New Year, New…. Skincare Routine

This January I am obviously upping my exercise routine along with the rest of the UK, but I’m also sharing my skincare routine. Sometimes its hard to know where to start, so a few years ago I started following Caroline Hirons (the skincare queen) on Instagram and have since read her book ‘Skin Care’ which, to cut a long story short (along with a strict no picking policy) has completely sorted my skin out. So I thought I would share my routine, along with my go to products (that have really really really worked);

The Products

Cleansers and Face Cloths

This Medik 8 Toner is my favourite product, its the one I noticed making the biggest difference when I swapped out from another cleanser and now I will not be without it. If I don’t use it daily I notice a difference in those small bump type spots appearing, its always shocking how much dirt it gets off your face even after a double cleanse, this one comes with a pump and I use it with cotton pads. A little top tip; I use the Tan-Luxe Super glow hyaluronic acid every few days as an alternative to my standard, as it gives a very natural sun kissed glow and stops me looking pale.

Moisturiser and SPF

I alternate between the two moisturisers to switch it up and keep my skincare routine fresh, both are in my bathroom cupboard and are highly recommended, particularly for sensitive skin. I am not a fan of anything too thick that leaves your skin feeling and looking greasy. As for the SPF, there are so many to choose from as they have become a must have in everyones skin care routine in the last few years. The Heliocare brand is one recommended by Caroline Hirons, I have found it to be the best on the market at a reasonable price, as it is solely an SPF it does the job its supposed to do. A little tip; a dedicated sunscreen gives you both UVA and UVB protection, where as a sunscreen within a moisturiser or make up product tends to only give protection against UVB. Meaning that you won’t burn, but your collagen will break down, causing you to age (amongst other things!).

Retinol (Vitamin A’s) and Alternative Night Drops

Using retinol (vitamin A) every few days gets rid of dead skin cells and rejuvenates your skin, its important to build up the frequency of use and strength of the product gradually, as going in too strong or frequent too early can result in burnt skin, a little tip; less is more! Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides has the same desired effect but without the retinol, so is easier on your skin and is a product I use every night I am not using the retinol, I also used it throughout my pregnancy as a gentler alternative.

Extra Products That I Love

The Chantecaille face mask is the most lush skincare purchase I have made, but it really is lovely, a face mask that moisturises and plumps up your skin in ten minutes (although I often leave on overnight). The Emma Hardie Pump and Glow spray is a saviour for freshening up the skin, I always carry it in my bag especially if I’m out all day, topping up make-up or in the winter months when skin can become dry. Finally, the Cerave Blemish Control Gel is great for if you get a spot or breakout.

It can take a while to build a good skin care collection, some other brands that are cheaper alternatives to some of the products above are, The Ordinary, Pixi and Cerave, and Beauty Pie. I found that as long as a good routine is introduced, more expensive products can be swapped in one at a time as the cheaper options run out.