10 November 2024

Day: 16 September 2024

As a mother and a wife, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to prioritize skincare when you’re juggling everything from household duties to parenting. But what I’ve discovered over the years is that maintaining a skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it can be your small daily act of self-care—a moment to recharge, nourish, and invest in yourself. Skincare is as essential as the love we give to our families, and as busy women, we deserve to feel beautiful in our own skin.

Here are my top five skincare routine tips to keep you glowing, even after a long day of mom duties.

1. Cleanse Twice a Day (Even When You’re Exhausted!)

I get it. After a long day of chasing kids, running errands, and managing your home, all you want to do is fall into bed. But trust me, nothing can substitute the importance of a good cleanse. Cleansing twice a day—once in the morning and again at night—creates the foundation for healthy, glowing skin.

In the morning, opt for a gentle cleanser to wake up your skin and prepare it for the day. At night, use a deeper cleanser to remove makeup, sweat, and the inevitable grime of the day. I personally love using an oil-based cleanser in the evening to break down makeup and SPF, followed by a water-based cleanser to ensure my skin is thoroughly clean. Your skin will feel refreshed and ready to breathe!

2. Layering is Key (Keep It Simple)

Think of your skincare routine like creating a recipe for success: you start with the essentials and build up. The rule of thumb is to apply the lightest products first, moving towards the heavier ones. My routine looks like this:

Cleanser: To remove impurities

Toner: To balance pH and prep the skin

Serum: A good vitamin C serum works wonders for brightening your complexion and fighting off dullness.

Moisturizer: To lock in hydration

Sunscreen: To protect from harmful UV rays

At night, I switch up my routine slightly by replacing the day cream with a nourishing night cream or an overnight mask for some extra pampering. Remember, your skin is most active at night, so this is the time to give it what it needs.

3. Never, Ever Skip Sunscreen (Seriously!)

As a mom, I’m always outside, whether it’s school runs, playdates, or weekend adventures. Sunscreen is my ride-or-die because it protects my skin from sun damage and helps prevent those pesky fine lines. My personal faves? Portia M Marula Day Cream with SPF for daily hydration, and when I need extra sun protection, I reach for Nivea Sun SPF 50+. It’s perfect for those long outdoor days and gives my skin that added layer of protection against harmful UV rays!

Daily sunscreen use is an absolute must, especially when it comes to maintaining that youthful glow and protecting against fine lines and dark spots. Make it a habit to apply every morning, and reapply if you’re out for extended periods—your future self will thank you!

4. Listen to Your Skin (Like You Do Your Kids)

We’re so in tune with our children, knowing when they’re hungry, tired, or in need of extra attention. The same intuition applies to your skin! Pay attention to what it’s telling you. Is your skin dry? Then it’s time to hydrate. Breaking out? Maybe you’re using too many heavy products.

Your skin’s needs can change with seasons, stress levels, or even hormones, so it’s essential to adapt your routine accordingly. I often swap products based on how my skin feels. Some days, it craves more hydration, so I add in a hydrating serum or face mist. On other days, a lightweight moisturizer is all I need. The key is to stay flexible and not get stuck in a rigid routine.

5. Consistency Over Perfection

Let’s be real: no one has the time or energy for a 10-step skincare routine every day, especially not moms! But the good news is that you don’t need a complex routine to see results. It’s all about consistency. Even a simple, 5-minute skincare regimen—cleanse, tone, moisturize, sunscreen—done every day will bring about noticeable improvements over time.

I’ve learned to embrace the beauty of small efforts. Some days, my routine is as basic as splashing water on my face, applying moisturizer, and calling it a night. On other days, I take the time for a full-on skincare session with masks and serums. The point is to be kind to yourself, stay consistent, and don’t stress over perfection. Your skin will glow when you treat it with care.

Embracing Self-Care as a Mom

Being a mom often means putting others first, but that doesn’t mean we have to neglect ourselves. Skincare isn’t about vanity; it’s about feeling good in our own skin, which helps us show up as our best selves. And remember, a little glow can go a long way in boosting your confidence as you take on each day’s challenges.

So, give these tips a try and let me know how they work for you. Trust me, even with a busy schedule, you can carve out moments to nurture your skin. After all, happy skin equals a happy mom!

Here are some extra resources and skincare tips you might find helpful:

Why you need to start doing your ice facials

Why you should start using vitamin C serum for hyperpigmentation

This is why you should start steaming

How to achieve clear skin while tackling your acne triggers

Tips for managing hyperpigmentation

Skincare facts you must know about

For more mom-approved beauty and skincare tips, follow me on Instagram, Innocentia Skosana, where I share my favorite products, hacks, and inspiration to keep you glowing inside and out. You deserve it!