Do you have Mum Face? All the ways motherhood takes its toll on your skin & the solutions you need…
NOTHING sums up motherhood better than: 'The days are long, but the years are short.'
One minute you're in the throes of newborn life and the next, your daughter is swiping your serum.
As a 41-year-old mum of two - to a six and nine year old - it feels like I blinked and 10 years have passed.
And boy do those 10 years show on my face - my eye bags are much more prominent, my skin has lost its glow and the faint frown lines are now ever-present.
There are some mornings I put off wearing my glasses, just to enjoy the slightly blurred reflection in the mirror that still feels more familiar to me than the aged version staring back at me.
Ageing may be part and parcel of entering your 40s, but it also feels like each fine line and wrinkle tells a story of motherhood – the good, the bad and the ugly.
READ MORE IN BEAUTY
9
Lauren Ezekiel knows a thing or two about the effects of motherhood
Credit: Lauren Ezekiel
'It's completely normal for many of us to notice changes in our appearance after becoming mums,' says
'Hormonal shifts, disrupted sleep, stress and the natural ageing process all play a role in the skin looking duller, with more pronounced under-eye bags, sagging in the lower face, and deeper frown lines.'
A fan of the natural approach to ageing, I've always steered away from anti-ageing injections, but it feels like it's time to step up my current skincare and invest in some hard-hitting ingredients and devices.
So, now that my children are growing up and I have more time on my hands, I've made it my mission to build up my confidence - consulting some of the best experts around for their advice on combating Mum Face.
Most read in Fabulous
Eye bags and dark circles
'Lack of sleep reduces circulation, leading to dull, tired-looking skin and enhanced shadows under the eyes,' says
And it is not just lifestyle changes that can result in prominent eye bags, hormonal changes also play a factor, whether that's postpartum or if you're entering the perimenopause, like me.
'These changes can thin the skin, making underlying blood vessels more visible,' says Dr Tara, 'the natural loss of volume that comes with tiredness or ageing can deepen hollows under the eyes, making circles appear darker.'
The Fix:
Start with the basics - hydration, good nutrition, and rest when you can.
'Using a cold compress or chilled eye mask can quickly reduce puffiness, and topical products with caffeine, hyaluronic acid, and peptides can help brighten and plump the area over time,' says Dr Tara.
9
Tackle eye bags in weeks
Credit: Skin Rocks
Skin Rocks by Caroline Hirons The Eye Cream, £65
, is a does-it-all formula that is clinically proven to reduce eye bags in eight weeks.
A little goes a long way, and one pump should be sufficient for both eyes - apply with your pinkie finger to prevent pulling on the skin.
9
This is a great budget alternative
Credit: THE INKEY LIST
The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream, £11
A good budget alternative is
, which helps to depuff and reduce dark shadows.
9
Revive tired eyes with eye patches
Credit: NIP+FAB
Nip+Fab Vitamin C Eye Patches, £15.95
For eye-bag emergencies, pop a pot of
, in the fridge then leave on for 15 minutes to help brighten the area.
Fine lines and wrinkles
'Frown lines become more prominent from repetitive movement - especially with the mental load of motherhood,' says Dr Nora.
'At home, a consistent skincare routine with antioxidants, peptides and retinoids can help maintain skin health - and daily SPF is a must - even on sleep-deprived mornings.'
The Fix:
Anti-wrinkle injections like Botox may be the most effective for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, but if you prefer not to go down the injectable route, then retinol is the answer.
9
Refresh your complexion
Credit: murad
Murad Youth Renewal Oil Drops, £71
, contains a blend of retinol that is not only powerful enough to help reduce lines and wrinkles, but also comes in a soothing oil formula that locks in moisture to the skin so it doesn't dry it out.
9
Address fine lines and wrinkles
Credit: Roc
Roc Retinol Derm Correxion Fill+Treat Serum, £39.99
Another option is
which thanks to its applicator, can be applied directly to problem areas, rather than all over the face.
Dull skin
'When we don't get enough sleep, our body doesn't have adequate time to repair itself,' says Dr Liam Piggott, medical director at Grand Aesthetics Clinic.
'This can lead to reduced blood flow, causing our skin to appear dull and lifeless.
"Plus, during sleep, our skin regenerates and repairs damage, so without it, we miss out on that vital rejuvenation,' he adds.
9
This rejuvenating mask is well worth the investment
Credit: STYLPRO
StylPro Wavelength LED Mask, £99.99
The Fix:
If you don't have a magic wand that can ensure you regularly get your eight hours of uninterrupted sleep, then it may be worth investing in
.
The red LED aids the stimulation of collagen production, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while the near-infrared light helps reduce inflammation.
You need to use it every day for 10 minutes - alongside glow-inducing ingredients like vitamin C - to really see an improvement.
9
Firm and illuminate your complexion
Credit: MATTER OF FACT
Matter Of Fact Brightening & Firming Serum, £85
, contains 20% fully dissolved, stable L-ascorbic acid, which can boost the overall appearance of the skin.
Sagging jowls
Prior to having children, I had regular facials and in-salon treatments, which helped boost elasticity and firmness.
However, since having children, this additional cost and indulgent treat has slipped down the priority list.
'Adapting to a new routine as a mother also means you have less time to commit to your previous skincare commitments, such as facials,' says Lauren Evans, CACI training and development officer.
'Stress can also trigger cortisol, which can accelerate the breakdown of collagen in our skin causing a loss in skin firmness.'
The Fix:
Sagging skin can often be hard to improve with products alone, but using a facial tool like a gua sha or jade roller can help, as it stimulates the lymphatic system reducing inflammation and puffiness, or in-salon treatments like CACI Jowl Lift, from £40, can help strengthen the muscle.
9
This K-Beauty buy has recently launched at Boots
Credit: MEDICUBE
Medicube Night Wrapping Mask, £25.90
Applying a collagen mask like
, can improve elasticity, too - apply all over the skin and allow it to dry fully before going to sleep, then in the morning, peel off the mask to reveal tighter skin.
How To Save Money On Beauty Buys
IF your purse is feeling tighter than ever before and you're looking to save cash on your make-up routine, have you ever thought of trying out beauty dupes?
Here are five of the best recommended beauty buys that are almost identical to the posh versions, but at a fraction of the price.
FACE BASE
If you can't afford Charlotte Tilbury's £52 Magic Cream, why not try a
TONE IT UP
If Drunk Elephant's £62 Protini Cream is out of your price range, you'll need to check out
TINTING IT
With Fenty's game-changer skin tint costing £29, a popular supermarket's affordable alternative might just be the thing for you.
GET COVERED
At £29 for a Tarte concealer, the new Primark dupe is much more affordable at just £3.50.
SPRAY YAY
For those wanting to smell fresh without the price tag,
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Daily Mirror
05-06-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Sisters raise awareness for haemochromatosis after sudden death of father
Two sisters ran the VHI women's mini marathon on Sunday to raise awareness for haemochromatosis after their father suddenly passed away due to a late diagnosis. Tara Nolan, 27, was just 14 years old when her dad Arthur died in 2012 just weeks after being diagnosed with the disease. Also known as the 'Celtic Gene', as Ireland has the highest rates of haemochromatosis in the world, it's estimated that 20,000 people in this country are living undiagnosed. It is a genetic disorder where large amounts of iron are absorbed from the diet into vital organs. While it is incurable it is very treatable, however, if it goes undetected it can lead to fatal consequences. Speaking on World Haemochromatosis Awareness Week which kicked off on June 1, Tara encourages everyone to get tested after her father sadly passed due to late diagnosis. She told The Irish Mirror: "He was in the Philippines back in 2012 for about five or six weeks, and he got a bit sick over there, so they brought him to the hospital, and they didn't really know too much themselves. "They just knew there was something wrong. He came home two days later or something and then he went straight to the hospital here." Arthur's sisters mentioned that their mother had the haemochromatosis gene and after tests doctors discovered he had it. Despite previously suffering from gallstones and having numerous blood tests, it wasn't caught before this. Unfortunately, it was found that Arthur had liver cancer and it was too late to treat. Uncontrolled iron buildup in the body can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer, and can potentially cause pancreatic cancer. Tara continued: "He just got really sick, it had gotten so bad they couldn't do the surgery or anything like that. So, he went in his own time about two weeks later. "I was only 14 at the time so I was quite young when this happened. It was very sudden and it was weird because that was the first time he was kind of away from us for that long." After their father passed, Tara and her three siblings got tested for haemochromatosis. While Tara is a carrier of the gene she hasn't developed the condition. Her sister Niamh, who she ran the mini marathon with, found out she does have it. However, she is being treated and is living a happy and healthy life. The Irish Haemochromatosis Association is trying to raise awareness for the condition, as once it is identified it is very treatable. Symptoms of haemochromatosis can range from chronic tiredness and joint pain to abdominal pain, irregular heartbeat and liver problems. Former Meath GAA player and chair of the Irish Irish Haemochromatosis Association David Beggy, who lives with the condition, encourages everyone to get checked. This can be done by consulting with a GP who can carry out a blood test alongside an iron panel to detect high levels of iron in the blood. He said: "Haemochromatosis is more common in Ireland than anywhere else in the world, that's why it is vital that no Irish person should go undiagnosed. "As someone living with the condition, I can personally vouch for how manageable it is when caught early and treated and it no longer troubles me. One in five people carry the gene, and one in 83 are at risk of developing it. "I'd strongly encourage anyone with a family history of haemochromatosis, or anyone experiencing related symptoms, to get checked."
The Irish Sun
15-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Do you have Mum Face? All the ways motherhood takes its toll on your skin & the solutions you need…
NOTHING sums up motherhood better than: 'The days are long, but the years are short.' One minute you're in the throes of newborn life and the next, your daughter is swiping your serum. As a 41-year-old mum of two - to a six and nine year old - it feels like I blinked and 10 years have passed. And boy do those 10 years show on my face - my eye bags are much more prominent, my skin has lost its glow and the faint frown lines are now ever-present. There are some mornings I put off wearing my glasses, just to enjoy the slightly blurred reflection in the mirror that still feels more familiar to me than the aged version staring back at me. Ageing may be part and parcel of entering your 40s, but it also feels like each fine line and wrinkle tells a story of motherhood – the good, the bad and the ugly. READ MORE IN BEAUTY 9 Lauren Ezekiel knows a thing or two about the effects of motherhood Credit: Lauren Ezekiel 'It's completely normal for many of us to notice changes in our appearance after becoming mums,' says 'Hormonal shifts, disrupted sleep, stress and the natural ageing process all play a role in the skin looking duller, with more pronounced under-eye bags, sagging in the lower face, and deeper frown lines.' A fan of the natural approach to ageing, I've always steered away from anti-ageing injections, but it feels like it's time to step up my current skincare and invest in some hard-hitting ingredients and devices. So, now that my children are growing up and I have more time on my hands, I've made it my mission to build up my confidence - consulting some of the best experts around for their advice on combating Mum Face. Most read in Fabulous Eye bags and dark circles 'Lack of sleep reduces circulation, leading to dull, tired-looking skin and enhanced shadows under the eyes,' says And it is not just lifestyle changes that can result in prominent eye bags, hormonal changes also play a factor, whether that's postpartum or if you're entering the perimenopause, like me. 'These changes can thin the skin, making underlying blood vessels more visible,' says Dr Tara, 'the natural loss of volume that comes with tiredness or ageing can deepen hollows under the eyes, making circles appear darker.' The Fix: Start with the basics - hydration, good nutrition, and rest when you can. 'Using a cold compress or chilled eye mask can quickly reduce puffiness, and topical products with caffeine, hyaluronic acid, and peptides can help brighten and plump the area over time,' says Dr Tara. 9 Tackle eye bags in weeks Credit: Skin Rocks Skin Rocks by Caroline Hirons The Eye Cream, £65 , is a does-it-all formula that is clinically proven to reduce eye bags in eight weeks. A little goes a long way, and one pump should be sufficient for both eyes - apply with your pinkie finger to prevent pulling on the skin. 9 This is a great budget alternative Credit: THE INKEY LIST The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream, £11 A good budget alternative is , which helps to depuff and reduce dark shadows. 9 Revive tired eyes with eye patches Credit: NIP+FAB Nip+Fab Vitamin C Eye Patches, £15.95 For eye-bag emergencies, pop a pot of , in the fridge then leave on for 15 minutes to help brighten the area. Fine lines and wrinkles 'Frown lines become more prominent from repetitive movement - especially with the mental load of motherhood,' says Dr Nora. 'At home, a consistent skincare routine with antioxidants, peptides and retinoids can help maintain skin health - and daily SPF is a must - even on sleep-deprived mornings.' The Fix: Anti-wrinkle injections like Botox may be the most effective for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, but if you prefer not to go down the injectable route, then retinol is the answer. 9 Refresh your complexion Credit: murad Murad Youth Renewal Oil Drops, £71 , contains a blend of retinol that is not only powerful enough to help reduce lines and wrinkles, but also comes in a soothing oil formula that locks in moisture to the skin so it doesn't dry it out. 9 Address fine lines and wrinkles Credit: Roc Roc Retinol Derm Correxion Fill+Treat Serum, £39.99 Another option is which thanks to its applicator, can be applied directly to problem areas, rather than all over the face. Dull skin 'When we don't get enough sleep, our body doesn't have adequate time to repair itself,' says Dr Liam Piggott, medical director at Grand Aesthetics Clinic. 'This can lead to reduced blood flow, causing our skin to appear dull and lifeless. "Plus, during sleep, our skin regenerates and repairs damage, so without it, we miss out on that vital rejuvenation,' he adds. 9 This rejuvenating mask is well worth the investment Credit: STYLPRO StylPro Wavelength LED Mask, £99.99 The Fix: If you don't have a magic wand that can ensure you regularly get your eight hours of uninterrupted sleep, then it may be worth investing in . The red LED aids the stimulation of collagen production, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while the near-infrared light helps reduce inflammation. You need to use it every day for 10 minutes - alongside glow-inducing ingredients like vitamin C - to really see an improvement. 9 Firm and illuminate your complexion Credit: MATTER OF FACT Matter Of Fact Brightening & Firming Serum, £85 , contains 20% fully dissolved, stable L-ascorbic acid, which can boost the overall appearance of the skin. Sagging jowls Prior to having children, I had regular facials and in-salon treatments, which helped boost elasticity and firmness. However, since having children, this additional cost and indulgent treat has slipped down the priority list. 'Adapting to a new routine as a mother also means you have less time to commit to your previous skincare commitments, such as facials,' says Lauren Evans, CACI training and development officer. 'Stress can also trigger cortisol, which can accelerate the breakdown of collagen in our skin causing a loss in skin firmness.' The Fix: Sagging skin can often be hard to improve with products alone, but using a facial tool like a gua sha or jade roller can help, as it stimulates the lymphatic system reducing inflammation and puffiness, or in-salon treatments like CACI Jowl Lift, from £40, can help strengthen the muscle. 9 This K-Beauty buy has recently launched at Boots Credit: MEDICUBE Medicube Night Wrapping Mask, £25.90 Applying a collagen mask like , can improve elasticity, too - apply all over the skin and allow it to dry fully before going to sleep, then in the morning, peel off the mask to reveal tighter skin. How To Save Money On Beauty Buys IF your purse is feeling tighter than ever before and you're looking to save cash on your make-up routine, have you ever thought of trying out beauty dupes? Here are five of the best recommended beauty buys that are almost identical to the posh versions, but at a fraction of the price. FACE BASE If you can't afford Charlotte Tilbury's £52 Magic Cream, why not try a TONE IT UP If Drunk Elephant's £62 Protini Cream is out of your price range, you'll need to check out TINTING IT With Fenty's game-changer skin tint costing £29, a popular supermarket's affordable alternative might just be the thing for you. GET COVERED At £29 for a Tarte concealer, the new Primark dupe is much more affordable at just £3.50. SPRAY YAY For those wanting to smell fresh without the price tag,
The Irish Sun
30-04-2025
- The Irish Sun
I tried Aldi's new Japanese-inspired skincare brand said to be a dupe of Tatcha – it's 90% cheaper but was it as good?
MATCHA is having a serious moment - so it's no surprise the super-food is coming for our skincare routines. Hitting the middle aisle on the 1st May, Aldi's latest bargain skincare range hero's the over-achieving green ingredient, alongside the likes of hydrating hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane and camellia. The retailer is comparing the range to luxe viral Japanese brand Tatcha, and reckon their dupes can save you 90% - but do they live up to the claim? Let's get one thing straight, across the board, the packaging don't hold a candle to Tatcha's - I broke a nail and the plastic insert inside the first tub I tried to get into. Plus, once you've opened them, it's hard to screw the lid back on. That aside, here's what I thought of the formulas inside. Read more Hair & Beauty 4 Tara found Lacura's Plumping Face Cream too greasy Credit: Tara Ledden Lacura Plumping Face Cream, £6.99 This was the first product of the new range I tried - and the one that broke my nail, as previously mentioned. If you do purchase, I found the best way to get the plastic inner seal off is to gently squeeze the top of the tub to release some pressure. Once I finally got in, I was surprised that the cream had a violet- blue colour. After looking at the ingredients list, that seems to be created by colourants rather than the natural hue of any of the botanicals inside. Most read in Fabulous On my face, it felt much heavier than I'd anticipated - although it immediately delivered a glow that definitely helped plump my skin. There's a whole host of moisturising ingredients including glycerin, squalane and hyaluronic acid, alongside brightening antioxidants camellia and ginseng root. Unfortunately, the glow came at a major price - a greasy layer that sat on the surface of my skin. Even an hour after applying, I could still feel it, which made me anxious about whether it might block my pores in the long run. 4 Lacura's Aqua Cream is thicker than most Beauty Editor Tara has tried Credit: Tara Ledden Lacura Hydrating Aqua Cream, £6.99 I'm a huge fan of water creams so I was excited to try this affordable option. Specially designed for oily and combination skin, the lightweight consistency delivers hydration without feeling too occlusive. It didn't melt on contact with my face like I'd expected, but I did get the refreshing cooling sensation I know and love. After a couple of minutes, it started to feel sticky as it dried down but thankfully that only lasted a few minutes. It also didn't pill under makeup which happened with the last Aldi water cream I tried. When it comes to things I didn't love, the heavy scent tops the list. It also contains silicone - which helps create a mattifying effect, but I also find they break me out, so I'd be reluctant to replace my current moisturiser with Lacura's cream. 4 The Matcha Gel Wash was a surprising hit Credit: Tara Ledden Laucra Matcha Gel Wash, £4.99 As soon as I squeezed the Matcha Gel Wash out of it's tube, I was impressed by the on trend jelly texture. Powered by willow bark (which is great for fighting acne), matcha tea, and mugwort extracts, this cleanser promises to revive tired-looking skin for a brighter, healthier complexion. It foams very quickly, breaking down make-up and oil with ease in one-step. On contact with water, the foam transforms into a lightweight, milky consistency that leaves skin feeling clean but not dry. Much to my delight, it's fragrance free so doesn't irritate my skin. Given my experience with the moisturisers, I had low expectations, but I was pleasantly surprised. It's aimed at oily to combination skin, and although it didn't leave my face feeling dry, I am on the oily side, so that's something to note if you have a dry complexion. 4 Aldi's Lacura Rice Cleanser is thick and gritty Credit: Tara Ledden Lacura Rice Cleanser, £4.99 Formulated with rice powder, rice starch, and lightly exfoliating gluconolactone, this cleanser is designed to slough away dead skin cells while removing make-up. It was an incredibly thick consistency that was hard to spread around my face - almost like a paste rather than the cream I had expected - and although it was slightly gritty, it wasn't enough to feel like I was getting the exfoliating benefits I'd hoped. The rich texture also makes it hard to wash off. In fact, I had to use water and a flannel three times to wash my face before I felt like I'd removed all the residue. Despite being billed as suitable for dry skin and claiming to leave skin feeling soft and supple, my oily skin felt uncomfortably tight after using - so I wouldn't recommend for regular use on dry skin. What are the best Aldi beauty dupes? ALDI has become well-known for its affordable beauty dupes that often rival high-end brands in terms of quality and effectiveness. Here are some of the best Aldi beauty dupes that have garnered rave reviews: Lacura Healthy Glow Exfoliating Tonic Dupe for: Pixi Glow Tonic Price: £3.99 (compared to Pixi's £18) Description: This exfoliating tonic contains glycolic acid and works to gently exfoliate and brighten the skin. It's a fantastic, budget-friendly alternative to the popular Pixi Glow Tonic. Lacura Q10 Renew Anti-Wrinkle Day Cream Dupe for: Nivea Q10 Plus Anti-Wrinkle Day Cream Price: £1.45 (compared to Nivea's £10) Lacura Caviar Illumination Day Cream Dupe for: La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream Price: £6.99 (compared to La Prairie's £292) Lacura Hot Cloth Cleanser Dupe for: Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser Price: £3.99 (compared to Liz Earle's £17.50) Lacura Snapshot Ready Foundation Primer Dupe for: Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Price: £5.99 (compared to Smashbox's £26) Lacura Miracle Cream Dupe for: Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Price: £3.99 (compared to Elizabeth Arden's £28) Lacura Ebony Rose Face Mask Dupe for: Fresh Rose Face Mask Price: £6.99 (compared to Fresh's £52) Lacura Charcoal Clearing Mudmask Dupe for: GlamGlow Supermud Clearing Treatment Price: £5.99 (compared to GlamGlow's £42) Lacura Velvet Touch Foundation Dupe for: Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation Price: £5.99 (compared to Estée Lauder's £34) Lacura Tinted Lip Oils Dupe for: Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Tinted Oil Price: £3.99 (compared to Rare Beauty's £20)
