'I'm a new mum of twins. There are 5 skincare rules I follow.'

POV: You’re a new mum and your skincare routine sits right at the bottom of your priority list. Amongst pooey nappies, dirty bottles to clean and time to play with your bub, where do you fit in a seven-step skincare routine?

As a new mum of 12-week-old twins, my approach to skincare has changed.

Despite having a range of different products sitting on my bathroom bench, waiting to be used, I've been sticking to the basics for my face. Anything that makes me feel more alive is key. 

With my hormones all over the place, going back to the basics has not only done my skin some good, but it also means I get to spend a (very small) bit of time on myself each day.

Watch: Horoscopes as new mums. Story continues below.

Though I have many skin concerns, my focus right now is putting hydration back into my face and helping combat some minor pregnancy pigmentation. 

So, I've pulled together a tight selection of MVPs that do the absolute MOST for my skin. 

Here's what I do morning and evening:

Best morning skincare routine for mums.

In the mornings, I have barely any time for myself. Between feeding, changing nappies, and putting two kids down for a nap that they just love to fight, my morning skincare routine is the bare minimum. 

I start by brushing my teeth and wetting my face with water. I save the proper cleanse for the evening. 

I then spritz my face with a mist (though, you could also just leave your face slightly damp after washing it), and then apply a hydrating serum to perk up the skin. 

I’m currently loving the MECCA MAX Watercooler Calming Hydration Serum, $25, and will often rotate this with the cult fave Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, $38.

Niacinamide is probably one of my favourite ingredients (it's one of the best multi-taskers!), so I always make sure to add this to my morning routine. And I can’t go by how delicious Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops, $51, smell. I massage this into my skin and find that it's the perfect pick-me-up in the morning after a night of interrupted sleep. 

I’ll end my morning skincare routine with sunscreen. This is non-negotiable for so many reasons. I get out every single day with my boys for a good hour-long walk in the late morning - when the UV is much higher. I also don’t want to make my small bouts of melasma any worst, either. 

Image: Despina O'Neill.

I will rotate through two different SPFs at any time - usually the Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Fragrance-Free Face Sunscreen Lotion, $14.95, and Ultra Violette Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Skinscreen SPF 50+, $49.

I find these four steps much easier to maintain and do every day - usually during a free five minutes of playtime on the mat or nap time in the morning. And it's always done with a coffee on the vanity - so I’m killing two birds with one stone!

Best evening skincare routine for mums.

At night, I look for the quickest skincare routine straight after my shower. There is zero time to waste. I’m literally racing to get into bed and get some sleep before the next feed.

I’ll always cleanse in the shower and use a face cloth to wipe off the residue as opposed to putting my face directly under the hot water. This also acts as a gentle mini exfoliation, too.

I’m currently LOVING Hado Labo Gentle Hydrating Cleanser, $24.95 – the sister to their cult fave hyaluronic acid serum. It just gets the job done. 

Since falling pregnant, retinol was a no-go - however, I’ve slowly re-introduced this back to my routine. I've been trialling Revolution 0.5% Retinol Intense Serum, $22, and I'm finding the lower concentration works well with my skin - it's perfect for beginners.

On alternating nights, I’m using the asap liquid platinum, $50.70 – which contains glycolic acid. Come morning, it literally makes my face feel like my newborn’s bottoms!

When I just CBF with any serums, I’m reaching for one of two overnight masks for extra hydration. Aspect Hydrating Mask, $65, and COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask, $39, are both gloriously moisturising, perfect for my dry skin and such a quick and easy step when I just need to get it done. 

For now, this routine is working perfectly for me. Made up of simple, quick steps, it means I’m committing to my skincare without it taking too much time. 

Image: Despina O'Neill.

Skincare rules for new mums.

If you're a new mum who is struggling to find a skincare routine that works for you, I have a few tips that might help. 

Here are five rules I follow:

1. Buy one or two new skincare products to use in your routine. I guarantee it’ll give you a little bit of excitement to find the time to use them. 

2. Think of your skin concerns and choose just one to work on for now. Too many steps and products will make the entire process feels too overwhelming, and your products will sit unused on your shelf.

3. Make it simple. Find two-in-one products and use them. If you can kill two birds with one stone, then why the heck not? 

4. Set an alarm on your phone to remind you to apply your SPF every day. If you have developed any melasma during pregnancy, your face will thank you for it.

5. Be kind to yourself. You’re doing the best job in this role as a new mumma!

Are you a new mum? Do you have any skincare tips you'd like to share? Drop them in the comment section below.

Feature image: Supplied/ Despina O'Neill.

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