I’ve been pretty faithful to the same brands and products for almost 2 years now, but my inquisitive soul has been yearning for some spicing things up. as my current faves run out, I’ve been replacing them with some new-to-me products, and, since I’ve now basically replaced every one, I wanted to share the new routine with you.
please bear in mind that some of these are fairly recent, so I can only speak to the cosmetic elegance, feel and finish of the product, as well as its ingredient list and claims. I can’t report on any results as of yet.
my morning skincare routine focuses a bit more on keeping my skin balanced, prevent breakouts and hyperpigmentation as well as, as always, also preventing further oxidative stress.
most of the serums mentioned can be used alone (after cleanser, before SPF) for a more minimalistic but still really effective routine, but I do like layering them to try to boost all the benefits possible.
I think this is the perfect time to let you in on my winter skincare routine, since now that I can look back and really hone in on the products and steps that kept my skin going for the past few months.
my skin is combination, I’ve had severe acne from 12 to 23, then mild acne from 25 onwards up until recently (about 1 to 2 years ago my acne started subsiding), and I still have the odd breakout and maskne. I’m very prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that then turns into dark spots that outstay their welcome for years. I’m 41 and life has naturally happened to my skin up until now: loss of elasticity, sagging, wrinkles, fine lines, textural issues.
my goals are keeping my skin barrier safe, help it as much as I can to stay as elastic, responsive and smooth as possible, tackle the blemishes that still come to visit, and tone down and prevent further hyperpigmentation.
I can’t say this enough: what works for me may not work for you, it’s all a game of listening to your skin and understanding what jives with it, being patient and willing to adapt. skincare has its limitations to what can be achieved – it’s only creams and serums, not scalpels nor needles –, and severe issues will definitely need a specialist. we need to manage our expectations regarding skincare (and brands need to back the hell up on the wild claims). but, with good science-based information, I believe many people can safely go beyond the “cleanser-moisturiser-spf” essentials and help their skin stay in the best shape it can be, and even tackle some minor issues.
falling face first on the bed still with our clothes on or running out of the house with a stripe of dried out drool on the corner of the mouth. who hasn’t?
on those days when you are in a rush/can’t be bothered, we usually cut so many corners, and, even though we can cut corners, we can still have a nourishing bomb with a two or three step super simple routine.
all of the products I’m mentioning (except for the Power Peel and the Flash Radiance) can be used daily and layered under/over your other products for a more comprehensive routine.
this was meant to be a quick and paired-down Get Ready With Me, but, looking at the list of products, I understand this looks daunting and an exaggeration.
yet, I like my morning ritual (because I can’t have caffeine, this ends up being my meditation and perk-me-up all in one), and there are some basic products I think everyone should have on their AM routine: cleanse, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and SPF.
and an oil or moisturiser for dry environments.
*on another note, Ole Henriksen seems to have vanished from the face of the European Internet. I’ve searched high and low, and it has disappeared from the websites that usually carry the brand. It’s a bummer, I apologise, and I hope you can find it in your local store.
the freevolous 