My Skin Rules
I’m so grateful that my work helps me take more care of my body, mind and skin and although I say so myself, my skin is feeling and looking better than it has in years. This I credit to a combination of what I am putting into my body (think fresh - seasonal - local-colourful foods), how and when I move my body (that’s daily - yoga in particular but jogging/walking works too) and what I’m using on my skin.
My GLOW bible for healthy radiant skin for always
I have written about this in my latest book GLOW: Your Complete Four Week Plan To Healthy-Radiant Skin - what we eat shows up on our skin at every age, but most especially as we grow older. And while Botox and fillers can help remove some lines and smooth the crevices, albeit temporarily, unless you are eating the best foods - your skin still wont look and feel at its best.
A number of readers have asked what I am using on my skin - so here’s what’s on my bathroom shelfie right now - remember this changes with the seasons, with what products I have on hand and how my skin is feeling at a given time.
Cleanser
Non negotiable as anyone who knows anything about skincare will attest!
Biologique Recherche Lait VIP O2 is fab - especially in the evenings.
I’m also loving the beautifully natural seaweed-based Osea Ocean Cleanser.
Pestle & Mortar Erase & Renew is also a great choice (and its Irish!) for evening double cleanse as is the fab London-based Alexandra Soveral.
Toner
Soveral Floral Rain or Kahina Giving Beauty Toning Mist or other natural brand are also staples on my shelf as is Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 when my skin needs a deeper evening clean.
Serum
Morning: Nuori Supreme C - my 20-day hit of Vitamin C. I adore this niche Danish brand with fresh, natural and effective being key words (review here)
I also love the Vitamin C and E-rich African Botanics Nutritive Molecule Serum
Evening: African Botanics Resurrection Cell recovery Serum Elixir de Nuit (more to come on this beautifully natural brand very soon)
Moisturiser
I don’t always use moisturiser in the morning (but never skip on serum) but often apply a tinted moisturiser (Laura Mercier is great) or very light foundation (Urban Decay Naked Skin, Charlotte Tilbury Unisex Healthy Glow or any of her fab hydrating tinted products) mixed with a little face oil if my skin feels it needs it.
I use a replenishing moisturiser every night - currently Biologique Recherche Creme Metamorphique (especially during winter), Alexandra Soveral or Romilly Wilde Night Duty Face Cream.
Face Oil
My skin thrives on natural oils and my lasting favourites include: Alexandra Soveral, Ila, Kahina Giving Beauty, Modern Botany, African Botanics - all so pure, nourishing and so, so beautiful. There is always at least one of these on my shelf
SunScreen & Masks
A must - every time of year - always broad spectrum
Once a week I use either a nourishing/hydrating mask or a cleansing revitalising one -depending on the weather (nourishing and hydrating primarily during cooler months) and what my skin needs - more to come on this soon. Now Im using Biologique Recherche Masque Visolastine and African Botanics Mineral Cleansing Mask.
My Skin Rules
Finally, a few rules I try to live by (not many, I promise) and once again, nothing new:
I switch up my regime seasonally and also if my skin is feeling it needs it - as the weather changes so does our skin so its good to stay in sync where possible
I thoroughly cleanse my skin as early as possible in the evening and prep it for the night to give it as much time as possible to repair and rejuvenate overnight.
I try to get at least 7 hours sleep at night - research has shown time and time again just how important adequate restful shut eye is for our skin. No argument you night owls!
The older I am growing, the more gentle I am becoming with my skin - harsh doesn’t work for me anymore. I have reduced the amount of acid-based product and am choosing more gentle, nourishing ranges that are kinder to my skin instead - and it’s working!
I drink lots of fluids (water, herbal teas and my coffee that I cant live without!)
There you have it! The above is by no means comprehensive but hopefully gives some insight into what works for my ageing skin and as the evenings draw in - it’s the chance to spend a little time on your skin - you will feel the benefits!