As a minimalist, I thrive on simple, effective products.

I also dislike routines that take away my time freedom. As a mom, every minute is precious. Sure, I prioritize my skincare routine, but I also like to get downstairs fast in the morning to grab a cup of coffee and snuggle my littles. Or, get to bed just in time to waste my precious sleep scrolling instagram… (anyone relate??)

Here are my favorite skincare staples, as well as a few splurges. I’m only going to list what I’m using now, but there are many similar alternatives that you can use to adjust your regimen to price or preference. We minimalists tend to be brand loyalists, in order to keep the number of products in my bathroom to a minimum. Many of my favorites come from MIG, which I tried on a whim. Now, like many others, I’m hooked on their natural ingredients, waterless products, amazing smell, and ease of use.

MORNING:

Shower + Benzoyl Peroxide Wash

I like using this in the shower, since it’s easier to let soak while you’re getting your shampoo situated, and also easier to rinse. This includes benzoyl peroxide, so it can bleach your towels (or pillowcases if you’re using before bed), so its best to reach for white towels to avoid discoloration. I wouldn’t go higher than 3-5% benzoyl peroxide, otherwise you’ll irritate your skin without much added benefit.

CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser (4% benzoyl peroxide)
Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser Mask (3.5% benzoyl peroxide)

Moisturize

Acne face washes can dry out or give you the sensation of tightening skin. Be sure to slosh on facial moisturizer to keep those cheeks happy. While it might give you the feeling of squeaky clean skin, you should interpret it as thirsty. Give back your moisturizer. I use a waterless facial bar while my skin is still damp, this allows it to smoothly glide over the surface of my skin and it soaks in evenly. I never used waterless before, but now I’m hooked, and I’m not sure I’ll go back to goop anytime soon.

Facial Moisturizing Bar from MIG

Serum or Vitamin C

A vitamin packed punch to stand up to the oxidizing world around us. Pollution, UV-damage and more. It’s nice to apply a small protective barrier with a Vit C serum or other plant based serum to help combat the daily insult our skin takes. Vit C is best applied closer to the skin’s surface, before you get carried away with other creams or make up.

Vitamin C Serum (so many varieties) … Skin Ceuticals, LaRoche-Posay, CeraVe

Black Berry Leaf Serum

Azelaic Acid

I wear this every morning. You can apply twice daily. Best yet, it’s pregnancy, breastfeeding and all around mom friendly. My skin allows me to apply this twice daily, yours may not. But, it’s a favorite. It slowly works to fade pigmentation, helps with acne prevention, and can help with rosacea. All around, low risk with multiple benefits. Not a miracle worker, but I’m a fan.

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid 10%

Sunscreen

This is the best anti-aging and skin preserving magic we have. SPF. Avoiding sun damage year round is so important. Inside, outside, cloudy, rainy, sunny, do not forget your facial sunscreen. No, not the SPF 12 in your makeup. You need a lot. You’ll be looking like a teenager into your thirties. You’re welcome. PS. It’s cheaper than botox, filler, and well, almost everything cosmetically oriented. Just apply the darn sunscreen, every morning. Don’t forget your neck/chest which can give away your age if you neglect it!

LaRoche-Posay Facial Sunscreen, SPF 60

EVENING:

Gentle, non abrasive facewash.

This is not the time for apricot scrub. I don’t wear makeup, but if you do, you may want to double cleanse with micellar water and then use your gentle face wash. Remember, acne is not from dirt. You can’t scrub it off. It takes a well rounded, consistent, evidenced-based skin care routine and/or many prescription medications. See your dermatologist, do not suffer with resistant acne!

Moisturize

Something simple and non-comedogenic. If you reach for something formulated for your face, you’ll be just fine. No secret science here. My favorite is the waterless facial bar from MIG. I love how it functions like a roll on serum, and the bar warms on your skin. I am annoyed about how well this works, because I splurge on it. However, the bars do last a long time, and they are very travel friendly!

Facial Moisturizing Bar from MIG

Azelaic Acid or Adapalene/Retinotic Acid

Talk to your physician before using these products in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Azelaic acid is safe to use in pregnancy and breastfeeding and is generally what I reach for year round. Once my breastfeeding journey comes to a close, I am looking forward to adding a prescription strength retinol to my nighttime routine for acne prevention and anti-aging. Adapalene also is over the counter and another option, but again, please chat with your own dermatologist.

Moisturizer or Serum

After the nighttime cream, I reach fore more moisturizer to seal in the goodness. Here, I apply a little extra love, either for the delicious smells with my blackberry serum which is packed with antioxidants and fruit based essential oils, or for some additional Vitamin C punch. There are many Vitamin C serums which range from a few dollars to >$100. The serum that’s been used by Dermatologists for awhile is from Skin Cueticals. One day I’ll splurge, but we know it oxidizes quickly - so I’m down for some cheaper alternatives.