Postpartum Hair Loss
Postpartum hair loss is the excessive shedding caused by falling oestrogen levels. The good news is that this excessive shedding is temporary, and you do not have to do anything to remedy it. Most women see their hair return to its normal fullness by their child's first birthday.
However, there are superfood oils you can apply to your scalp and hair to help improve the quality and density of hair, decrease hair loss and speed up hair growth.
Our Stimulating Hair Growth Elixir contains many superfood oils such as coconut oil that can actually slow down hair loss by penetrating the hair shaft and halting protein loss.
Another super-nourishing oil used in our Stimulating Hair Growth Elixir is pumpkin seed oil, clinically proven to improve hair growth - Contains Phytosterols, that when massaged into the scalp, block hair-loss-causing enzymes (DHT) and hormones in the scalp.
Multiple blood flow stimulating oils like Rosemary, peppermint, garlic. Blood circulation is important for hair growth as it delivers the nutrients required directly to your hair follicles, thus preventing hair loss or follicle damage in the process.
There was a study comparing minoxidil with rosemary. Both groups experienced the same amount of growth, and those using rosemary instead of minoxidil, didn't experience itchy scalp like the other group did.
Rosemary actually addresses many of the symptoms experienced through postpartum, such as hair loss, dandruff, itchiness and irritation.
Rosemary promotes hair growth and strengthens hair because of its ability to keep the nerves healthy. Rosemary contains carnosic acid, which has been known to have a healing effect in cases of nerve damage.
Its anti-inflammatory properties soothe the scalp. Its antibacterial properties fight dandruff.
Pregnancy and Postpartum Skin Issues and Skincare
During pregnancy the constantly changing, fluctuating hormones affect your skin, hair and body. Women going through pregnancy and postpartum most commonly experience dryness, melasma/chloasma (aka, “mask of pregnancy), dark spots and acne.
At Herbal Gardens we aim for our products to be ‘skin food’. The concept of ‘skin food’ is as literal as it sounds - food for the skin.
Skin is the biggest organ in the body and whatever is applied on it, a small amount (or more on more porous skin like the scalp) will penetrate the body, and to the body it makes no difference how it got in. Langerhans cells in the body have the job of checking that any foreign material entering the skin is not harmful. If the ingredients in skincare products are not seen as beneficial to the skin (i.e. ‘skin food’), then they will be rejected, not absorbed at all or they may cause damage to the skin. It is important to the health of the skin that the products being put upon its surface are going to be healthy for the whole body. Holistic skincare is made from natural ingredients that the body will recognise as beneficial nutrients. When skincare is safely made as ‘food’ then it truly becomes a beneficial substance with which to nourish the skin.
There is one thing that many synthetics lack, and that’s the therapeutic qualities offered by many natural ingredients. Mineral oil for instance is a very boring chemical - it is so simple in its chemical structure that it offers nothing in terms of therapeutic benefits. Borage oil (cold pressed from the seeds of the Starflower Borago officinalis and found in our Detoxifying Night Brightening Serum), on the other hand offers one of the highest known levels of Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) found in nature. GLA is a high performance anti-ageing compound.
Lemon and Chamomile, found in our Detoxifying Night Brightening Serum can help fade dark spots and melasma.
Rich in Linoleic Acid which unclogs pores can also help reduce postpartum-acne.
Squalane - one of the closest oils in construction to human sebum and works as a great replacement when skin isn’t producing enough - allows it to be easily absorbed into the deepest parts of your skin, preventing water loss and helping to balance your skin’s natural oil production.
Broccoli Seed & Rosehip oils are high in naturally occurring retinol (vitamin A) and used as a safer retinol alternative.
Oat - Increases ceramide levels in the skin, hydrating and reducing inflammation and irritation.
VAGINAL DRYNESS DURING PREGNANCY & POST - PARTUM
Pregnancy:
Hormonal changes: Pregnancy hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, can fluctuate, leading to changes in vaginal lubrication.
Increased blood flow: During pregnancy, there is increased blood flow to the pelvic area, which can cause swelling and reduced moisture.
Stress and anxiety: Emotional factors can contribute to vaginal dryness during pregnancy.
POST PARTUM
Breastfeeding: Hormonal changes associated with breastfeeding, particularly low estrogen levels, can lead to vaginal dryness.
Healing process: After childbirth, the vaginal tissues undergo healing and recovery, which can temporarily affect moisture levels.
Lack of sexual activity: Reduced sexual activity postpartum can contribute to vaginal dryness.
Let’s talk all things ‘down there’
Did you know 80% of women experience vaginal dryness at some point in their lives? 37% of women didn’t do anything about this, and 40% waited a year before taking action!
Vaginal dryness is a common concern during pregnancy and postpartum due to hormonal changes and other factors. Vaginal dryness can cause sex to become extremely painful and cause bleeding.
Vaginal dryness and dryness of the skin around the vagina can increase chances of tearing during labour.
Breastfeeding: Hormonal changes associated with breastfeeding, particularly low estrogen levels, can lead to vaginal dryness.
Healing process: After childbirth, the vaginal tissues undergo healing and recovery, which can temporarily affect moisture levels.
Lack of sexual activity: Reduced sexual activity postpartum can contribute to vaginal dryness
Menopause
Menopausal acne needs gentle skincare. Mature skin is thinner and has a longer skin cycle. This means it takes longer for the skin to renew itself. Acne & Oil Control Serum’s composition is small enough to deeply penetrate skin, help de-congest skin but also nourish it at the same time. The formula contains Sea buckthorn which is extremely high in naturally occurring vitamin C, which is effective in reducing inflammation and speed up healing and skin regeneration, without aggravating the skin.
