Easy Skincare for Moms: How I Brought Back My Glow

A simple, pregnancy and postpartum safe skincare routine for busy moms who want to feel like themselves again and bring back their glow.

If you are a mom, you already know how little time we truly get to ourselves. Before kids, I had an elaborate nighttime skincare routine that made me feel like my best self. These days, with a toddler and a newborn, that version of self care just is not realistic. By the time nighttime rolls around, I am exhausted from chasing my toddler all day and caring for a newborn. Once everyone is finally asleep, all I want to do is crawl into bed and enjoy a few quiet moments before my eyes close and prepare for the night shift. Somewhere along the way, my skincare routine started to disappear.

I began to notice the toll it was taking, not just on my skin, but on my confidence too. During pregnancy, I skipped skincare entirely on many nights simply because I just tired. Now postpartum, I have realized something important… More than ever, my skin needs more love and attention than ever. Between hormonal shifts, lack of sleep, and the physical demands of motherhood, my skin started to feel dull and dry. I knew I needed to bring back a small ritual that felt doable, comforting, and restorative.

That is when I committed to a quick, uncomplicated routine. Some of these products are ones I used during pregnancy because they were gentle and pregnancy safe. Others are additions I leaned into postpartum, when my skin needed extra support. The funny thing is almost immediately, I noticed that when I cared for my skin, I felt (and looked) better overall. That small ritual gave me back a little glow and reminded me that taking care of myself still matters.

That being said, this is my realistic skincare routine for ‘mom life’. It is simple and flexible. If you are in the thick of motherhood, I hope this encourages you to carve out a few minutes for yourself too. Every mom deserves to feel good in her skin.

Cleanser

Instead of a traditional face wash, I often reach for Medicube Zero Pore Pad on nights when I want something fast and mess free. These pads cleanse, gently exfoliate, and help keep pores clear in one step.

They contain mild exfoliating ingredients like PHA and witch hazel. While many pregnant women use them comfortably, exfoliating acids can be a gray area depending on skin sensitivity. I personally used these sparingly during pregnancy and continue to use them postpartum when my skin needs a refresh.

They are perfect for nights when I want clean skin without committing to a full sink routine.

Toner

Next, I use the Sweet July Pava Toner with a cotton round. It has glycolic acid, papaya, and guava that gently resurface and dissolve dead skin cells. I feel like it really helps bring out a natural glow when used consistently. Since it’s strong, I only use it two to three times a week, which means fewer steps most nights. Just using it a couple nights a week, I can tell it leaves my skin looking brighter… even if the rest of me is running on no sleep.

Essence

We’ve all heard about Rhode’s Glazing Milk, and for good reason. I use it after toner for hydration and barrier support. This step makes me feel like I’m doing something special for my skin without adding more work. It’s a ceramide facial essence, which means it moisturizes, smooths, and helps reinforce the skin’s natural barrier. It’s lightweight and a little goes a long way.

Glow Serum

After the Glazing Milk, I go in with the Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum. Pregnancy hormones had my skin all over the place, and this serum helped calm things down. It helps control oil and brighten at the same time. Niacinamide is the star here. It regulates oil, evens skin tone, and improves texture. Bonus that it’s also gentle enough for pregnancy!

Moisturizer

Lastly, I recently swapped my moisturizer for the Collagen Niacinamide Jelly Cream, and it has been exactly what my skin needs right now!

The jelly texture feels lightweight but also deeply hydrating, which is ideal for my postpartum skin that somehow feels both dry and congested at the same time? It contains niacinamide and collagen and does not include commonly restricted pregnancy ingredients, though it is always best to double check with your provider!

My Simple Morning Routine

My morning routine is even more minimal. I usually rinse my face with water because the cool temperature instantly wakes me up. Depending on the day, I may use toner if it is one of my exfoliation days, or skip it entirely if i’m feeling lazy. I follow with sunscreen because sunscreen is non negotiable for me!

I love Beauty of Joseon Day Dew SPF 50 because it is lightweight and perfect for mornings spent outside with my toddler and baby. Most days, I skip makeup altogether. My nighttime routine keeps my skin looking healthy and glowy on its own.

The At Home Tool That Changed My Routine

Shark CryoGlow Mask

One of the best skincare gifts I have ever received as a mom is the Shark CryoGlow Mask.

On extra busy days or the ones where I barely get a break at all, this is the skincare step I reach for. The Shark CryoGlow Mask is completely hands free, and the remote slips right into your pocket, which means I can wear it while folding laundry, tidying up, or knocking out chores around the house.

The routines are short and pre-programmed, so even when this is the only thing I do for my skin that day, it still feels like a win! The under eye cooling has been a game changer for my tired eyes. It helps depuff and instantly makes me look more awake, even after long nights with the baby.

It says to always use it on clean skin with no products applied, treating it as a true first step! On days I have more time, I will cleanse, use the mask, and then continue with the rest of my routine. On the busiest days, this alone is enough to make me feel like I showed up for my skin. If I'm being honest, I was using it while writing this blog post…

The Results?

The biggest change I noticed was emotional. Taking a few minutes for skincare became a grounding ritual that helped me reconnect with myself during postpartum life. Motherhood has a way of pulling your focus outward. This routine reminded me that caring for my skin is not about vanity, It’s about feeling like myself again. I really believe skincare doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. Even the simplest routine can make a difference in how you feel about yourself.

Since committing to this routine, my skin feels more hydrated, brighter, and healthier. While I avoided retinol during pregnancy, I have been surprised by how good my skin feels without it. Honestly, I haven’t even thought to add it back in. If you are a mom looking to bring back your glow, try adding even one or two steps into your day. Give yourself permission to care for your skin, and more importantly, yourself. You deserve it!

Pregnancy & Postpartum Skincare Disclaimer

Everyone’s skin and pregnancy journey is different. While many of the products shared here I used during pregnancy, it is always best to review ingredients and check with your healthcare provider before introducing new skincare products. What works for one person may not be right for another, especially during pregnancy and postpartum.