Two-Step Nighttime Skincare For Busy, Kuripot Moms

Moms of young children easily neglect skincare because we pour all our time, strength and resources into raising our children. But skin experts say that even if you think you don’t need it, skincare can slow down the signs of aging and make your skin healthy.  If you are like me two years ago, who did not have the motivation and discipline to stick to a skincare routine, I encourage you to start with a simple two-step routine. That way it’s easier to make a new habit and it is less expensive as well, therefore more sustainable.

Simple skincare habits based on your skin type

For oily and combination skin

If you have oily skin, you need products that will balance your skin’s sebum production. Human Nature’s Balancing Facial Wash does just that while cutting down bacteria and reducing skin redness. The Natural night moisturizer on the other hand, moisturizes with pure jojoba oil and encourages skin renewal with plant collagen. Human Nature products are hypoallergenic, natural and cruelty-free. 

Step 1: Human Nature Balancing Facial Wash, Php 200. Available on Lazada.

Step 2: Human Nature Night Moisturizer, Php 280. Available on Lazada.

For acne-prone skin

Those who struggle with pimple breakouts need products with active ingredients that control their skin’s oil glands from getting clogged and infected. Products with salicylic acid like the Celeteque cleansing and moisturizer gel help decrease the redness and swelling of pimples, speeds up the healing of the skin and prevents new pimples from forming.

Step 1: Celeteque dermoscience cleansing gel, Php 335. Available on Beautymnl.

Step 2: Celeteque acne clearing facial moisturizer gel, Php 335. Available on Lazada.

For all skin types

This set of Sakura cleansing foam and night cream claim to brighten and smoothen skin and make it soft and bouncy. With all these big promises for an affordable price point, these are worth trying!

Step 1: Garnier Sakura Glow Cleansing Foam 100mL, Php 159. Available on Lazada.

Step 2: Garnier Sakura Night Cream, Php 360. Available on Lazada.

For aging skin

We do  not need to wait until we reach the 40s to start using anti-aging products. In fact, most beauty experts suggest starting during the 30s as this is when many of the signs of aging (lines, wrinkles, dark spots) begin to show. The Olay Total Effects cleanser and cream cost P1,034 together but they last for three to four months, so roughly, the cost of using these is only P300+ per month.

Step 1: Olay Total Effects foaming cleanser, Php 235. Available on Lazada.

Step 2: Olay Total Effects night cream, Php 799. Available on Lazada.

Another anti-aging product worth trying is this Age Miracle Night Cream from Ponds. It claims to protect skin from premature signs of aging with active ingredients such as Retinol-C Complex. It also strengthens the skin's natural barrier with Vitamin B3 and Vitamin E3 acetate, and boots skin moisture with glycerin.

POND's Age Miracle Night Cream 50g, Php 759. Available on Lazada.

For dry skin

The Cetaphil gentle foaming cleanser is dermatologist tested and clinically proven to be gentle on sensitive skin. The night cream has hyaluronic acid, which is said to make skin healthy and supple and helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, redness and dermatitis.

Step 1: Cetaphil gentle foaming cleanser, Php 419. Available on Beautymnl.

Step 2: Cetaphil rich hydrating night cream, Php 523. Available on Beautymnl.

For sensitive and combination skin

For women who prefer cruelty-free products with no chemicals and only plant-based ingredients, the Lana line of skin care products is worth trying. These products are gentle, non-sticky and effectively moisturize and nourish the skin leaving it soft to the touch. The set is relatively expensive for P1,548 (regular price) but if you wait for sale season, you can get these at a much lower price. You can also use the set for at least four months so the monthly cost of using these only comes down fo P300+.

Lana Soothe & Hydrate Gentle Cleanser and DNA repair Elixir bundle, Php 1,254. Available on Lazada.

There is no rule that says you should stick to one brand for both your cleanser and moisturizer, but for starters, while you find a product that works best for your skin, getting products in pairs from the same brand will help you find what brand works best and what brands cause adverse effects on your skin. It would be wise to also try them in smaller sizes before getting the big ones.

Grace Bautista, like many Pinay moms, is a busy (also often lazy when it comes to skin care), and budget-conscious mom who recently started to learn to stick to a simple skin care routine.