The Most Important Skin Care Lessons We Learned From Our Moms

Let's be realistic: many of our skin care procedures wouldn't be the way they are without a little help from our moms. Think back to growing up as a teenager watching your mom (or any other woman in your life) diligently complete assignments. her skincare routine every morning and dreaming of the day when you can (and you have the know-how!) to do the same. Ahead, our editors recall skin care lesson they learned in those years along with the product of the Holy Grail, which they swear by today thanks to their mothers.

Dawn, Senior Editor

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Acne Treatment System 

My mom taught me the importance of a system and that the key to good skin care is consistency. As a breakout prone teenager, doing three steps every morning and evening, my skin completely changed and those annoying pimples were under control. Today, my routine is more like 12 steps, and I rarely go to bed without completing each of them.  

Lindsey, Content Director

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Makeup 3 in 1 Melting Makeup Balm

My mother rigorously applied cold cream to remove her make-up. Recently, I switched to a cleansing balm, but the double cleansing instinct remained. The IT Cosmetics balm is one of the few products that doesn't make my sensitive eyes watery and still removes all traces of heavy makeup.

Sarah, Senior Editor

Kiehl's Ultra Face Cream

My mom and grandma always stressed the importance of applying moisturizer from the neck up. The neck is one of the first areas to show signs of aging, but it's the easiest to forget about when you're minding your own business. I'm so glad they instilled this habit in me early on! This classic Kiehl's face cream is perfect for the job because it's lightweight and absorbs quickly, yet is highly nourishing.

Alanna, Deputy Editor-in-Chief

CeraVe Moisturizing Anti-Itch Cream

I inherited very dry skin and eczema from my mom and she always taught me the importance of constantly moisturizing it. She is a pharmacist and I grew up watching her use cortisone and other clinically approved creams for very dry skin, so CeraVe Itch Relief Moisturizing Cream was my absolute choice.

Genesis, Assistant Editor-in-Chief

Miro Deodorant 

Ever since I was a young child, my grandmother has always preached the importance of adding natural ingredients to your body in the form of food and topical products. I like to say that she was in the pure beauty trend long before it became mainstream. Her values ​​have definitely played a role in how I shop for skincare, which is why I fully support natural deodorant. I love Myro deodorants because they smell amazing, are 100% plant-based, and are better for the environment thanks to their reusable packaging.

Samantha, Assistant Editor

SkinCeuticals Mild Cleansing Facial Wash 

When I was growing up, my mom always dragged me to her dermatologist appointments. At the age of five, I absolutely hated it, but I think that's where I developed my obsession with skin care in general and face washing in particular. Under the guidance of my mom's dermatologist and my mom herself, I was never allowed to go to bed or eat breakfast without washing my face. To this day, I can say with confidence that I have never gone a day without washing my face twice a day. SkinCeuticals Gentle Wash is one of my favorite cleansers. It is creamy, removes impurities and keeps the skin soft. 

Gillian, Senior Social Media Editor

Lancôme Bienfait UV SPF 50+ Sunscreen

I have such fair skin that as a kid my mom always reminded me to put on sunscreen, and not just at the beach or pool. I always thought she was overreacting - why would I need sunscreen if I'm not on vacation? But she explained to me how even minimal sun exposure can negatively affect your skin, and since then I have been applying SPF daily.