The postpartum period is a beautiful yet challenging time, filled with profound changes—not just emotionally and physically, but also in your skin.
Hormonal shifts, sleep deprivation, and the demands of caring for your newborn can leave your skin feeling dry, sensitive, or out of balance. Because your skin is still healing from pregnancy and childbirth, it deserves gentle, nourishing care that supports recovery without harsh chemicals or synthetic ingredients.
Choosing a natural skincare routine with safe, effective ingredients is especially important now—not only for your skin’s health but also because your little one’s delicate skin is often in close contact with yours. That’s why building a simple, tallow-based postpartum skincare routine can be a nurturing way to restore your skin’s natural glow, protect its barrier, and help you feel cared for during this special time.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the core steps of a natural postpartum skincare routine, highlight the best natural healing ingredients, and share practical lifestyle tips to support your skin from the inside out.
A Simple Natural Postpartum Skincare Routine for Healing
Forget complicated regimens that require dozens of products and endless steps. As a new mom, your time and energy are precious—and your skin needs care that’s simple, gentle, and truly nourishing. You deserve a routine that supports healing without overwhelming your schedule or your senses.
That’s why we recommend a practical, tallow-based natural skincare routine designed specifically with postpartum skin in mind. These core steps focus on restoring moisture, calming sensitivity, and protecting your skin’s delicate barrier—all with safe, effective ingredients that work with your body’s natural rhythms.
Whether you’re navigating sleepless nights or breastfeeding demands, this routine is easy to follow, adaptable to your unique skin needs, and gentle enough for daily use. Let’s walk through it together:
Step 1: Cleanse (Gently)
Use a mild, non-foaming cleanser that won’t strip your skin’s natural barrier. Raw honey, calendula, or oat-based cleansers help remove buildup while soothing inflammation.
Pro Tip: Avoid sudsy or heavily scented washes. They can worsen dryness and disrupt your microbiome.
Step 2: Moisturize (Deeply)
Your skin is in repair mode, and it craves rich moisture. Our Nourishing Tallow Balm is made with grass-fed tallow, which closely mimics your skin’s own sebum. It delivers deep hydration and vital nutrients like vitamins A, D, E, and K. It’s perfect for dry cheeks, stretch marks, or anywhere your skin needs comfort.
Step 3: Treat (As Needed)
Whether you’re managing postpartum acne, irritation, or cracked nipples, targeted treatment with calming botanicals can help.
Try our multipurpose moisturizer—a gentle, on-the-go balm infused with healing herb like calendula. It’s safe for baby contact and ideal for spot care.
Step 4: Protect (Daily)
Don’t skip SPF—especially if you're experiencing pigmentation shifts (like melasma). Look for a mineral-based sunscreen with non-nano zinc oxide. It’s the safest option while breastfeeding and won’t disrupt sensitive skin.
The Best Natural Ingredients for Postpartum Skin
You don’t need a long ingredient list—just the right ones. Here are postpartum-approved ingredients to look for:
- Tallow: Rich in nutrients and healthy fats that deeply hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier.
- Calendula: A gentle herb known for its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties.
- Honey: Antibacterial and naturally hydrating—great for sensitive or acne-prone postpartum skin.
- Aloe Vera: Cools and calms inflamed or dry skin while promoting regeneration.
- Chamomile: Soothes irritation, especially helpful during hormonal changes.
These ingredients work with your body’s natural healing process—no synthetic fillers needed.
What to Avoid in Postpartum Skincare
Even products labeled “natural” or “gentle” can sometimes contain hidden irritants that may disrupt your skin’s healing process or affect your baby’s sensitive skin during close contact. Postpartum skin is often more delicate and reactive due to hormonal changes, so it’s essential to be extra mindful about what you apply.
Here’s a closer look at common ingredients to watch out for—and why they may not be the best choice during this sensitive time:
#1. Synthetic Fragrances
These often contain chemical compounds linked to allergies, hormone disruption, and skin irritation. Because brands aren’t required to disclose what’s in “fragrance,” it's safest to avoid them altogether. To learn more about what synthetic fragrances really are, click here.
#2. Parabens and Phthalates
Used as preservatives or texture enhancers, these chemicals are known endocrine disruptors and should be avoided during hormone-sensitive times like postpartum.
#3. Sulfates and PEGs
Common in foaming cleansers and lotions, these can strip your skin’s protective oils and cause dryness or inflammation.
#4. Retinol and Retinoids
Effective for anti-aging but not recommended while breastfeeding—they may be absorbed through the skin and passed on through breastmilk. They’re also harsh on healing skin.
#5. Essential Oils (High Concentrations)
Even natural oils can be too strong postpartum or irritating for your baby’s sensitive skin. Stick with low-concentration or baby-safe options, and always patch test.
When in doubt, simpler is better. If you wouldn’t use it on your baby, don’t use it on yourself.
Lifestyle Habits That Support Healthy Skin
Topical care is just one piece of the puzzle—especially in the postpartum season, when your skin is healing from the inside out. The good news? You don’t need to overhaul your life. A few intentional habits can make a big difference in how your skin looks and feels.
Here are some gentle, realistic ways to support your skin from within:
a). Hydration
Breastfeeding can leave you dehydrated, which often shows up in dry or flaky skin. Aim for at least 8–10 glasses of water daily. Try adding fruit or herbs (like lemon, mint, or cucumber) for flavor and added minerals.
b). Nutrition
Whole foods nourish your body—and your skin. Focus on:
- Omega-3s: Found in salmon, chia seeds, and walnuts—help reduce inflammation.
- Bone Broth: Full of collagen and minerals for tissue repair.
- Leafy Greens: Packed with antioxidants and essential vitamins.
- Healthy Fats: From avocado, coconut, and olive oil to support hormone balance.
Smoothies and easy-prep meals are your best friends right now.
c). Sleep (When You Can)
Sleep is your body’s natural reset button, and it’s critical for skin repair and hormone regulation. Prioritize rest whenever possible, even in short spurts. Naps help reduce cortisol (the stress hormone), which can otherwise show up as breakouts or dullness.
d). Gentle Movement
Movement supports circulation, lymphatic drainage, and mood—helpful for both skin and emotional well-being. Start with short walks, postpartum yoga, or simple stretching.
You don’t need perfection—just consistency. Small steps make a big difference.
Our Favorite Tallow-Based Products for Postpartum Skincare
All of our products are hand-crafted with postpartum safety in mind—free from synthetics, parabens, and anything questionable for you or your baby. Try these mom-loved favorites:
- Nourishing Tallow Balm – Intense hydration for dry skin, stretch marks, and nursing comfort — your natural healing companion.
- Basic Bee – Your multipurpose moisturizer.
See how our products have helped restore and protect skin on our Before & After page.
Need help choosing a product?
Visit our shop or browse the FAQ page for personalized recommendations.
Want to dive deeper into holistic postpartum care? Check out our previous post, Tallow Remedies for Postpartum Skincare, where we explore how tallow and traditional remedies can support your skin’s healing journey.
Conclusion: Choose Healing, Not Hype
In the postpartum season, less is truly more. Your body has done something incredible—and now, it deserves rest, respect, and replenishment. By choosing tallow-based, whole-ingredient skincare, you’re honoring your skin’s natural rhythms with ingredients that nourish deeply, support barrier repair, and remain safe for even the tiniest hands and cheeks that will rest against you.
These simple, time-tested remedies aren’t just about appearance—they’re about comfort, confidence, and care. This is skincare that meets you where you are, offering gentle support without adding to your mental load.
Give yourself permission to heal slowly, to care intentionally, and to show up exactly as you are—tired, glowing, strong, tender, or all of the above. Your skin will thank you. And more importantly, you’ll thank yourself for choosing simplicity and self-compassion in this sacred season of new motherhood.