Easy Skincare for Moms: How I Brought Back My Glow

Realistic skincare routine for busy moms that is pregnancy and breastfeeding safe, easy to follow, and perfect for getting your glow back.

If you’re a mom, then you know how little time we get to ourselves. Before kids, I had an elaborate nighttime routine that made me feel like my best self. These days, with a toddler and a baby on the way, that just isn’t realistic. Nighttime can be rough, I’m exhausted from chasing my toddler and once he’s finally asleep all I want to do is crawl into bed and have a little “me time.”

I started to notice the toll it was taking, not just on my skin, but also on my self-esteem when I would trade my skincare routine for a few extra minutes of rest. During the beginning of my pregnancy, I often skipped everything completely because I was so tired. Once I realized I needed to do more for myself in order to feel like myself, I worked in a quick nighttime routine that still made me feel good about ending the day with something just for me. I noticed pretty quickly that when I cared for my skin, I just felt better overall. That small but powerful ritual gave me back a little glow, and eventually I decided to add in a morning routine too (really only if my toddler doesn’t wake up at the crack of dawn).

So here it is, my realistic, uncomplicated skincare routine. Hopefully it inspires you to carve out a few minutes for yourself too, because every mom deserves to feel good and get her glow back.

Cleanser

I’ll admit, I don’t always wash my face. It feels time-consuming and messy, and sometimes I just don’t want to. That’s where the Trader Joe’s Spa Natural Pads with Tea Tree Oil come in. I wouldn’t recommend using them every day because they can be drying, but they are a lifesaver when you need something quick. Tea tree is also antibacterial, which is especially helpful when dealing with pregnancy hormones and the breakouts that come with them.

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 use the Rhode Barrier Restore Cream. Let’s be honest, by the end of the day my skin feels as tired as I do. That’s why I love this moisturizer, it’s like comfort in a jar. It’s packed with shea butter, peptides, and hyaluronic acid to keep my skin hydrated. It locks everything in and leaves my skin feeling dewy and refreshed instead of rundown.

My morning routine is similar but toned down. I usually wash my face instead of using cleansing pads because something about cold water on my face makes me feel refreshed and ready to take on the day. Like I said, I only use the toner two to three times a week, so depending on how my skin feels, I’ll use it or lose it. The rest of my steps stay the same: Rhode’s Glazing Milk, Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum, and Rhode Barrier Restore Cream. The one addition that’s an essential for me (and I think should be for everyone) is sunscreen. I love the Beauty of Joseon Day Dew SPF 50. It’s lightweight, doesn’t feel super greasy, and is perfect for mornings when I’m outside running around with my toddler.

Most days I skip makeup, so this routine keeps me feeling polished and glowy on its own. It’s simple, safe during pregnancy, and something I know I’ll carry into postpartum as well as my own personal ritual. While I miss using retinol during pregnancy, the truth is my skin feels great without it! I feel like since committing to this routine, my skin feels hydrated, brighter, and much more like me.

The Results?

The biggest change for me has been emotional, taking just a few minutes for skincare has become a small ritual that helps me really reconnect with myself. It’s not just about the glow on the outside. It’s about the confidence that comes from making time for something that is mine! Motherhood can make it easy to put yourself last, but it doesn’t have to be that way. 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. If you’re a mom looking to bring back your glow, try adding even one or two of these steps into your day. Give yourself permission to care for your skin, and more importantly, yourself. Just remind yourself that you deserve it!