My current skincare routine

I’ve decided to do a post on what I’m currently using on my skin, partly because this is the most stable my routine…and skin… has been for a while (I am naughty for chopping and changing and faddy - going with the next new product, often at the expense of my skin), and mostly because I love reading other people’s posts about what they use and have been inspired to do my own!

Cleansers

Elemis Pro-Radiance Cream Cleanser, Avene Cleanance soapless gel cleanser, Origins clean energy cleansing oil (review), Alpha H triple action cleanser (not pictured), Vichy Normaderm Micellar solution for acne prone skin.

Exfoliators: Alpha H Micro Cleanse and  Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash

Moisturisers/ Treatments

Vichy normaderm Day: Tri-Activ Anti-Imperfection Hydrating care, Night: Chrono-action Anti-imperfection care, Alpha H daily essential moisturiser spf 50+,  Alpha H Liquid Gold,

Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, Clarins Lotus Face Treatment oil (sample pictured), Origins Plantscription Eye Treatment and Eye Serum (samples pictured).

Masks

Alpha H liquid Gold Smoothing and Perfecting Mask, Origins Clear Improvement, Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Gel Mask

Morning Routine

I am guilty of previously just rinsing my face in the shower and not doing anything with it in the morning, so in the past it probably served me right that my skin wasn’t at its best. My morning routine is still short and quick (6am alarms really sap motivation) but I cleanse whilst in the shower with Avene Cleanance Soapless gel cleanser, or Alpha H Triple Action Cleanser, very occaisionally I will cleanse using Elemis Pro-Radiance Cream Cleanser if I fancy something a bit richer, this used to be a favorite evening cleanser of mine but since I started oil cleansing I haven't really reached for it.  Cleansing is followed by Alpha H Daily Essential Moisturiser (spf 50+) - this is the first time I’ve used a day moisturiser with an SPF component, I wouldn’t normally actively seek out a moisturiser with SPF but this one came as part of a kit and my skin has responded really well to it. On days that my skin is particularly oily or my chin problematic I will use Vichy Normaderm Tri-Activ Anti-imperfection hydrating care moisturiser. I have started trying to be careful about keeping my neck hydrated (noticed a change in my skin there… and lines!) So I will usually apply Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream,(its too rich for my face) although I have yet to see much improvement. I have also started using Origins plantscription eye treatment in the morning and I am, so far, loving the results, fine lines under my eyes and dehydration above my eyelid are definately less noticable.

Evening Routine I pay much more attention to my skin in the evening. I usually remove my makeup as soon as I get in from uni or work using Vichy Normaderm Micellar Solution for acne prone skin. This is just to remove most surface makeup and help my skin feel fresh at the end of the day. I was initially wary about using micellar solutions and wasn’t sure how my skin would respond but there have been no ill-effects from using this. Eye-makeup is removed with No7 Beautiful Skin Eye make-up Remover, this is a dual-action oil based formula, it feels like it really conditions as it removes and I find it very gentle around my eye and very effective at removing waterproof mascara, obviously, due to the oil content one to be avoided if you have eyelash extensions. Before bed I usually double-cleanse. Initially using Origins Clean Energy gentle cleansing oil (review)I have been using this product a little while now and have totally fallen in love with it and oil cleansing. I follow this with Alpha H Triple Action Cleanser or Alpha H Micro Cleanse. Occasionally I will use Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash if I feel my skin needs a bit of a kick. This is followed 3 nights a week by Alpha H Liquid Gold (like many others, I love this product), and on the other nights Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil, concentrating on my chin and forehead. On particularly congested evenings I use Vichy Normaderm Night: Chrono-Action Anti-imperfection care, I find this really calms and clears my skin overnight and tackles any blemishes that may have reared their ugly heads. Origins plantscription eye serum for around the peepers overnight.

 2-3 times a week I use a mask after cleansing and exfoliating in the evening. My usual is Origins Clear Improvement – an activated charcoal mask which I find really helps to clear and freshen. I will apply this all over, or just apply it to problematic areas, using Alpha H Liquid Gold Smoothing and Perfecting mask, or Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Gel Mask to the rest of my face (usually focussing on my forehead).

Those of you who are observant, or didn't fall asleep whilst reading will have noticed there is not toner included in my routine. I have yet to come accross a toner that my skin gets on with and doesn't break me out. I have tried toners from various brands (Liz Earle, Elemis, Vichy, Clarins) and have had the same (poor) results from each. Every now and again I have a surge of optimism and try one for a lenght of time, only to spend the following weeks nursing break-outs and cystic spots. So I am open to any recommendations if anyone can restore my faith in the humble toner!