Skincare Routine
As a woman in my 30s and a mother I have a few regrets about neglecting my skin in my youth. Gone are the days of cleaning with a makeup wipe or sleeping with my makeup on – what wouldn’t I do at this stage to prevent myself from ageing. What I find most difficult is choosing products, understanding a routine and being consistent.
Seems like I am not alone so here are my best tips to formulate a skincare routine.
CLEANSE, MOISTURISE, SUNSCREEN, REPEAT
CLEANSE
Not only make up but our faces are exposed to pollutants throughout the day. To get the best from your cleanser, make sure you double cleanse at night. A lot of people do not cleanse in the morning, as they believe their face is already clean. Cleansing in the morning removes any dead skin cells, unclogs pores and removes sweat that has built up overnight. It also prepares your skin to absorb the products that you apply after.
MOISTURISE
Moisturising helps restore hydration, keeping the skin soft, supple, and balanced. It will help to replenish moisture lost through cleansing, it also creates a barrier on the skin’s surface to lock in the natural hydration of the skin. Properly moisturised skin is more receptive to active ingredients in subsequent steps, such as serums, which will absorb more effectively.
SUNSCREEN
Always, always, always wear sunscreen. UV exposure is responsible for 80% of visible facial aging signs. A minimum of SPF 30 is advised but I would always choose SPF 50. Make sure to check the UVA rating, the UVB coverage and whether it will protect you from blue light (products containing zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, iron oxide or antioxidants such as Vitamin C). Wear it whether rain or shine, and The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends reapplication every 2 hours.
Top 10 TIPS
- Double cleanse at night – get rid of any pollutants and then unclog your pores.
- Use a toner – especially if you have oily/combination skin.
- Exfoliate once a week – over exfoliation will compromise your skin barrier and cause inflammation.
- Always wear SPF – rain or shine, indoors or outdoors.
- Don’t forget your neck, decolletage and hands – they are all exposed and will age noticeably.
- Stay hydrated – water helps your skin maintain moisture and elasticity.
- Eat healthy – vitamins and diet can transform your skin.
- Add Vitamin C serum – it is an antioxidant that helps collagen production and reduces hyperpigmentation. Although beware if your skin is acne-prone as it can cause break outs.
- Add Retinol – this helps with cell turnover and can prevent acne and slow the ageing process.
- Use cold/luke warm water – hot water is too intense for the face so avoid washing your face in the shower.
Eye Cream
Eye creams are specifically formulated to target the delicate skin around the eyes. They provide hydration and nourishment to address common concerns such as dark circles, puffiness, fine lines and wrinkles. They are best applied after cleansing in the morning and night, gently tapping or patting cream using your ring finger and starting at the inner corner of the eye. Ensure not to rub or pull the delicate skin around the eyes. A bonus for wearing large framed or wraparound sunglasses with UV protection, to protect your eyes and the skin around it from all angles.