According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, mothers with young children spend an average of about nine hours each day doing housework, playing and parenting so it comes as no surprise to hear that many mums struggle to uphold a consistent beauty routine.
That said a beauty regime does not need to be time consuming or tiresome.
Here are my top 6 skin care basics to help maintain a healthier and younger looking you. Adhering to these daily skin care rules helps maintain healthy skin without taking too much time away from your busy household, parenting and work schedule.
1. Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen
Sunscreen, above anything else, is the most important part of any woman’s (or man’s) beauty regime. Excessive UV radiation exposure from the sun or from artificial sources such as solariums can cause several skin problems, including premature skin ageing.
At the Victorian Cosmetic Institute, we recommend physical sunscreens that contain micronised zinc or titanium or newer types of chemical sunscreens (UVA) that act like physical sunscreens. An affordable and excellent option is La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL. Sunscreen should be worn inside and outside all year round. Sun damage is cumulative so even short periods of time spent in the sun can speed up the ageing process.
2. Let your skin breath
Contrary to popular belief, cleansing and moisturising twice daily can actually strip your skin of essential oils and stop it from breathing.
Instead simply wash your makeup off in the evenings and only apply moisturiser if you feel your skin needs it. In the morning wash you skin with warm water only, apply moisturiser and a good sunscreen. If your skin is oily, the sunscreen alone should provide ample moisture.
3. Skin care to look out for - it’s as easy as A.B.C
Effective anti-ageing skin care products include ingredients such as Vitamin A (retinol), Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide), Vitamin C, and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as lactic acids and peptides. These ingredients can help slow the ageing process.
4. Avoid chapped, dry skin
Immediately after stepping out of a shower, pool or the ocean, apply moisturiser and/or sunscreen to your skin. Water washes away the skin's natural oils, drying it very quickly. Applying moisturiser will prevent skin from chapping which can lead to fine lines.
5. Hydrate multiplied by 8
To help keep skin looking young and supple, drinking water is essential.
The magic eight glasses of water a day not only helps prevent our skin from looking wrinkled and rough but it also aids weight loss, digestion and flushes toxins from the body.
6. Change with the seasons
Our skin craves different things depending on the time of year, so change your beauty routine based on the seasons.
In the winter, use a heavier cream with a greater moisturising factor it will help protect your skin from the cold and harsh winds.
To celebrate Mothers Day, the Victorian Cosmetic Institute is offering one lucky mum a $1,000 beauty makeover. If you feel like that’s you, or if you think your mum would like one herself, click here to enter to win the ultimate Make Over My Mum beauty experience.