Navigating life with your new baby is a whirlwind of emotions and responsibilities. Between late-night feedings, diaper changes, and trying to catch a few minutes of extra sleep whenever you can, your beauty routine might be the last thing on your mind.
But what if achieving the type of skin that glows doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming?
All you need are a few quick, yet effective, skincare steps to make all the difference. Even when you’re running on minimal sleep.
Here’s a closer look at how to incorporate skincare into your newborn’s schedule. The secret lies in keeping things simple without sacrificing results.
A Quick Boost to Start Your Day
Mornings are often the most chaotic part of a woman’s day when you have a newborn baby. You want a routine that’s refreshing and only takes a few minutes to complete.
- Gentle Cleanse: Use a mild cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural moisture. Hydrating formulas are a plus, and you get bonus points if it’s specially formulated for sensitive, postpartum skin.
- Moisturize and Protect: The two-in-one step of moisturizing and sun protection is a special weapon in your skincare arsenal. An SPF level of 30 and above is perfect, even if you’re staying indoors.
- Beat the Puff: Eye cream is essential to reduce sleep-deprived puffiness and dark circles. The caffeine infusion helps to reduce swelling and brings the spark back to tired eyes.
These three simple steps are enough to ensure you’re taking proper care of your skin, and the whole process takes less than five minutes.
The Visible Effects of Invisible Stress
Many moms carry invisible burdens that go far beyond sleep deprivation and under-eye circles. One growing concern in the parenting world is the increasing risk of infant health complications linked to baby formula.
The NEC lawsuits are a case in point. Certain cow’s milk-based formulas increase the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis in premature and low birth weight babies. This devastating condition affects the intestinal tract, and leads to severe health complications. Baby formula manufacturers failed to provide clear warnings about the risks of their products.
It’s the kind of worry that lingers in the back of parents’ minds, and joins the ranks of everything else keeping you out of sleep. This quiet, ongoing kind of stress triggers hormonal changes which can lead to inflammation in the skin.
Even if you’re not directly affected, stories of families suffering through immense emotional and financial strain remind moms just how much there is to be vigilant about.
For many moms, the key takeaway is this: Your plate is full, and your skincare shouldn’t be another stressor. Your baby’s well-being depends on yours, and it’s important that you take care of yourself first.
The Night Shift Champion That Doesn’t Need Sleep
Nights can be especially challenging for new moms. Your baby’s sleep schedule might be unpredictable, along with waking regularly for feeds and changes. It’s usually during this transition period that your rest and well-being is sacrificed.
But when your body doesn’t get a chance to recover during sleep, the first place it shows is on your face.
The Impact of Sleepless Nights on Skin
- Dark circles and puffy eyes Also known as the “tired mom” look. When you don’t sleep, your skin doesn’t get to repair itself, and these are the first signs.
- Dull, dry skin Your skin’s natural glow is stunted when it can’t renew during sleep hours. This leaves your skin looking lifeless and dry.
- Acne Excess cortisol (the stress hormone) brought on by lack of sleep can lead to breakouts.
- Visible aging Your skin loses collagen when you don’t sleep, which affects its elasticity. This causes premature wrinkles.
Rituals to Combat the Effects of Sleep Deprivation
- Hydrating night creams are thicker, and therefore lock in moisture more effectively. This helps your skin repair overnight, no matter how much sleep you’re actually getting.
- Soothing serums with active ingredients like chamomile or aloe vera soothes irritation and are great for reducing inflammation.
- Hyaluronic acid is a magical component in nighttime skin recovery. Combined with ceramides, you’ll give your skin the boost it needs.
These steps don’t make up for lost sleep, but they go a long way in keeping your skin nourished and healthy. It’s important to keep things as simple as possible, because new moms have enough on their plate without having to worry about adequate skincare.
Remember, self-care isn’t about perfection but rather doing what you can to feel good about yourself. Even when the demands of new motherhood are at their peak.
The Bitter Lemon 