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After giving birth, my skin felt like it belonged to someone else.
What used to be oily and dehydrated turned dry, tight, and oddly reactive. Even gentle cleansers left my skin feeling stripped, and no matter what I used, that dull, uneven tone wouldn’t go away.
I noticed dry patches around my nose, cheeks, and jawline, and I knew it wasn’t just hormones. I was sleep-deprived, overwhelmed, and my skincare routine had become a splash of water and the occasional moisturiser.
I wanted something simple but effective products that could help repair my skin barrier, support hydration, and actually work for postpartum-sensitive skin.
That’s when I found out about Hada Labo.
In this post, I’ll share how three gentle Japanese skincare products helped me rebuild a routine I could stick to—no harsh actives, no trends. Just hydration, healing, and a bit of comfort in a bottle.
How Postpartum Changed My Approach to Skincare
In the early months after giving birth, everything felt new, and not always in a good way. My body was healing, sleep was a rare luxury, and my skin? It felt like it was in survival mode.
I was used to choosing skin care based on promises—brightening, smoothing—but those things didn’t really cross my mind when my skin became reactive, dry, and strangely unfamiliar. And the part that made me really sad was that the products I used to love just didn’t work anymore.
Related read: Postpartum Skincare: How to Care for Your Skin After Giving Birth
But that’s also the time I knew I needed something different. Not a miracle product or a 10-step routine. I mean, as a busy mum, who’s got time for that? I just needed something gentle, hydrating, and easy to stick to as a new mum.
Japanese skincare felt like a breath of fresh air. It’s simple, nourishing, and focused on what the skin actually needs. I started with three Hada Labo products—and slowly, with consistency and care, my skin began to recover.
Plus, they’re not only affordable, but many of them come with refill pouches! Once I finished the bottles, I could just top them up instead of repurchasing the full packaging. It’s a small thing, but it made sticking with the routine even easier.
The Japanese Skincare Trio That Fixed My Dehydrated Skin
Here’s a closer look at the three products I used:
Hada Labo Gokujyun Perfect Gel
Key Ingredients: Squalane, Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid
This gel-cream is the first Hada Labo product I’ve tried. It became my go-to for dry, tight, or fragile skin days, especially during harsh winter and postpartum recovery.
It has a gel-like texture but comforts like a balm, sealing in all the hydration without clogging pores or feeling greasy.
It’s one of the moisturisers that helped me during skin barrier repair around winter, especially when I was too sensitive for actives. Ceramides and squalane supported my barrier, and the result was hydrated skin.
That said, now that the UK weather has warmed up, I’ve paused using the Perfect Gel for the season. It’s a bit too rich for spring, so I’m rotating in lighter creams like Etude Soon Jung 2x Barrier Cream and Purito Mighty Bamboo Panthenol Cream I plan to bring the Perfect Gel back once winter rolls around—it’s that kind of comfort product.
Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Lotion (Light)
Key Ingredient: Multiple weights of Hyaluronic Acid
In Japanese skincare, “lotion” is more like a hydrating toner. This one feels and looks like water but works like a moisture magnet.
This is the second Hada Labo product that I’ve tried and still love! It’s lightweight, fast-absorbing, and fragrance-free, it’s the first layer of hydration that softens the skin and helps everything else sink in better.
To be honest, I didn’t really appreciate this toner before having a baby. When I was repairing my skin barrier, this is the one product that didn’t irritate my skin. I felt that the serums and essences that I would use after it worked so much better and it really supported my skin in the gentlest way possible.
Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Milk
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid
This product was actually a happy accident! I bought it thinking it was another bottle of the lotion (that’s why I don’t have a photo of it) but the milky texture gave it away.
I gave it a try and I’m so glad I did!
It’s more emollient than the lotion but lighter than a cream, and it layers beautifully without feeling heavy. Since spring started, I now use it in the mornings after cleansing just because I want an extra boost of hydration throughout the day.
Looking back, this was one of the products that really supported my skin when it needed it most. Not really sure why there’s not a lot of hype around this, but I think it’s because it’s overshadowed by the Hada Labo’s Premium line, which I personally found a bit heavy. Just a tiny bit!
Related read: How I Repaired My Skin Barrier Postpartum
Key Ingredients That Made a Difference
All three products are fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and essential oil-free. It’s perfect for sensitive or reactive skin.
Here are a few ingredients:
- Hyaluronic Acid (multiple molecular weights): Pulls in moisture at different skin levels
- Glycerin: A classic humectant that hydrates and softens
- Ceramides: Strengthen the skin barrier and lock in hydration
- Squalane: Lightweight emollient that mimics skin’s natural oils
- Urea: Gently exfoliates and smooths
- Hydrolyzed Collagen: Adds bounce and elasticity
- Sakran®: A calming Japanese plant extract that supports moisture retention
My Skin Results
This trio didn’t transform my skin overnight. The results were slow, subtle, and deeply soothing. Within two weeks, the flakiness eased. Redness around my nose calmed down. My skin felt less tight and more balanced.
My mindset was the biggest change for me though. These three products stopped me from thinking that skincare is a chore, but a gentle ritual instead. Even during sleep-deprived, postpartum nights, these products felt like small acts of care.
Who This Routine Is For
You might love this trio if:
- You have dry, dehydrated, or postpartum skin
- You’re rebuilding your skin barrier
- You want fragrance-free, minimal, effective skincare
- You’re looking for gentle hydration without actives
It might not be the best for:
- Very oily skin in humid climates
- Those seeking active ingredients like retinol or acids
Why This Routine Still Matters
These past couple of months, after dealing with my skin barrier, I realised that hydration isn’t a trend, but a foundation. I just have a whole new appreciation for it.
And for someone with dry, sensitive skin, especially postpartum, this Hada Labo trio was exactly what I needed.
You don’t need to buy all three at once. Start slow. Listen to your skin. These products helped me reconnect with mine—with care, patience, and no pressure to be perfect.
I’d love to hear from you: Has your skin ever changed dramatically, postpartum or otherwise? Let me know in the comments below.
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