If you have ever stumbled into a skin care conversation with me, I think you'll probably have picked up on the fact that I'm somewhat obsessed with the topic. I have tried a lot of products, methods, routines and ingredients. Some great, some not so much.
I have tackled and continue to tackle a series of concerns and problems.
I love learning about the ingredients, formulas and ideal layering of skin care products.
So today I thought I would share my top product choices for a simple skin care routine.
Rules are I can only pick 1 product per category....this may prove challenging!
Step 1: Cleansing
Ok first off I double cleanse every evening, making it impossible to truly pick only one cleanser. Off to a great start, already attempting to break my own rules...
If I absolutely had to pick just a single TOP cleanser it would be:
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
I have used this for many years as a morning cleanser and a second cleanse. But at a push and with a microfibre cloth or flannel I'm pretty sure it would get rid of all traces of makeup and SPF too!
Its packed with great ingredients -
Hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate
Niacinamide to calm redness and boost hydration
Ceramides to moisturise and protect the skin barrier from external stressors such as pollution and weather.
It's also isn't expensive and I never prioritise my money on cleansers as ultimately they are not staying on your skin so leave the £££'s for the serum and treatment products!
Step 2: Serum
Now which serum you would use absolutely depends on what you are trying to address. For me this is sun damage I did when I didn't know better.
So the I would always at this stage use a Vitamin C serum. This active ingredient helps brighten and even skin tone, protect skin from toxins, reduces hyperpigmentation/sun damage, promotes collagen and reduces the appearance of fine lines. It's a multi-tasker!
I have tried and tested many vitamin C serums. From budget to £££'s. In my experience it is a case of you get what you pay for. There are some great budget friendly options but I choose to invest a little more to get a great formula with protective packaging that prevents oxidisation. My choice now would be...
Timeless 20% Vitamin C & E Ferulic Acid Serum
I think this has to be the best Vitamin C formula I have ever tried. There I said it.
It does have an oily texture at first but sinks so well into my skin it doesn't leave any residue behind. It has also never caused irritation and I definitely feel my skin tone is brighter and much more even since I went back to this product a couple of months ago.
Now the only downside for me is that it's tricky to get hold of, as in you can't buy it in Boots!
The reason is due to the formula containing Ethoxydiglycol (please don't ask me to pronounce that) in quantities not permitted by the UK. I'm sure you used to be able to, perhaps before Brexit....but don't quote me on that please!
I order mine from the Korean website YesStyle and last time I paid £25.72 for 50ml which for such a great formula I believe is a bargain.
This product is often referred to as a dupe for SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic which is £165 for 30ml. Just included that for some context!
Step 3: Treatment
This would be as part of my night time routine only and that is absolutely hands down the star of my skin care show: RETINOL!
It's the A star product in tackling fine lines, pigmentation and sun damage and acne. Another multi-tasking product.
Top choice for me has to be the Dermatica as it's a personalised prescription only based service. Personally I don't think this is a 'new to retinol/beginners' option. I am 41 and have been using retinol in my skincare for years so have worked my way up to this formula and strength of Vitamin A.
SIDE NOTE:
Please remember to stop using retinol and/or AHA & BHA's a week prior to any treatment including wax and remind me you use this in your skin care routine so I can protect your skin barrier as much as possible.
Step 4: Moisturiser
I am a fan of a light weight, gel based moisturiser. I have relatively balanced skin with slightly oiler T-Zone and if I get drier areas it will be cheeks, forehead and/or neck. So I want something super lightweight, quickly absorbed and plays well under makeup or SPF.
That's why my number one choice at this present moment in time is Curel Moisture Facial Milk.
It hydrates my skin, it's not greasy or heavy.
It's full of hydrating and soothing ceramides.
It doesn't cause pilling when applying makeup or SPF.
It's an all round absolutely cracking moisturiser.
I also think it's a good price for the formula and ingredients.
Step 5: Protect
This is always be the last step in my daytime routine - applying an SPF/Sunscreen.
I wear one every single day of the year whether I am leaving the house or not. Summer time, playing tennis, out to the beach or inside I am wearing Factor 50.
In the winter on cloudy days I may just opt for a SPF 30 but honestly my most favourite SPF is so lightweight you would never know it was SPF50 so most of the time this is the one I'm using...
My ride or die sunscreen has to be...
Biore UV Aqua Water Essence Sunscreen SPF50
I keep coming back to this product time
and time again and now that Superdrug stock it, it's even easier to get hold of in the UK.
It sinks into your skin. It won't cause pilling. It will not leave a white cast. I think its an absolutely winner of a sunscreen.
There are plenty of other ingredients I include in my skincare routine and I have a daytime and night-time version. But I wanted to keep it simple and if I had to strip everything back these would be my 'MUST INCLUDE' skin routine items.
What a pleasure it was to write about one of my all time favourite subjects. I hope you like hearing about skincare...there is more 'Skin Stuff' on the horizon.
Thank you as always for reading the blog. Until next week....Tori x
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