Four Skincare Tips for Moms
No matter what your skincare routine was before having children, it’s likely very different now! When you can barely take the time to shower alone, extensive exfoliating and moisturizing routines are out the window. Nonetheless, our skin is the largest organ on our body, and it is so important to our physical and emotional health.
If you can live by these four skincare tips, we promise the rest can wait.
Tip 1: Daily Cleansing
Wash your face at least once a day, or in the morning and night if possible. This will keep your skin clean, healthy and fresh! If you don’t have time to use two different cleansers, choose a gentle option that you can use daily. Depending on your skin type and energy level, you can add an exfoliator once or twice a week. Avoid exfoliating in the winter when your skin is likely already drier!
Tip 2: Hydration
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is one of the best ways to keep your skin feeling good, followed by using a lotion or oil on your face and body. Not a fan of water? Add fruit or try herbal tea. Seltzer or infused water are also great options, you can even consider coconut water!
Next, choose a moisturizer. Lotion is great for most people with normal skin, but as your skin changes, consider a cream if it tends toward the dryer side. If you have oilier skin, go for a lighter gel moisturizer. No matter what, apply the moisturizer of your choice right when you get out of the shower to help lock in hydration.
Tip 3: Don’t forget the sunscreen
One of the best steps to maintain skin health long-term is to wear sunscreen (at least SPF 30!) on your face and hands at minimum, even when it is cloudy. It can be easy to slather the protection on our kids and forget ourselves, but it is essential!
Tip 4: Take care of your hands, scalp and vulva
We all think of our face first when it comes to skincare, but our hands, scalp and vulva are also important areas that deserve extra attention. Make sure you’re moisturizing your hands regularly, especially in colder weather. You can do an extra scalp cleanse in the shower with a scalp serum or treat yourself to a scalp massage.
And keep in mind that you shouldn’t use traditional bar soap on your vulva, which can cause irritation and infections. Instead, choose a product formulated for your vulva like say la V. Nourishing Veauty Wash. Your skin ‘down there’ will thank you for picking up a pH-balanced vulva wash, packed with natural skincare ingredients like jojoba oil and vitamin E. Don’t forget the breathable cotton underwear and your skin will be glowing in no time!
Special tips for pregnancy and breastfeeding
In general, there are skincare ingredients you should avoid while pregnant or breastfeeding (like retinols and salicylic acid) and others that are nourishing and safe (like hyaluronic acid and shea butter.) If you have any concerns, reach out to your doctor or dermatologist for specific answers!Just remember ever mom’s skin is unique, but as a general rule, cleansing, moisturizing and spending just those few extra minutes on your skincare routine are worth it because you’re worth it!
