘do you really get what you pay for?’ i.e. is a $10 moisturizer is just as a good as a $50 moisturizer? I believe that for certain brands which are formulated for eczema or dry skin (e.g. Cetaphil, Cerave, Eucerin, and Aveeno), there is no need to spend more. More expensive products might feel more elegant or less oily (fewer lipids/fats), but if you have really dry skin, you actually need to put lipids back into your skin. If your skin isn’t that dry, then a lighter, more elegant and possibly expensive product might be okay. In some cases, the more expensive products are designed to work better with makeup (usually of the same brand), and this can be preferable.

What is one product all moms should have in their bathroom?

• Some affordable products I personally consider a top pick are:
  • Moisturizers
    • DML Forte lotion
    • Aveeno Eczema Therapy Cream
    • Neutrogena Norwegian Hand Therapy
  • Sunscreen
    • Neutrogena Beach Defense SPF 70
    • Neutrogena Ultrashear SPF 85
    • Neutrogena Healthy Defense SPF 50
    • Coppertone Sport SPF 70
    • Ocean Potion SPF 50

How can moms keep their skin healthy?

• I believe to keep your skin healthy and youthful, you should focus on sun protection, moisturising and avoiding harsh facial treatments and aggressive exfoliation. The truth is that some of us are more (or less) genetically primed for great skin but doing these things can help moms avoid wrinkles and premature aging, later in life.

What are some skincare tips you recommend for busy moms?

• Keeping up your sun protection every 2 hours during the day can be difficult given a mom’s busy schedule. I think that while you can use a lotion for your initial application, you can re-apply sunscreen using a spray.
• Don’t forget sun protection for the kids too! Keeping sunscreen in a cooler in the car will prevent the high temperatures during summer from breaking down the active ingredients and will also feel better for the kids on a hot day.

{This post is in partnership with Spruce Health. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporing the companies that make A Mommy in the City possible!}