Skin care routine

Recently several people have commented on my skin, commenting that I had good skin and that I did not look my age (40 in less than a month), so I thought I would share what I have learned about skincare and provide an update on my current routine.

I have always had an interest in hair, nails, makeup, and skincare, and since I was a pre-teen, I have used a cleanser toner, facial moisturiser, and eye cream daily. I have tried a wide range of skincare products from a high to a low price point and even made my own. I have tried the Korean Beauty regime and am a fan. I found that compared to the ones in my local stores that they really penetrate my skin and I have noticed improvements when using them.

When it comes to skincare, I look for brands that are ethically sourced, free from nasties, and from a company that I can morally support. This has limited me in many aspects, and, taken hours of research and reading labels in store aisles. I also prefer to use drug store brands over higher price point brands, because I do not want to spend me like spending a fortune on skincare products when I could be spending it on experiences instead.

My skincare routine is aimed at dry, sensitive and aging skin. I have nummular eczema, so when I look for beauty products, I am looking for products without harsh soaps and perfume, opting for the sensitive range, to avoid skin irritation.

I enjoy researching and skincare was not an exception to this. Researching this topic led me to look into what dermatologists recommend and how they approach skincare. After locating two dermatologists that I liked, I discovered that their approach was to simplify and use a face wash, apply some actives, then apply moisturiser and sunscreen.

Both the dermatologists I researched recommended using vitamins A, B, and C, with different forms of vitamins A and C being recommended base upon various factors, such as skin sensitivity, age, and outcomes you want to achieve.

My current morning skincare routine consists of using the same pH balanced soap-free wash for my face that I use on my body in the shower, followed by some actives (I am currently using vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid as an active underneath my moisturiser in the morning and in the evening a combination of retinoid actives and evening primrose oil), then a face moisturiser and an eye cream. I finish it off with an SPF 50+ sunscreen. Then I hop in the shower and let it settle before I put on my makeup. At night, I double cleanse to remove my make up and then remove the oil cleanser and makeup gunk.)

Another important factor I consider is the temperature of the water. I ensure showers are not too hot, because this dries the skin, and the minerals in municipal water can further exacerbate dry, irritated skin. And, when showering at night-time, it can interfere with sleep due to vasodilation of blood vessels.

Kind regards,

                Penelope Espinoza Hallett, Naturopath

                BHsc (C.M.) AdvDip. Nat/N.D, Dip. Aroma, Dip. C.H., Cert. R.M., Cert. R.M., Cert. SBM, mNHAA