So we are couple of weeks into 2015. How’s it going for you? January can be a hard slog with all the detoxing and dryathon’s (and whatever other resolutions you are putting yourself through), chuck in some dreary weather and all we want to do is curl up and watch the next big box set.
After years of making unrealistic new year resolutions, I decided a couple of years ago to be a little more kind to myself and make some ‘feel good’ resolutions, things I will definitely feel the benefits from but also won’t make me utterly miserable during the process! For example learning a new skill, reading certain books, reconnecting with old friends, juicing, cutting out processed food, the list (mine anyway) could go on and on.
What would be on your list? How about starting or adapting your skincare routine. Did you know that skin is the body’s largest organ and the one that is constantly exposed to the elements? Do you treat yours with respect? A little TLC will go a long way. If you don’t really pay your skin much attention, make your feel good resolution to start taking care of it. I promise you it doesn’t need to be expensive or time consuming and any make up you will apply will only look better. You never know it might even give you the confidence to skip the make-up occasionally!
Here is my run down of the basics.
Cleansing
The essential component and one that you simply cannot skip. Use a cleansing cream/balm or even an oil. A muslin cloth or a flannel (depending on the sensitivity of your skin, if you have acne avoid this) really helps to buff and lift the dirt from the face. I am not a fan of facial wash as they are harsh and strip the skin of moisture, anything that foams up too much is usually too drying and full of chemicals. Best to stay away from anything which has mineral oil as an ingredient. Wipes do not count as cleansing except in an emergency. Invest in your skincare, prevention is better than cure.
Cleansing should be done morning and night. If you find you are too tired just before bed, do this earlier in the evening. Use a 50p size amount of cleanser and massage into your face include the eye area and neck, if you are using a hot cloth, soak with hot water, wring out excess and use in circular movements around the face, pay particular attention to the corners of the nose. Don’t be too abrasive around the eye area. Rinse the cloth halfway and repeat the process. If you are only using cleanser use your fingers to massage it thoroughly into the skin. If you are wearing heavy make-up this may need to be done twice.
Exfoliate
There are many exfoliators on the market today from scrubs to liquid formulations. Some are for spot prone skin and others are anti-ageing, do your research before buying. Do not use anything which has kernels of apricot or synthetic beads. (St Ives =no). A product which has been milled to a fine powder is kinder to your skin and a liquid is far more superior to a scrub. There is a wealth of information online which can help you (Take a look at Caroline Hirons blog – amazing advice). If you find your skin reacts to the product obviously stop using it. Initially exfoliate once a week and then build up the usage to 2/3 times a week.
Serum
This truly is a hero product. It can address all kinds of skin concerns. As its concentrated a little goes a long way. Use morning and night after cleansing.
Moisturiser
In my experience people generally do not use enough moisturiser. Especially those with spot prone skin or oily skin (oily skin is usually dehydrated below the surface). Everyone should have a good moisturiser, it only makes skin look and feel better. Personally I cannot bear my skin without a good injection of hydration, it plumps up the skin and prepares it for make-up. I would avoid any moisturiser that makes wild claims, they are simply untrue (i.e. younger, firmer skin, blah blah blah) Do not neglect your neck, no one likes a chicken neck!
Sun Protection
Absolutely essential. Generally I prefer a separate SPF to my moisturiser but if you are lazy some coverage is better than none. In the winter you can use a factor 15 but in the summer a factor 30 should be used. You can get some really good sun block’s now, gone are the chalky, sticky heavy feeling creams, todays sun block are surprisingly comfortable and hydrating. Use your common sense, we all need a dose of vitamin D but after that sun protection is the best way to achieve younger looking skin.
Night Treatment
Using a separate night cream which is a little richer or a plant based face oil will help your skin recuperate overnight. I tend to use my serum and then a facial oil, a few drops will suffice (avoid the eye area), if my skin is feeling particularly dry I will also use a moisturiser over the oil.
Additional products
Eye makeup remover – if your cleanser doesn’t do the job.
Face masks – Nice for a treat or to address a particular skin problem.
Toner – To be honest I feel it is more of an outdated concept, brings back memories of using astringent witch hazel to treat my teenage skin! However, will do some current research on the topic and let you know!
Eye Cream- If your moisturiser makes the skin around your eyes react then invest in an eye cream (use sparingly, too much and you will end up with puffy eyes), otherwise use your normal moisturiser.
Spot cream - Use after all the skincare is done, just onto the spot with a clean cotton bud, best done overnight.
So there you have it. On a daily basis
Cleanse,
Serum
Moisturise
Sun block (if your moisturiser does not have SPF)
Shouldn’t take more than five minutes and after a couple of weeks your skin will be looking brighter and you can feel smug that you have achieved a new feel good resolution. I would love to know how you get on. Please feel free to like/ share and add any comments.