Healing herbs for new moms looking for radiant, glowing and clear skin

Your skin and hair may be more sensitive during pregnancy owing to hormonal changes, as estrogens fall after pregnancy. A new mother undergoes many changes that may affect her body, skin, emotions and other aspects of her life. It is common to find new mothers looking tired rather than drop-dead gorgeous while every mom wants to look best. Nutritional deficiencies may also reflect on the hair and skin in terms of a pale and sallow complexion.

Herbs, when used appropriately for enhancing inner beauty and health generally have little to no side-effects. Herbs are a fantastic, natural alternative for new moms looking for radiant, glowing and clear skin. A nutritious diet, adequate sleep and relaxation are essential for both beauty and health, during pregnancy and lactation. New mothers should also be careful about what they ingest or apply so that there are no detrimental effects on the baby. For example, herbal remedies and home remedies can be very useful. Most new mothers confront the problem of stretch marks on the abdomen. Massaging the abdomen with oil helps to lighten stretch marks over a period of time. Sesame seed oil is said recommended by Ayurveda, as it is dosha balanced. For the abdomen, wide circular strokes would help to keep the skin toned and restore elasticity. On upper arms and thighs, long strokes should be used.

Chloasma or Pregnancy Mask may occur after pregnancy, in which the skin develops pigmented (dark) patches. Usually, they occur on the cheeks, or the high points, like the forehead, nose and cheeks. The use of a sunscreen is important, to provide protection from UV rays, which actually make these patches apparent. Try to avoid the sun, as far as possible, especially from noon till 3 pm. This would help to prevent aggravation of the condition. Select a sunscreen with a high SPF of at least 20+. The sunscreen should be applied about 20 minutes before sun exposure.

As a home remedy, add a pinch of turmeric in curd and apply daily on the patches. Leave it on for about 20 minutes and wash it off with water. Or mix together honey and lemon juice and apply on the patches daily, the same way.

A scrub helps both face and body. Mix ground almonds or rice powder with curd, add a pinch of turmeric and apply on the face. After 15 minutes, rub gently on the skin with small circular strokes, especially on the dark patches. Wash off with water.

Twice a week, apply a face mask. Mix 2 teaspoons choker (wheat bran) with one teaspoon each of ground almonds, honey, curd and lemon juice, or egg white. Apply on the entire face, avoiding the lips and area around eyes. Wash it off after half an hour.