As I move to the third trimester of my second pregnancy, parenting my energetic toddler, and attempting to lead a slower, more intentional lifestyle — my skincare pursuits and priorities have also shifted with these life changes. With the little time and less priority to spend (money-wise too) on skincare routine, I’ve discovered that keeping it simple yet consistent is what matters most for me. Here is an updated run-through of the routine and product types that have been working for me lately.
I’m still all about paying attention to clean and healthy formulas, but also not being super harsh or restricting about products. Since becoming a parent, I have learned that balance and open-mindedness are the keys to success in everything. (This applies to personal self-care too!)
My skin remains on the dry, sensitive side of the spectrum. I’ve been prioritizing hydration and barrier protection, especially attempting to avoid external stressors to my skin whether that’s environmental or product-based.
Stay tuned for more detailed, individual reviews for some of these newer products! Note: products present in photos are dependent on what I’m currently using and finishing up at the moment. Though I have used all the products mentioned.
Morning moisturizer
I start off the morning by applying a lightweight, yet deeply hydrating face cream. I prefer a formula that absorbs quickly but is weighty enough to keep my skin nourished throughout the day, whether I reapply or not. I don’t cleanse my face in the morning as I don’t want to further dry out my skin, and because I feel that the more intense evening products I use, are still layered on.
My current recommendations:
Three Ships Radiance Grape Stem Cell + Squalane Day Cream: One of my current favorite creams to use night and day—hydrating, buildable, and extremely nourishing. Read my full review here.
Ere Perez Moringa All-Beauty Creme: I love using this moisturizing, nourishing cream daily! However, the packaging is not my favorite, it’s a bit difficult to get product out when you’re nearing the end of the tube.
Plaine Products Face Moisturizer: This is my go-to daily moisturizer, though it is more lightweight than others I have tried. The subscription and send-back recycling program make this a hassle-free, always in my bathroom product. *Use my coupon code: Plein20 to get 20% off your Plaine Products purchase!
Occasional SPF
In addition to a face cream I will occasionally add sun protection. I know it benefits the health and protection of my skin longterm, whether or not I will be outside during the day. As with a moisturizer, I prefer sun protection that is lightweight yet nourishing enough for my dry skin, while is also fast absorbing. To add on top of my moisturizer, I like to choose hydrating sun protection that is at least SPF 30 or more, does not have a strong fragrance, and has broad spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays.
The SPF creams I have been using are all hydrating enough to be worn on their own, but I feel more comfortable with applying both a moisturizer and an SPF to ensure optimal nourishment and protection.
My current recommendations:
Eleven by Venus Williams Ace the Day Face Lotion, SPF 30: This SPF cream is also amazing for more active, outdoor situations too, though the SPF amount is on the lower end for more active needs. The formula is protective while also nourishing on the skin. Plus, it smells fresh and never feels chalky, sticky, nor leaves behind any residue. The compact tube and convenient pump top makes for easy application and for taking on-the-go or while traveling.
Suntegrity Moisturizing Mineral Face Sunscreen & Primer, SPF 30: This has been my favorite for a while, and I like that now they are finally selling refill canisters too! I wish they’d update the dated, bulky packaging though. More thoughts here.
Undefined R&R Sun Creme, SPF 50: Very unique serum-like SPF that is moisturizing, has a higher SPF protection, and formulated with organic ingredients. It’s also affordable and available at select Whole Foods, Target, Ulta shops and on Amazon.
Evening cleanser
Whether I wear makeup or not during the day (the most makeup I wear daily if any, are brows and tinted lip balm), I make it a habit to cleanse my face in the evening.
I prefer to use cleansers that are also deeply hydrating and not too abrasive or drying. The face washes I have been using are ones that cleanse and absorb quickly, without stripping the skin, and also gently set the stage (er, my skin) with a nourishing base for even more hydrating evening products.
My current recommendations:
Plaine Products Face Wash: My tried and true daily cleanser— it is lightweight enough that it could be used during the daytime, but also nourishing and effective enough for cleansing in the evening or to remove long-wearing makeup, without stripping the skin. The send-back recycling and subscription program allows me to always have this on hand and not have to stress about running low. More thoughts here. *Use my coupon code: Plein20 to get 20% off your Plaine Products purchase!
Weleda Nourishing Oil-to-Milk Cleanser: I’ve been a longtime fan of Weleda products since they’re affordable, well-formulated, and very accessible (nowadays you can find the brand at Whole Foods, Target, local drugstores, Amazon, and tons of online retailers), but this was a newer product I hadn’t tried before. I love a good milky cleanser (perfect for drier skin), and this one is deeply hydrating and nourishing. It is a bit more on the heavy side, so it takes a bit longer to wash off, but does leave skin extremely supple.
Evening moisturizer
Unwinding my mind from the day also means soothing my skin. I ensure that I’m adding intense hydration by way of a cream or serum (sometimes both) to not only soothe my skin but also to treat it while I’m sleeping.
I have recently been gravitating towards cream-based moisturizers due to intermittent changes in weather, and also to ward off flakey, dry skin. If my skin is really in need of extra care, I will also layer on a hydrating serum. In general, for the evenings I prefer a facial serum or cream that nourishes and moisturizes my skin, but also continues the hydration long-term, leaving my skin supple and glowing through morning. Key ingredients I look for when it comes to hydrating and nourishing evening moisturizers include rosehip, sea buckthorn, squalane, fruit oils, and Vitamin C.
My current recommendations:
UpCircle Hydrating Face Serum with Coffee Oil: This facial oil is very nourishing and plumping on the skin, left my skin feeling so supple. I like to believe the coffee ingredients helped with puffiness too. The scent is a bit unique, but I didn’t mind it. Love that I can pick up most UpCircle products at my local Whole Foods, and that their pricing is affordable.
Pai Skincare Rosehip Bioregenerate Rejuvenating Overnight Face Oil: A longtime favorite serum that I have recommended to all my friends and works wonders on all skin types. A bit on the pricey side but also not that expensive in the scope of luxury, natural facial oils. Full review here.
Three Ships Boost Rosehip Serum: It has all the properties I love in a moisturizing Rosehip serum, buildable, and gentle. A bit more affordable than Pai and way more accessible. My full review here.
Weleda Skin Food Nourishing Night Cream: A new discovery, yet as a fan of Weleda’s bestselling Skin Food lotions, I was not surprised that I loved this addition to the Skin Food lineup. This buttery smooth night cream is extremely moisturizing and long-lasting, yet not heavy or oily. It leaves behind lasting nourishment to soothe and hydrate, while leaving behind supple skin through the night and morning. Extremely gentle and it smells fresh and a tad fruity!
Extra credit: face masks and gua sha
I used to treat my skin to a face mask or exfoliant more regularly before becoming a parent, probably once or twice a week. Nowadays, with less time to spend on my skincare routine, I try to incorporate a face treatment at least once or twice a month whenever I can. I have not been as exploratory with these product types recently.
Gua sha is something I have done for years, but recently have found it’s an easier treatment to incorporate weekly since I can tack it on as I apply my evening facial serum or cream. Plus, it definitely helps with the influx of fine lines and puffiness I’ve noticed as the years go by. I’ve also discovered a reusable “brow mask” and latex-free skin lift tapes that I’ll apply from time-to-time to resolve prominent frown-lines that gather in between my brows. (I frown when I sleep, agh!)
My current recommendations:
Kora Organics Turmeric Brightening Pore Scrub + Exfoliating Mask: This is an easy-to-use, dual-purpose scrub and mask that deeply and instantly exfoliates without being too harsh for sensitive skin. I find it useful because I can quickly apply it as a gentle scrub, or leave it on as a facial mask for brightening results. Plus, for the price you do get a massive amount of product in the tube compared to similar treatments.
Derma E Purifying Daily Detox Scrub: This facial scrub gently exfoliates while also deeply purifies the skin. It’s easy-to-use in a pinch, and is quite affordable and accessible to purchase. I like that it provides a deep cleanse and treatment, yet does not strip or dry out my skin.
Pacifica Reusable Brow Mask: It’s a bit too large on my forehead and brow area, but does provide nice hydration and generally smoothes out the fine lines I notice. Even if the effect is minimal and sometimes only to soothe skin, I like that this treatment can be used with whatever facial serum I’m using at the moment and is reusable.
Skin lift tape: For extremely pesky fine lines that take a few hours to go away, every so often I like to use this latex-free skin lift tape to obliterate those lines and prevent further impressions on my skin. I cut a little bit of this gentle tape (it feels like a gentler band-aid) and leave it on for a few hours while doing other things around the house. I’ve always had a bad habit of frowning while I sleep, and the practice has only gotten worse as I’ve become a mother and lack sound sleep. This skin lift tape may seem silly, but it really helps treat and prevent my fine lines from getting any worse!
SACHEU Stainless Steel Gua Sha tool: I’ve used various gua sha tools made from jade or rose quartz, however as a perpetually clumsy person, I’ve also broken many of them. This stainless steel gua sha is not only resistant to such accidents (and therefore ending my seemingly frequent gua sha purchases), the anti-bacterial metal is also cooling and soothing on skin, perfect for de-puffing and relieving muscle tension from the get-go. It is also much easier to clean and the weight feels great in the hand. I love this one so much, I purchased it for my sister and mom!
What have you been using in your current skincare lineup?
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