Taking Care of Your Skin: A Mom’s Guide to Proper Skin Care

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As a mom, especially a new mom, it is easy to get caught up in the idea that your child’s needs must come before your own. It is important to realize that putting your kids first does not mean that you should be eschewing your own needs altogether. Having needs does not mean that you are a bad parent. It means that you are human. And, more to the point: making a point of taking care of your needs is one of the best examples you can set for your kids.

There are lots of big and small ways to practice self care and to see to your needs. In this post, we’re going to talk about maintaining your skin care routine.

It might seem a bit frivolous to focus on skincare, but as every new mother knows, pregnancy and motherhood can wreak havoc on your skin. Your skin can be dry and oily at the same time, you sprout skin tags in some really inconvenient places, patches appear out of nowhere. New moles grow. Between the havoc your pregnancy hormones wrought and the lack of care you’ve been taking because you’ve been focused on infant care, your skin is likely a mess.

And you know what? Having bad skin can have affect your self esteem, your energy levels and your overall health.

Suddenly focusing on skin care seems pretty important, doesn’t it? So what do you do?

Basic Cleansing

Get into a good routine of morning and evening cleansing and moisturizing. Your routine doesn’t have to be extensive or time consuming. A quick dash of cleanser and coat of moisturizer can be completed in five minutes or so.

The trick is finding a good cleanser and moisturizer. Your skin is extraordinarily sensitive right now, so opt for something natural and gentle. You might even think about whipping up some of your own–there are lots of great recipes for natural and organic cleansers and moisturizers that you can make using ingredients you probably have in your kitchen right now, like olive oil and oatmeal. Naturally made skin care products are great because you don’t have to worry about your baby getting sick if they accidentally ingest some (babies are lickers; it happens).

Note: remember: it isn’t just the skin on your face that you need to worry about. The skin on the rest of your body is just as important. Keep it clean and moisturized as well!

Checkups

There are some skin issues, like skin tags and warts that you can take care of yourself at home using a natural skin tag remover or an over the counter aid. There are other skin issues, like moles, and freckles, though, that are best left to the experts.

Don’t forego your regular skin checkups. Remember, even if you’re really flexible and good with mirrors, you’ll never be able to get as good a look at the new freckle on your back as your dermatologist will (and your significant other, unless he or she is a doctor, won’t know what to look for when you ask them to check it out). Get in a good once over at least once per year. You can schedule it around the same time that you schedule your well woman exam. And, of course, as soon as you notice any new freckles or moles, get them checked out!

It is also important, particularly if you suffer from a medical condition like diabetes to get your skin checked out regularly and to watch your skin closely for even minor changes. Diabetics, people who suffer from psoriasis, etc–you need to be extra mindful of your skin.

Caring from the Inside

Good skin care isn’t just about what you put on the skin to clear up rashes, acne, dryness, etc. Good skin care is also about what you put into your body that will affect your skin at the cellular level. A proper diet is important for your overall health and your skin. Look for foods that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins C, E and A are all important to keeping your skin as healthy as possible.

It is also important to stay hydrated. Dehydration is a real fear among new parents who get so caught up in child care that they forget to drink water and eat proper meals. Drink water whenever you feel thirsty or, heck, whenever you have a spare second to grab a sip. Your entire body will thank you for it and your skin will look great!

Remember: part of caring for your kids is caring for yourself. You need to be your best self so that you can be the best for them. Get into a good routine of morning and evening cleansing and moisturizing. Night cream reviews can help you decide on a product that’s best for your skin and within your price range. Your routine doesn’t have to be extensive or time consuming. A quick dash of cleanser and coat of moisturizer can be completed in five minutes or so