With the dawn of the new year still upon us, I am happily creating and implementing resolutions. How I love a clean calendar and journal page to help me start fresh routines. Reading this book last year helped me to understand the value of habits and provided tips on how to successfully create them. If you need a bit of inspiration, you might want to read it or listen to the complementary podcast. Yes, I am obsessed with podcasts!!
Back to health and beauty habits...
I've already talked about regular make-up brush cleaning and dry brushing. Today, I thought it worth outlining a homecare programme for your skin, particularly as this is an area of frequent questions from clients. While there are multiple steps we can undertake at home to create beautiful skin, I want to keep this simple. Here are the four basic steps that your skin deserves each day.
Cleanse (AM and PM)
Yes, you need to cleanse twice a day. In the morning, cleanser bolsters the hard work your skin did overnight renewing itself by helping to slough off dead skin cells. At night, cleanser removes make-up and environmental impurities deposited on your skin throughout the day. Twice daily cleansing helps to keep your skin operating at peak level, prevents breakouts and delivers a healthy glow.
Please note, you do need a facial cleanser for this step. Facial wipes are not your friend.
Eye cream (AM and PM)
To apply eye cream, gently pat a small amount on the area underneath your eye, reaching down to the bone, and on your eyelid, up to your eyebrow. Personally, I like the light touch of my ring finger to apply product in this delicate area.
It's worth mentioning that you do not get extra points for applying loads of cream. Instead, you are likely to develop puffy eyes and eye irritation. Pretty much the opposite effect of what you desire!
Is an eye cream really necessary? Can’t I just use my moisturiser? Yes, it’s necessary and no, you shouldn't use your moisturiser. The skin around the eyes is approximately 10 times thinner that the skin on the rest of your face and as such, needs something formulated specifically for it.
Moisturiser (AM and PM)
Moisturiser should be applied from the top of your face at the forehead hairline to the top of your breasts. This is critical as your face, neck and chest have the most exposure to light and the environment, rendering them prone to dryness and premature ageing.
Sunscreen (AM)
This is the only product that’s applied just once a day. You need a 20-pence piece (U.S. nickel) dollop of sunscreen applied to your face, neck and décolleté every morning, no matter what the weather or season. You can read more about the importance of daily sunscreen application here.
That's it! These four steps are super-quick and provide an efficient routine to look after your skin.
Wondering about other products? Yes, there are plenty that you can add to your skincare routine. Consider daily toners and serums, bi-weekly exfoliation and weekly masking as well as different day and night creams. Gentle massage can also be included as part of your routine.
But I promised this overview would be basic. So for now, I leave you with these four steps. I’ll give additional suggestions in future posts and let you decide what appeals.