The "Homeschool Stress" Pore Routine: Clearing Breakouts & Keeping My Cool
Let’s be real, mamas—homeschooling a 7 and 5-year-old is a blessing, but it definitely comes with its fair share of "stress skin." Between teaching phonics and refereeing Lego battles, I’ve noticed that stress often shows up on my face in the form of a shiny T-zone and stubborn whiteheads.
Being 36 and Filipina, I have to be careful. Many "acne" products are too harsh for my combination-sensitive skin, and the dry Las Vegas air means I can't just strip my skin of oil without causing a flare-up.
I’ve built this routine to "de-congest" my pores without compromising my moisture barrier. If you’re feeling the stress and seeing the breakouts, this one is for you!
☀️ AM: The Calm & Balanced Start
In the morning, the goal is to control oil production so I don't look like a "grease slick" by our afternoon science lesson.
1. The Heartleaf Cleanse
• Product: Abib Acne Foam Cleanser Heartleaf Foam.
• Why: Heartleaf is amazing for calming redness. This cleanser targets blemish-causing bacteria while keeping my sensitive cheeks happy.
2. The Quick Refresh
• Product: Abib Heartleaf Spot Pad Calming Touch.
• Mama Hack: I use the embossed side to gently swipe away any dead skin cells that might clog my pores, then leave the pad on any red "angry" spots for a minute while I start the coffee.
3. The Oil Controller
• Product: Bringgreen Zinc Teca 1.2% Blemish Serum.
• Why: Zinc is a powerhouse for regulating sebum. It helps keep my T-zone matte through the desert heat and the stress of a busy morning.
4. The Weightless Moisture
• Product: SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Light Gel Cream.
• The Secret: This uses Himalayan Pink Salt to help "clear out" the inner pore. It’s a water-gel texture, so it never feels heavy in our 100-degree Nevada weather.
5. The "On-the-Go" Shield
• Product: Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick: Mugwort+Camelia.
• Why: This is a life-saver for homeschool moms. It’s a matte stick, so I can swipe it over my face while we’re out at the park without getting my hands messy. Plus, the Mugwort calms any active inflammation.
🌙 PM: The Deep Pore Detox
Once the house is quiet, I focus on "resetting" my skin and pulling the day's pollutants out of my pores.
1. The Double Cleanse (The Non-Negotiable)
• Step A: Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil. (I massage this for a full 60 seconds to melt away blackheads and sunscreen).
• Step B: Troubless Clear+ Smooth Whipped Cleanser. (A satisfying, deep-cleansing foam that finishes the job).
2. The Targeted Treatment (2-3x Weekly)
• Product: COSRX The AHA 2 BHA 2 Blemish Treatment Serum.
• How I use it: I only apply this where I’m congested (nose, chin, forehead). AHA smooths the surface while BHA goes deep into the pore.
3. The Stress Relief
• Product: TOCOBO Cica Calming Serum.
• Why: After using clarifying acids, I always follow up with Cica. It’s like a "reset button" for sensitive skin sensitivity.
4. The Cooling Finish
• Product: Dr.G Red Blemish Clear Soothing Cream.
• Why: This gel-cream is incredibly cooling. If my skin feels hot or irritated from the Vegas wind, this calms it down instantly so I can wake up refreshed.
5. The "Panic Button"
• Product: Cordiale Pimple Patches.
• Tip: If I have a whitehead that just won’t quit, I pop one of these on overnight. It protects the spot from my pillow and sucks out the impurities by morning!
Mama Julz’s Stress-Free Skin Tips:
• Don't Pick! I know it's tempting when you're stressed, but picking leads to scarring—especially on our Filipina skin. Use a patch instead!
• Clean Your Tech: As a homeschool mom, I'm on my iPad or phone constantly. I make sure to wipe down my screens so I'm not transferring bacteria to my face.
• The Fridge Hack: Keep your Dr.G Cream in the fridge. The cold sensation helps reduce the swelling of "stress" pimples and feels amazing after a long day.
Are you dealing with "stress skin" lately? What's your go-to way to relax at the end of the day? Let’s chat in the comments!
Stay glowing, Mama Julz
