I hope you’ve got a cup of tea to hand because this is a long one…
Pregnancy, weather changes, not enough water. You name it – it’s probably affected my skin. I’ve tried near enough every skincare product on the shelves in Boots, and it took me a good few years to find products that actually work. Before I ramble on, I am aware that everyone has different skin types and so this routine may not fit your skin type. For reference, my skin is ‘dehydrated’ and ‘combination’; making it oily in some areas (generally my forehead) and dry in other areas (generally around my nose and chin).Then vs Now
Eeek! That first photo is from early 2017, when I was (unknowingly) 2 months pregnant; and my skin was at the worse it has ever been. I blame the hormones now. As you can see, it was very red and inflamed; with breakouts on my neck as well as my face. The second photo is how my skin looks now. It’s by no means perfect – still the odd dark patch, scarring, redness and a lot of oiliness – but it has definitely improved.
Cleansers
In the morning, I use The Body Shop ‘Aloe’ Calming Cream Cleanser. This cleanser is nourishing, gentle and refreshing to use. It’s great for removing any grime from my face that I’ve collected overnight. Mmm. I love this as it’s specifically formulated for sensitive skin, and my face feels super clean after using it.
In the evening, I tend to double cleanse to make sure my face is completely clean from the day. I firstly remove my makeup using the Garnier Micellar Water with a cotton pad. This product is so quick and easy to use, and it removes the bulk of my makeup without being harsh on my skin. I then cleanse again using the Clinique ‘Take The Day Off’ Cleansing Balm. I love the consistency of this product as it’s initially a balm, which then turns into an oil once it’s rubbed in; and it then washes off with quite a milky texture.
Toners
For me, toners are a crucial part of a skincare routine as they remove any dirt or makeup that the cleanser may have missed. I use The Body Shop ‘Aloe’ Calming Toner day and night as it removes grime from my face so that 1. in the day, I have a good base for makeup and 2. so that in the evening, my skin is nice and clean for bed. I think that this product has played one of the biggest parts in clearing my skin as I can clearly see on the cotton pad how much grime comes off of my face; even after double cleansing. Before using this, I would’ve applied makeup, or gone to bed, with all of the residue left over on my face. It just doesn’t sound good, does it?!
Moisturisers
Stupidly, I always steered away from moisturisers as I thought “my skin is already oily, why on earth would I want to make it oilier?”. That’s where I went wrong. I learnt that “dehydration is a lack of water, not oil, so even oily skin types can be dehydrated”. Since learning this, I’ve tried to drink a decent amount of water each day and apply moisturisers day and night (shock horror – The Body Shop ‘Aloe’ Soothing Day Cream and The Body Shop ‘Aloe’ Soothing Night Cream). Since moisturising my skin regularly, I’ve noticed that it is a lot less flaky when I apply foundation and looks a lot more youthful on no-makeup days.
Face Masks
The Body Shop Chinese Ginseng & Rice Clarifying Polishing Mask (what a mouthful) gave my skin the TLC it needed. I can truly say that this is my go-to ‘I-need-good-skin-for-tomorrow’ product. I use this product twice a week, and I see differences the next day without fail. This mask is really cooling on the skin and smells amazing! I don’t know what it does, but it works. For skin as smooth as a baby’s bum, this is the product you’re looking for.
On the days where I don’t use the Chinese Ginseng mask, I use the The Body Shop ‘Aloe’ Soothing Rescue Cream Mask. If I use this mask, I skip the moisturiser step in my routine. This is an overnight mask which is so nourishing. Since the cold weather has taken its toll on my skin, it has needed the extra moisture and this product does just that.
What are your skincare essentials?
Mama Chlo 