As mothers, we often put others first. But when we neglect to give ourselves the TLC we deserve, it can take a toll on our well-being—and that includes our skin. Without self-care, our skin is at greater risk of suffering from a wide range of issues, such as dullness, dryness, acne, and aging. And while there’s nothing wrong with these imperfections, they can make you feel less than beautiful, and no woman deserves to feel that way!
In this article, I’ll explore the connection between self-care and skin, as well as share a few tips to help you put yourself first, while still being a supermom for your family.
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How does self-care affect the skin?
Even if you slather on the most expensive oils, serums, and sunscreens, if you don’t practice proper self-care, your skin still won’t glow from within. Lack of self-care in your daily life can lead to stress, which may manifest on your skin in the form of acne and dullness. The reason for this is that, when you’re stressed, your body releases “stress hormones” such as cortisol, which tell your skin to produce more oil. This can lead to clogged pores, acne flare-ups, and other skin concerns.
The solution? Ease stress through self-care. Whenever you feel overwhelmed, allow yourself to take a break even for just a few minutes to do things that you enjoy, whether that’s soaking in a salt-filled tub, doing yoga, or decluttering your closet.
Self-care strategies to improve your skin
Aren’t sure where to start with self-care? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with my tried-and-tested strategies for giving yourself some much-needed TLC. By showing yourself love, you’ll also be able to show your skin love. Here’s how:
Drink plenty of water daily
This is the easiest way to practice self-care. Whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin, it’s crucial to hydrate your body by drinking water. Water supports your skin’s structure, making you less prone to wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging. Without proper moisture, your skin will look dull and dry, and your imperfections (e.g. pores, acne scars, etc.) will be more noticeable—and no one wants that!
Aim to drink at least 2.7 liters of fluids a day. To motivate yourself to drink more, consider infusing your water with a few slices of citrus fruits. You could also carry around a reusable water bottle so you can easily take sips throughout the day.
Move your body
Here’s another self-care secret: exercise. Working up a sweat releases “happy hormones” that ease your stress, and if that’s not good enough, it works wonders for your skin, too. When you work out, your blood flow increases, giving your skin the nutrients it needs to look its best. This aids in the production of collagen—a protein that’s essential to your skin’s structure and elasticity—and treats skin concerns such as hormonal acne.
If you don’t have time to hit the gym, get yourself a yoga mat, slip into your cute workout gear, and do planks, lunges, and pilates in your living room! You could also go on a long walk, join other moms during their morning jog, or swim with your kids when you take them to the pool.
Do something you enjoy
As mothers, we rarely get the time to do our own thing. However, taking a few minutes for no one but ourselves can have significant benefits on our skin. Make time for “me time” and do the things that bring you joy, whether that’s joining a paint and sip class, binge-watching a TV show, or grabbing yourself a cup of coffee. In other words, give yourself a break and do the things that make you feel like yourself again.
Declutter your space
I know what you’re thinking. The last thing you want to do when you get home from work is to clean or declutter, but hear me out—it can actually benefit your well-being. A 2009 study found that women whose homes were untidy had heightened levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. This is because visual clutter can impede your ability to concentrate, and in turn, take a toll on your mood.
Maintaining a clean home allows you to gain a sense of control over your space, as well as create a calm environment where you can unwind. This isn’t to say you need to go full Marie Kondo mode—you can do simple things like running a load of laundry, wiping down the kitchen counters, and putting away your kids’ toys.
Get enough sleep
As moms, we’re always on the go, so our batteries are bound to run out by the end of the day. To recharge our batteries and prepare ourselves for another full day of caring for our children, we need to get enough sleep—according to the Sleep Foundation, that’s at least 7 hours of sleep per night.
When you get enough sleep, you’ll have more energy during the day, have a more balanced mood, and be less stressed. Additionally, proper sleep gives your skin the chance to repair itself, which can have a positive effect on your appearance.
Soak in the bath
After a long day, you deserve to light a scented candle, open a bottle of bubbly, and soak in a warm bath filled with your favorite oils. Sit in the tub for as long as you like, reading that book you’ve always wanted to read, listening to a podcast, or zoning out to spa-like music for the ultimate Zen experience. Nothing gets more relaxing than that!
Take time for yourself, momma!
If your skin doesn’t look or feel its best, don’t blame your skin care products—your routine may simply be missing one crucial component: self-care. Incorporating self-care into your daily routine will allow you to lower your stress levels, and as a result, lead to healthier skin. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish or superficial. It’s crucial to your well-being. So take time for yourself—you’ll feel like your best self after.
For more tips on how you can practice much-deserved self-care, be sure to check out the One Motivated Mommy blog.
