I haven’t really had a strict skincare regime since Miller was born, I was trying something here something there and even had botox back at the beginning of December but I just felt Bleeeurgh (is that a word??). My skin was dull and I convinced myself that it was my age, the lack of sleep, the stress of rushing around as a mum of three. But I do think I have noticed in the last couple of days after finally getting back to a strict routine a significant improvement in my skin.
So whats the secret?
By the way it isn’t Botox. I find that Botox wears off fairly quickly on me. I had 3 areas costing £400 at the beginning of December and I noticed movement around my eyes and on my forehead early in February. So the improvement can only be from the products I am currently using so let me update you on what I have been doing.
Morning Routine
I cleanse every morning with Kate Somerville Goat Milk Cleanser, a rich gorgeous creamy cleanser. Followed by on alternate mornings Paula’s Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant, then Obagi Vitamin C 15% Serum everyday. I actually prefer Skinceuticals CE Ferulic which I have ordered online as my Obagi is about to run out. I like Obagi, I just get a more obvious glow from CE Ferulic. My favourite daytime moisturiser at the moment is Weleda Skin Food then I finish with La Roche Posay Hydrating Cream SPF 50 every single day with no exceptions. Rain or shine.
Night Routine
So when I noticed a couple of breakouts recently I decided to stop messing about with different products and go back to my faithful Dr Sam’s cleanser and moisturiser. In the evenings I had been using Medik8 Lipid Oil cleanser with a flannel and despite it being a joy to use I can never persevere with hot cloth cleansing, it just doesn’t work for me. For the last 8 nights I have been cleansing with Dr Sam’s Flawless cleanser and then using L’Oreal Revitalift Eye Cream which I have been enjoying using. I have used eye creams before that are quite thick and take so long to dry that I find it difficult to combine with my retinol but this one does dry quickly so I can follow with my Tretinoin product without feeling I am just spreading eye cream all over my cheeks. On March 7th I started using Skin + Me tretinoin, niacinamide and azelaic acid combination cream prescribed for my skin. I know it is too quick to really rate a product but I think I am a little bit in love. My skin is definitely more glowing and fresh since using Skin + Me with no down time from the retinol. I used it every day since I received it in the post and had no redness or flaky skin. Next month they will send me a slightly stronger strength but I expect my skin to be acclimated to Tretinoin by then and therefore hopefully no side effects again. I follow with Dr Sam Flawless Moisturiser and then for the last 6 nights I have used Beauty Pie Overnight Miracle Oil over the top of everything just before bed.
In my opinion the two products that are making the biggest difference at the moment to my skin is Weleda Skin Food and Skin + Me Tretinoin. Unless you have really oily skin I would high high highly recommend Skin Food. It is a really thick consistency, you only need a little bit rubbed between your fingers and then press and pat into your skin. It’s so gentle I can even use it all around my eyes. It leaves my skin more even looking somehow and my pores seem smaller while hydrating and giving a lit from within finish, under make up or under SPF alone it is just perfect for my skin type.
Do you use retinol? Because you probably should, that sounds really offensive doesn’t it?? I apologise for being so blunt but retinol just works for everyone so I would 100% recommend you to start using it if you don’t already. It is proven to combat the signs of ageing and does all the magic that you want your facial product to do. It clears your pores so helps to get rid of and prevent spots, it evens your skin tone and to top it all off helps to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. What is not to love? You need to start slowly if you have never used it before. Skin + Me would be perfect for this as they require you to fill out a form with all your skincare and lifestyle choices, but if you are going to start over the counter try Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 or 3 or Dr Sam’s Flawless Nightly Serum. Only use alternate nights, if you have sensitive skin try twice a week for the first two weeks and build up to alternate evenings and then always follow with moisturiser. You can even use moisturiser under it if you are worried about getting red or dry flaky skin. Be patient and take before and after photos I promise you will see a difference after a few weeks of usage.
I would love to hear if you are just starting your retinol journey. How exciting!
I hope you you find this post interesting and a little bit useful 🙂
NJ x
nicola jayne 