How Shay Moinuddin balances motherhood, skincare, and helping women age gracefully
For many mothers, skincare tends to fall somewhere near the bottom of the priority list—somewhere between school schedules, work deadlines, and the endless logistics of family life. Shay Moinuddin knows that juggling act well.
She’s spent years helping patients take better care of their skin as a Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist and clinical director at The Few Institute for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in Chicago. But outside the clinic, Moinuddin is also a mother navigating many of the same realities as the women she treats every day.
Now with two children in college, she has had a front-row seat to the fast-moving years of parenting and the way personal routines, including skincare, often take a back seat.
“I think every mom goes through a period where everyone else comes first,” Moinuddin says. “Your kids’ schedules, work, family obligations. Suddenly you realize you haven’t even had time to wash your face let alone take care of your own skin the way you know you should be.”
When Skincare Meets Real Life
In her professional life, Moinuddin specializes in non-surgical aesthetic treatments that help patients maintain healthy, natural-looking skin. She has worked alongside board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Julius Few since 2008 and today oversees the operations of the skin clinic at The Few Institute.
With more than 15 years of experience in aesthetic medicine, she spends much of her time treating concerns that many mothers recognize immediately: sun damage, fine lines, uneven pigmentation, and changes in skin elasticity.
But she is quick to point out that good skincare does not require a complicated routine.
“The biggest misconception I see is that skincare has to be overwhelming,” she says. “In reality, the basics are what matter most.”
Her advice for busy mothers usually starts with four essentials:
- daily sunscreen
- antioxidant protection, such as vitamin C
- gentle exfoliation
- consistent hydration
“These are the things that actually keep skin healthy over time,” she says.
A Career Focused on Skin Health
Moinuddin’s career in aesthetic medicine grew out of her background as a registered nurse. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Healthcare Administration and is certified as a Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist, a credential granted by the Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board to nurses with extensive experience in cosmetic procedures.
At The Few Institute, her clinical work includes injectable treatments such as neuromodulators and dermal fillers as well as laser therapies and other non-surgical skin rejuvenation procedures.
She has also contributed to research on aesthetic treatments, including a peer-reviewed study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal examining outcomes from multimodal facial rejuvenation techniques.
Her work has been cited in media outlets and industry publications where she provides insight on skincare routines, cosmetic technology, and emerging aesthetic trends.
Still, she says the most meaningful part of her job often comes down to something simple: helping moms feel comfortable in their own skin.
What Moms Actually Need
For mothers, skincare routines often evolve with age and lifestyle. Moinuddin says many of her patients in their 30s and 40s are less interested in dramatic cosmetic changes and more focused on maintaining a healthy, refreshed appearance.
“Most moms aren’t looking to look completely different,” she explains. “They want to look rested, like themselves again.”
That approach often involves combining multiple minimally invasive treatments to gradually improve skin quality rather than relying on a single dramatic procedure. The goal, she says, is always natural-looking results.
The Perspective That Comes with Parenthood
Becoming a mother changed the way Moinuddin thinks about skincare and self-care.
“When you’re raising kids, time becomes incredibly valuable,” she says. “You start looking for things that are effective but also realistic.”
That mindset often shapes the guidance she gives her patients, many of whom are balancing the same responsibilities she once did.
“Skincare shouldn’t feel like another chore on your list,” she says. “It should be something that helps you feel better about yourself.”
A Small Reminder for Busy Moms
With two children now in college, Moinuddin has seen firsthand how quickly the years move.
Her advice for other mothers is simple: don’t wait until life slows down to take care of yourself.
“Small habits really add up,” she says. “Even the simplest routine can make a difference over time.”
And sometimes, she adds, taking care of your own skin is simply part of taking care of yourself.
“Confidence isn’t about looking perfect,” she says. “It’s about feeling comfortable in your own skin.”