Dr. Pimple Popper's Quick Skincare Routine for Busy Moms
You don't have to choose between taking care of your family and taking care of your skin health.Published:
3 minute read
Between mealtime, playtime, bathtime, and everything in between, moms have plenty to juggle but rarely any time for themselves. It’s understandable that some things fall by the wayside, but your well-being — including your skin health — shouldn’t be one of them. That’s why a simple skincare routine for busy moms should be quick, consistent, and effective.
Dermatologist and SLMD Skincare founder Sandra Lee, MD (aka Dr. Pimple Popper) says great skin doesn’t require complicated steps. All it takes is a few minutes, twice a day, even on your busiest days.
Fast facts: skincare for busy moms
- A complete routine takes about two minutes, twice a day
- Focus on the basics: cleanse, treat, moisturize, protect
- Core ingredients: salicylic acid, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, retinol
- Poor sleep, stress, and skipped sunscreen accelerate visible aging
- Consistency beats complexity
1. Take time for yourself
Most moms spend their days caring for everyone else, which means skincare often slips to the bottom of the list.
Dr. Lee says even a brief routine can make a visible difference: spending a few minutes twice a day cleansing, treating, and moisturizing pays off over time. When your kids see you caring for yourself, they learn healthy habits too. Bonus: when your kids see you caring for yourself, they learn healthy habits too.
Dr. Lee’s daytime skincare suggestions
Start your day with steps that refresh and protect.
- Salicylic acid unclogs pores and lightly exfoliates for clearer skin. Try: SLMD Salicylic Acid Cleanser
- Vitamin C helps brighten skin and protect from free radical damage. Try: SLMD Vitamin C Serum
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Moisturizer is a must, even for
oily skin. Choose one that’s lightweight and formulated for acne-prone skin. Try: SLMD Facial Moisturizer, Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer
Dr. Pimple Popper tip: “Keep your skincare products somewhere you’ll see them, like next to your toothbrush, to help make the habit stick.”
2. Get some rest (when you can)
Night is when skin regenerates. Even if a full night’s sleep isn’t realistic, your skin can still benefit from a restorative evening routine.
If you can’t get eight hours, aim for consistency instead: cleanse, apply treatment, take a few deep breaths, and let your products work while you rest.
Dr. Lee’s nighttime skincare suggestions
End the day by helping your skin recover and repair.
- Retinol promotes cell turnover for smoother, more even-looking skin. Use it only at night. Try: SLMD Retinol Resurfacing Serum
- A couple of times per week, use a mask to keep pores clear and skin balanced without drying it out.
Dr. Pimple Popper tip: “When a nap isn’t an option, apply a hydrating mask and close your eyes for 20 minutes. Your skin and your mood will thank you.”
Dr. Pimple Popper's Picks for Busy Moms
3. Do more with less
A ten-step skincare routine isn’t realistic for most moms. The goal is to protect your skin barrier and target your top concern with minimal steps.
Start with a gentle cleanser, add a targeted treatment for your main issue, then moisturize and apply sunscreen every morning. Once that foundation is in place, you can layer specialized treatments as time allows.
Acne
If you’re dealing with acne (including hormonal breakouts), start with dermatologist-backed basics proven to treat and prevent acne at every stage.
- Simplify with a kit: SLMD Acne System is an easy, dermatologist-calibrated 3-step routine for morning and night.
- For flare-ups: Try SLMD BP Acne Spot Treatment for inflamed pimples, or SLMD SA Acne Spot Treatment for blackheads and whiteheads.
Dull or dry skin
Flakiness and tightness often come from dead-cell buildup and moisture loss. Gentle exfoliation and consistent hydration help restore smooth, healthy-looking skin.
- Cleanse + hydrate: SLMD Salicylic Acid Cleanser removes buildup and smooths texture, while Hyaluronic Acid Serum draws in lasting hydration.
- Daytime protection: SLMD Vitamin C Serum brightens and defends against free-radical damage, followed by Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15 to lock in moisture and shield from UV exposure.
Dark spots or uneven tone
Uneven tone often comes from sun exposure or post-acne marks. Regular exfoliation with alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids can help fade discoloration and refine skin over time.
- Resurface + brighten: SLMD AHA/BHA Swipes gently exfoliate and promote a more even look.
- Night treatment: SLMD Retinol Resurfacing Serum supports turnover while you sleep.
- AM protection: SLMD Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15 helps maintain results and guard against new discoloration.
Please note: if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using any skincare treatment products.
Dr. Lee's Last Word
I hear from so many moms who say they don’t have time for skincare. I get it — I’m a busy mom, too. Just take two minutes to cleanse, moisturize, and wear sunscreen. You deserve the same care you give everyone else.
