Because none of us have any time to spare, keep your skin care regimen simple. Choose multi-purpose products so you don't have to spend all morning applying product to your face. Look for things like exfoliants you don't have to rinse off (Dermalogica Daily Resurfacer is a good choice, though there are others) and moisturizers that double as sunblocks (Smashbox Sheer Focus is my favorite). These types of products will save you time and even help save you money.
Being a mom ages your skin. There's no two ways about that. And many of us like the idea of those anti-aging lotions that are out there. But let's face it. We can't turn back the clock and we can't undo the aging process. You can, however, improve the appearance of your skin by moisturizing it. If you want to making your skin look great, you don't necessarily have to invest in those expensive anti-aging creams. Instead, wash and moisturize your face twice a day, exfoliate twice a week, and wear sunblock every time you step outside. Here's where using a moisturizer with sunblock will pay off. Avoid most anti-aging creams.
Why? Take a look at the claims made by these products. Do they actually claim to reverse the aging process anywhere on the packaging? No. They're not allowed to claim something that isn't true, and you simply cannot anti-age anything. Instead, the creams claim to improve the appearance of skin. This can be done with products that will not break the bank, products available at your local drugstore.
Look for products that contain vitamin A (which is sometimes called retinol) and glycolic acids. These two products have been proven to enhance the appearance of your skin, especially when used together. Other good ingredients in your moisturizer include vitamin C and hydroxy acid. Vitamin C helps your sunscreen work better and improves those annoying brown spots. Hydroxy acid, on the other hand, exfoliates the skin and makes your skin appear brighter and more youthful. Still, none of these products are anti-aging, so don't waste your money on a cream that won't do anything more than your average moisturizer.
So what products might you choose that won't cost a lot of money but still get the job done? Well, I've already mentioned two I like, but there are others I've used with great success. Products such as Neutrogena and Reversa are inexpensive but worth their weight in gold. I'm sure you'll have your favorites if you visit your local drugstore and test out a few. I like Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15, which handily has enough SPF protection for those long winter days.
And my skin? Well, it glows and is blemish-free. I'm now into my 30s and my skin looks just like it did 10 years ago. And all without those expensive anti-aging creams that don't work anyway.
