Modern motherhood: busy lifestyles often take their toll on your skin, causing sensitivity, dryness and breakouts. These changes can really knock confidence, yet we don't always have time or energy to start (or keep up!) a skincare routine.   

I understand, I've been there myself. But, as a busy mum of two, skincare formulator and founder of Pamoja, I believe that for most of us, a simple skincare routine works best - one that's effective, made with high performing ingredients that really support, rather than disrupt, your delicate skin barrier. 

Don't be put off by complicated routines; here are my four essential steps to nourish your skin and give you a moment of calm to nurture yourself - something we could all do with a little more of.   

"I've never used product that made me feel so good....a lovely boost to my confidence too"

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Gillian B. Verified customer review 

STEP 1: Start with a good cleanser

If you have time for nothing else, cleanse your skin each evening to remove dirt, makeup, excess oil, dead skin cells, and impurities that settle on your skin throughout the day. Cleansing is the most vital step in your evening routine. Using oil to cleanse the skin is not as crazy as it sounds! It’s a ‘beauty secret’ that goes back thousands of years. Oil cleansing is quick, effective and gentle yet feels like a treat for the senses, perfect if your skin is prone to dryness or sensitivity and a ritual that can help you enjoy a mindful moment.

The product: Pamoja’s Reset Cleansing Balm is a buttery and aromatic balm that melts away makeup, SPF and impurities to leave dry, dull, tired skin feeling fresh and clean, yet calm, hydrated and glowing with no stripped feeling. Moringa and Safflower oils gently cleanse while helping to support and protect the skin barrier. Organic Calendula soothes, while beta carotene helps protect skin from environmental stress.  

How to use: Massage a pea-sized amount of balm into dry skin and remove with a warm, damp reusable Organic Cotton Face Cloth, a simple, eco-friendly cleansing cloth that helps to gently buff and exfoliate your skin.

STEP 2: Bring back a hydrated glow with Niacinamide

When you are stressed and sleep-deprived your skin can become more dry, reactive and sensitive, so it’s best not to overwhelm your skin with super-strength actives.

At this time, we need gentle actives like Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3. This is a multi-benefit active ingredient that is clinically proven to strengthen your skin barrier and give your skin a helping hand, especially during times of stress and busyness. This is because it’s a powerful antioxidant that is great at tackling signs of ageing in the skin but can also help calm redness and prevent dehydration. When used consistently for 28 days, it also helps brighten and even skin tone.

The product: Pamoja’s Replenish Hydrating Serum, is a twice a day treatment  designed as an antidote to dull, tired skin. A concentrated antioxidant formula combines pure Niacinamide with triple weight hyaluronic acid, with prebiotic Ectoin to protect the skin from free radical damage and promote a healthy, dewy glow.  

How to use: Apply 2 pumps after cleansing and before moisturising. Replenish is a silky smooth serum which sinks straight in, is intentionally light and fragrance-free, yet packs a punch, supercharging your skincare results with minimal effort.

STEP 3: Moisturise and protect your skin from environmental damage

If you remember one thing, ensure you have protected your skin against damage from pollution and UV. These two major aggressors are present in our environment all year round and over time, can damage the deep and top layers of the dermis. This causes pigmentation, premature lines and on a more daily basis can lead to sensitivity, dullness and dryness. Protecting your skin helps it look and feel healthier, hydrated and more radiant.  

The product: Revive Multi-action Face Cream is a daily moisturiser which is deeply nourishing yet not heavy. It contains Ectoin, another gentle effective active that helps to protect your skin barrier from pollution-induced damage as well as lifestyle-related factors including stress and fatigue. Apply a small amount twice daily for skin that feels soft and smooth and comfortable.

How to use: Apply a small amount and massage into your face, neck and décolleté. During the day, always follow with an SPF to protect your skin from UV damage. Everyone needs to wear sunscreen throughout the year, that applies to all skin tones and types, with no exceptions.

STEP 4: Boost radiance

Adding a booster oil into your routine is always a quick, effective way to bring extra moisture and radiance to your skin.  A perfect pick me up for tired skin, to keep on your desk or bedside table as a little reminder. A booster also works well at times of transition e.g. to give you a moment of calm and self-care at the end of a long day, when the seasons change or when hormonal changes affect your skin. These are times when you and your skin can benefit from a little extra TLC. 

The product: Pamoja's Restore Radiance Booster soothes, softens and restores essential nutrients to your skin for a more radiant complexion.  Kahai Oil rich in natural retinol vitamin A and antioxidant Pomegranate CO2 helps to prevent a loss of elasticity. Restore feels luxurious but lightweight and non-greasy, with an uplifting aroma of essential oils, including bergamot, palmarosa and ylang ylang.  

How to use: Pat 1-2 drops of Restore over your moisturiser as the last stage of your skincare routine is a quick way to lock in moisture and prep your skin for bed. With 🌱ethically harvested cold-pressed Kahai Oil sourced from Columbia, a fast absorbing natural oil packed with vitamin A which encourages cell turnover. 

And finally, keep it going!

Try and stay consistent with your routine, but do pay attention to how your skin is feeling and tweak your routine if needed or add in an extra step.  For example, if your skin is feeling oily, you may find that you need to moisturise only once a day.  If you are prone to breakouts or dullness, or you feel your skin is looking sluggish then add in a gentle liquid exfoliant 2-3 times per week.

Don't forget to take it slowly, only adding one product at a time.  This is important, so that if you see positive results you know which product made the difference!  

Balance your simple skincare routine with a healthy lifestyle, good sleep and daily exercise for best results.  Ultimately skincare is fun and should make you feel good, it shouldn't feel like a chore. When you keep it simple, you can bring some extra kindness to your day - try it, enjoy it!

Thanks for reading,
love Sarah x 

Ready to try?  Shop the blog and try my starter set or if you'd like to go all in, save £20 on the full sized bundle and get free UK shipping too!

Copyright: Sarah Taylor, trained skincare formulator and founder of Pamoja.
3rd July 2022.

Pamoja is a high performing natural skincare brand, designed to help you nourish your skin and nurture yourself. Now with over 230+ five star reviews. As seen in Vogue, Stylist, Woman's Health, Health and Wellbeing Magazine, Natural Health Magazine, Top Sante and more.

** Disclaimer - The content of this blog is for your general information only and is not designed to diagnose or cure health issues. The recommendations in this blog are based on my research and experience as a trained skincare formulator and 40+ women. If you have a particular skin condition such as Acne or Eczema I advise you to consult a doctor or health care professional.   

You might like

How to simplify your skincare routine.