I’ve updated my skincare routine; firstly because we’re moving into the warmer months and there’s the inevitable extra exposure to the sun, and secondly because I’m no longer pregnant and my skin is way less sensitive. I’ve started to add stronger and more active products into my routine and I’ve upped the antioxidants to give a bit of extra protection against pollution and UV and so forth. (Mostly in the form of serums such as the Alpha-H Ascorbic acid, or the Skinceuticals Ferulic, which I totally forgot to set up the video.)
When I talk of adding more “active” products in, I’m really talking about acid peels – usually glycolic-based – but I’ve also had amazing is a result of the Anne Semonin eye cream that I mentioned in my favourites video, and the key ingredient there is a type of retinol. (Apparently “Sea Retinol”, which is safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but I need to get more info on this for you personally. It’s on the to-do list.) I still don’t use an acid exfoliant every day, but I’m definitely working it well into my beauty routine and I’m really enjoying trying out new peels and masks and cracking the products I couldn’t try when I was pregnant.
So just a few little tweaks, but overall the fundamental “flow” of my skincare routine is the same. In general, I’d say that it goes something like this:
AM
cleanse with a facewash, light oil or, if I’m really pressed for time, a micellar water
hydrate with a hydrating serum OR, if I’m going outside,
protect with an antioxidant serum (I talk about two great Vitamin C products in the video below)
moisturise with a day cream which has added glow to make me look less dead – currently the Bobbi Brown Illuminating Balm or Pixi Glowtion
finish with SPF, if I’m going outside for significant periods of time and/or makeup
PM
deep cleanse with a proper cleansing balm or heavier oil as well as an eye makeup remover if needed
hydrate having a hydrating serum
moisturise with a buttery, rich moisturiser
and then, every other night or so:
exfoliate with a leave-on AHA product, currently Merumaya Toner or the new Vichy Idealia Peeling, both great on my small skin and quite gentle.
It sounds more difficult when I go through it all on video, but it’s basically cleanse-serum-moisturise after which an exfoliant every other evening. Many prefer to exfoliate with a gentle toner more regularly, every day even, but I find mtss is a little too much for my skin. I believe you have to find a level that works for you, and this is mine – I have to say that I hardly used an acid exfoliant for almost the entire time I was pregnant with Ted, and my skin didn’t seem any worse off for it. (Though my skin was brilliant for the last two trimesters in both pregnancies. There’s a post here.)
OK, here goes – all of the products are listed below the video screen and when you need more suggestions for skincare products you'll be able to browse all of my reviews and recommendations here.
