How to regain firm skin after childbirth?

Certain nourishing creams and plant oils, such as shea olein oil or theavocado oil, can help your skin regain its firmness after childbirth. They generally contain active ingredients that stimulate the synthesis of elastin and collagen by fibroblasts, helping to tone the skin and reduce the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite, for example. At Typology, we have formulated a gel-to-oil 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 the massage, the gel transforms into oil, which facilitates the massage.

It is important to adopt the correct techniques to promote the skin's absorption of the active ingredients contained in this type of skincare. Regardless of the target area, be it arms, buttocks, hips or stomach, apply the skincare product to clean, dry skin. Furthermore, 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 these are likely to frequently come into contact with your baby's skin. For added precaution, we advise you to use skincare products intended for pregnant women.

It is crucial to regain strength after childbirth, and this is achieved through nutrition. Moreover, a healthy and balanced diet is your ally in restoring a toned 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 catalyse 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 potentially 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, such as walnuts, hazelnuts or almonds, are rich in vitamin E, antioxidants, as well as vitamins B1 and B9, which protect the neuronal system, and also in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium.

Do not hesitate also to hydrate yourself well, it is 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 aid digestion.

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

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

It is also possible to opt for gentler sports, such as walking, yoga, water aerobics or swimming. Practised regularly, 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, as there is a risk of injury.

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

• The surgical facelift.

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

• Mechanical stimulation to combat skin sagging.

  This technique is based on the stimulation of fibroblast activity, the dermal cells responsible for synthesising collagen and elastin. To achieve 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 outcome. Approximately twenty sessions are required to see an improvement in skin elasticity and tone. There are no undesirable side effects.

• The laser.

  This technique aids in restructuring the skin. The laser utilises 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 simultaneously stimulates the activity of fibroblasts.

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