Skincare Routine: Winter AM

Nowadays it is easy to get overwhelmed when it comes to building a skincare routine that adapts to our needs, we find ourselves trying one product after another, hoping to solve our skin concerns. With all the media constantly selling us trends and products, it is crucial that we keep in mind, what works for somebody might not work for you. My skincare routine is adapted to my way of living and age, so this is article is intended just to share my thoughts on the following products, so I hope you enjoy it!

My skin is combination, it can get very dry, with blackheads and the occasional breakout.

Cleansing

With most of us wearing a face mask every day, a big part of my morning routine is cleansing my skin with a non-foaming gel cleanser. I personally stay away from foaming cleanser as my skin gest very dry during winter, but I always include salicylic acid to minimise spots and blackheads. My current morning cleanser is by Jordan Samuel Skin The Matinee Gel Cleanser

The Matinee Gel Cleanser contains salicylic acid to gently decongest the pores and have a clear complexion, it also includes high percentage of aloe leaf juice to calm the skin and add hydration. This is one of the best cleansers have used and the bottles last a considerable amount, as it is not required to use a large volume per use.

Vitamin C serum

During my time at University, I researched into the effects of antioxidants and the potential uses of vitamin C to prevent the effects of free radicals (topically and ingested). However, vitamin C products mostly packaged in oil forms to prevent oxidation, which is crucial for active products, but it can make them difficult and unpleasant to use during the day. Therefore, I highly recommend trying Vichy Lift-Activ Specialist Peptide-C Ampoules

The Lift-Activ Specialist Peptide-C Ampoules have a 10% pure vitamin C and Hyaluronic acid, they are perfect to wear in the morning as they provide hydration and that extra boost needed once we get older to maintain a brighter complexion.

Hydrating Serum

Crucial for an everyday routine, even when you have acne or oily skin. Having dehydrated skin, I prefer a serum that are gel in texture as they absorb faster without leaving a shiny/oily residue, and it is better to use under sun cream and makeup. The one I have used for the las 6 months is the Drunk Elephant - B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum.

B- Hydra serum is full of hyaluronic acid and berries extract that maintain good level of hydration on the skin, it is a fantastic product but I do understand that people have similar result with product from The Inkey List and The Ordinary (which both posses great hyaluronic acid serums and moisturizers that have excellent ingredient).

Moisturiser and SPF

In the UK, we are currently in winter season and with the current restrictions due to the pandemic, my exposure to UV light is mostly through a window. I decided to simplify my skincare routine and use a moisturiser with SPF (for summer time I ensure to wear a high protection SPF separated to my daily moisturiser). There are numerous hybrid products out on the market, however, in large majority of the cases the SPF ration is so low that is unacceptable. My biggest priority is that it contains at least SPF30 broad spectrum, for this I like to use Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Great 8 Daily Defense Moisturiser SPF35 PA +++.

The Eight Hour Great 8 daily defense moisturiser provides comfortable hydration to reveal super soft skin that will give you a glow, without the white cast and greasiness of thicker product. The product contains African whitewood tree bark extract the help minimising oil production and the appearance of pores, one of the best finishes for an SPF that I have personally tried.

Extra Recommendation

I highly recommend that you, prior to building an skincare routine, do research and if you have a specific concern like acne or hyperpigmentation invest in a dermatologist appointment, but I must say that for me Caroline Hirons book Skincare: The ultimate no-nonsense guide. It is a brilliant book that guides you through each step of a skincare routine and what's crucial for stage in your life.

Thanks for reading!

DISCLAIMER

Sample and images are my own