1. HYDRATE & MOISTURISE

Hydrate from the inside out. You probably already know (to some extent) that hydrating the skin is the key to a beautiful base and healthy looking skin appearance, however moisturising your skin once a day simply isn’t enough.

Firstly, try a moisturiser with hydrating properties. Some of my favourites include, Origins GinZing Ultra-Hydrating Energy Boosting Cream, the Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Cream and the Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre Nourishing Moisturiser.

Secondly, incorporate a good hyaluronic acid serum or supplement into your skin care regime to promote healthier, more supple skin. The main quality of this acid is to retain water in the skin to keep tissues well lubricated and moist, giving a smoother appearance and keeping wrinkles at bay. Try using the Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, Balance Me Hyaluronic Plumping Mist or Vichy Minéral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Hydration Booster Serum.

2. SKIN CARE ROUTINE

What many of us don’t realise is that having an excessive regime and overloading the skin with an array of powerful ingredients is actually stripping away the natural skin barrier which keeps moisture in and toxins out. Sometimes a minimalistic approach with fewer products is actually way more effective. If you’re new to the world of skincare and feel overwhelmed as to where to start and what will actually work, then you’ve come to the right place. 

• CLEANSE – washing away the day’s grime and removing makeup are both extremely essential for healthy skin, which is why I always double cleanse. First using Garnier Micellar Water Oil Infused – Dry & Sensitive to remove makeup (including mascara) and then using The Body Shop Vitamin E Gentle Facial Wash to get deeper into the skin for a complete cleanse. I love these formulas because they don’t strip the skin or leave it feeling more dry. 

• EXFOLIATE – you will see a huge difference in the way makeup sits on your skin after you exfoliate. It helps to cleanse, polish and energise the skin for a smoother application. This Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Scrub is a 3-in-1 micro exfoliant and is packed with 3% glycolic acid and salicylic acid to refine, brighten and renew. 

• TONE – The Pixi Glow Tonic has been in my routine for many years and I can see why it’s such as cult favourite. It’s soothing, brightening, and refreshing properties leave the skin feeling healthy and vibrant. I also love using the Ole Henriksen Glow20H Dark Spot Toner as part of my night time skincare to target pigmentation, wrinkles and improve skin texture.

• SPF – DO NOT skip this step! Sun exposure is the one of the first signs of ageing skin and wrinkles, therefore it is a must for your skincare routine. A few years back, you may have found it challenging to find an SPF that didn’t leave a white, sticky cast on Asian/deeper skin tones, but with skincare brands currently churning  out its fair share of new products, there are several great options to choose from. I particularly like: The Body Shop Vitamin E Day Lotion SPF30, La Roche Posay Anthelios Unscented Shaka Fluid 50+, Avène Cleanance SPF50+ and Tropic Skin Shade spf50.

• SERUMS – wondering what the hype is all about? Well if you haven’t tried adding a serum to the mix then here’s why you should consider it. Serums are basically light weight moisturisers that contain a higher concentration of active ingredients in order to effectively target specific skin concerns such as wrinkles, dark spots, acne, etc. In addition to the Hyaluronic Acid I mentioned earlier, if there were just three serums I would recommend trying, they would be a Vitamin C serum, Niacinamide and a Retinol serum.  

Note: I have recommended products that I have personally tried and are suitable for my skin type which is dry, sensitive.