How to stay engaged during extreme stress.

Jan 22, 2017

Kim M.

I need some help with some ideas on how to keep up on skin care/beauty/hair when extremely stressed out. I had my baby on Monday. She's only 24 weeks. She's in the NICU 60 miles away. My hygiene,etc.has definitely suffered. I need some quick one or two step ideas for bob length hair and easy skin care for combo skin.

Jan 22, 2017

Jackie S.

First, I want to send your baby a speedy and healthy growth. I think for your hair, maybe a texture spray in day old hair that's been loosely braided. Then skin, simple is best. Do you already have a cleanser and moisturizer?

Jan 22, 2017

Kim M.

I do. I haven't exfoliated in a week. I just don't have the drive. so maybe an cleanser that's either a chemical or physical exfoliater that I can use daily. I use Argan oil as my moisturizer

Jan 22, 2017

Jackie S.

I really love the simple gentle exfoliant. It makes my skin look and feel great! Although, I'd only use it maybe every other or every 2 days. Then your oil.
If you want a easy cleanser to take your makeup and grime off, I love the neutrogena hydrating cleanser

Jan 22, 2017

Kim M.

Thanks Jackie S, appreciate it

Jan 22, 2017

Jackie S.

👍🏻😁 wish I could be of more help. I can't wait to see a picture of your daughter when she's all well!!

Jan 22, 2017

Feroza A.

I hope your little one thrives in the NICU, and she's with you soon. I'd also try to make sure your diet is good so that you are strong and well for when she comes home, and a good balanced diet will keep your hair and skin beautiful. If you could add some destressing exercise too, like a gentle yoga, because I'm sure you aren't up for a bikram class or walking, just to get your endorphins up, help with stress, and again helps keep the skin glowing. A lot of places have post natal yoga where you bring the baby to class, which I'm sure you would like once she is home. It's supposed to be really good for the baby too. Bioderma has a 3-1 on cleanser, it removes make up, cleanses and tones, not sure if you need something like that. I love exfoliating, I do it once a day, and with your argan oil, I don't think you need much more. A bob hairstyle is always elegant, and you can always pull it back in a low ponytail if it's long enough to look polished too.

Jan 22, 2017

Alyx T.

Honestly if I were you I would keep it as simple as possible. Makeup wipes, chemical exfoliation and moisturizer/spf is all you really need. When I was going through my medical problems I'd wash my face with just water and put on a moisturizer that had a chemical exfoliation in it and I would call it done. But at the same time it felt really nice to take a minute to do a mask or even just use a cleanser or whatever. But realistically, if you don't have the energy for any sort of non super basics it's okay. Don't ever feel bad for that. Your mental and physical health come before your sanitation and beauty health.
As for your hair straight down is always cute or you can throw in a braid or two, but I suggest checking out this channel. She has tons of videos with like "10 easy quick updos/braids/buns for short hair" for quick looks for short hair.
https://youtu.be/L3ppeidDCoU

I know in times like this clothes aren't your focus, but I would set out a few comfy outfits that don't clash. When I get really deep in my depression I wear the same thing for a week without realizing or I grab the first thing I see and put it on without thinking about how it goes together. So I'd suggest dark non print pants (pj's or yoga pants or something super comfy) that you can wear day after day if you feel like you can't change, and a couple shirts that are just cozy. It just helps feel a little more put together and a little more like you've got a handle on something. I hope that makes sense.

I wish you and your daughter the beat of luck, and lots of love and good juju. ❤️

Jan 22, 2017

Leuca S.

Cleanser, chemical exfoliant, and day/night moisturizer. Supplement with gentle washcloth if you feel you need something more physical.

Try to think of it as 5 minutes to take care of yourself, which you absolutely deserve.

Jan 22, 2017

Hannah K.

My thoughts are with your baby and you, I wish your baby a long and happy life. I was born at 25 weeks and I'm now 18 years old, you never would've known!
I would definitely try products that multitask, I really like the Aveeno daily exfoliating cleanser and the Clarins one-step gentle exfoliating cleanser. Clean and clear also do one too. You could also try makeup wipes.
I would get scented body wipes which you can use in lieu of a shower if you're at the hospital and a small can of Deodorant which you can put in your bag.
When I had bobbed hair I used to pull half of mine up (like half up half down) and it used to be really quick and easy and hide any greasiness too. I also used a pull it into a small ponytail at the nape of my neck.

Jan 22, 2017

Kim M.

thanks ladies.

Jan 22, 2017

Jessica D.

I've been using rose water on my combo skin for the better part of a year and I'm in love. It's anywhere $10-$20 on Amazon (mines Leven Rose for $13). I don't do face makeup, so I found that when I swipe my face with a cotton pad of rose water, it just makes me look refreshed. It gets rid of extra oil on top, without drying you out too bad, helps with that "glow" we all like now lol, minimizes my pores, all that. I do it all the time now right before I leave the house just to look a little less..homely, lol. Best wishes to you and your little one!

Jan 22, 2017

Jessica D.

And second to that comment about half up/half down hair, I can hide dirty hair for 2 sometimes 3 days with that style ✌️

Jan 23, 2017

Emily W.

Hats. I have been sick for two years and showers are a twice a week endeavor. In the meantime, hats to hide greasy hair have been my go-to. A cute beanie or beret goes with almost any outfit. Nobody thinks anything of it during winter (this may not work if you're in the southern hemisphere).

As for skin, multipurpose wipes are a godsend. There's all different kinds now, from exfoliating to soothing to just plain baby wipes. Rub your face/body, throw it away, done. They even have special ones for one's lady bits.

I rarely wear makeup anymore, except for filling my brows and some mascara. Sometimes even that is a struggle. Don't worry about it if you can't find the energy to do anything to your face. Let your smile be your makeup instead, and you'll be just as beautiful.

I hope you all get some rest and that everyone comes out healthy and happy.

Jan 25, 2017

candi s.

Hi @Kim M I can relate to what your going through in july I had an emergency cesarean to have my baby @32 weeks he was in special care unit for a month and only weighed 3lbs I was up the hospital back and forth every day the train ride took 30mins to get there and I myself was finding it hard. I hope your baby is doing well and will be at home with you very soon. Make sure you keep your strength up and eat lots of fruit and veg also drink lots of water I have found using baking soda as a face scrub every few days has made my skin glow but it don't make you very dry so make sure to moisturise very well after also use sunscreen. after having my baby I had my hair cut shoulder length it was easier to manage.