Becoming a mum is an incredible experience full of moments of love and joy.
Let's face it, though -- being a mum can be tiring too, especially when you're looking after a little one around the clock. And because of this, many mums often neglect themselves in favour of looking after their babies and family.
Taking care of one's skin is one thing women neglect the most after having kids. Add to that the fact that skin becomes extra sensitive during pregnancy and after having children, due to hormones and other factors. Because of this, looking after your skin properly even when you are busy with motherhood is crucial to prevent common skin conditions like dryness, redness, loss of elasticity and irritation.
However, at the same time, we understand that sometimes it's just not possible, or practical, to follow the same skincare routines you might have had in place before having kids. Those skincare practices may not work for your skin anymore, too, due to increased sensitivity or a change in skin texture post-kids.
This doesn't mean that you have to give up skincare altogether. Instead, like a lot of other things after having kids, you just need to adapt, adopt and simplify!
Here are three easy and effective ways busy mums can continue to provide the best of care for their skin, with baby in tow.
1. Nourish from the inside
Don't underestimate the power of good nourishment and the effect it can have on your skin. To glow from within, try to include a rainbow of colourful fruit and vegetables in your diet every day.
Some of the best "skin foods" are betacarotene-rich pumpkin, sweet potato and carrots, as well as blueberries, broccoli, papaya and strawberries, with are packed full of vitamin C -- a powerful antioxidant that works wonders for your skin.
Try this: If you're wondering how to find the time to prepare your meals to include these foods, whip up a quick and easy vegetable stir-fry or a breakfast smoothie containing a good mix of these fruits and vegetables.
2. Invest in natural skin-care products*
When you don't have the time to look after your skin properly, you may feel your skin getting dry, irritated and even blemished.
You might think that a quick application of any moisturiser will solve these problems. But, you still won't be doing your skin any favours as most regular skincare products contain harsh ingredients that might actually aggravate such conditions -- more so if you have sensitive skin.
This is why it's really important to choose the skincare product you use very carefully. Ideally, opt for one with natural ingredients, which, instead of causing irritation, gently, yet effectively looks after and nourishes your skin.
Mums, when choosing a skincare product, keep these tips in mind:
- Look for one that contains ingredients from nature. For example, colloidal oatmeal is clinically proven to offer a host of benefits to maintain healthy skin, and has natural cleansing and moisturising qualities -- perfect for your skin.
- Choose a product that is pH-balanced, paraben and fragrance free. These qualities are also ideal for mums with sensitive skin.
- Pick one that is gentle enough to also use on your children. You save money too this way because you don't have to buy two separate products.
Try this: Moisturise your skin right after after a bath or shower. This way, the product you use is able to trap some of the water remaining on your body and use it to add extra moisture to your skin.
If you have sensitive skin, remember to pat it dry -- vigorous toweling can irritate your delicate skin.
3. Hydrate, hydrate and hydrate!
Adequate fluid intake through the day is essential to maintain healthy, glowing skin. But many busy mums just don't drink the recommended two litres (around 8 glasses) of water a day.
Mums, we know you have a million things to attend to, but please do try to drink enough water on a daily basis. It's not only needed for your overall health, but you'll also see a marked difference in your skin tone and clarity.
Try this: Keep the amount of water you need to drink daily in two 1-litre bottles and keep them in a spot you are in regularly. If you are a working mum, then ensure you take a bottle of water to work, and make sure you drink adequate water through the day.
You can also add fluid to your diet in other ways such as through soups, broths and juices.
*Mums, we hope you found these tips and information useful. If you have sensitive skin and want to see an improvement in your skin, fill in your details in the form below now.
Stand a chance to take part in a 2-week natural skincare trial. All participants will get a natural skincare trial pack when they sign up and the selected 20 respondents will also receive a natural skincare hamper worth $125 each.