The Skincare Routine This Insider Swears By
Created in partnership with myBlend
First Things First…
“As soon as I wake up, I splash my face with ice cold water. A facialist recommended doing this daily and I’ve never looked back since. It helps to boost circulation and bring about a speedy glow. I like to get a fresh lungful of air too – either by flinging the windows open or taking a mug of hot water with a slice of lemon and ginger into the garden with me. I am a big believer one needs to see daylight first thing – it sets your body clock immediately. I’ll then focus on some dry body brushing with my Desavery Brush before stepping into the shower. I love using this tool to energise my skin and boost lymphatic drainage, which in turn makes my limbs feel firmer and more supple. Once I’ve finished in the shower, I’ll lather on myBlend’s Nourishing Body Balm. It has a gorgeous, velvety texture that softens skin and soaks in fast. Once I’ve applied this, I’ll sometimes use a simple, wooden paddle – you can buy them on Amazon – in sweeping movements towards my heart. It does for your body what a gua sha or roller does for your face – it’s addictive.”
Skincare Staples
“A vitamin C serum is a daily essential for me – vitamin C is key for strengthening skin and boosting collagen production. I am loving myBlend’s Radiance Super Serum right now. It uses a whopping 12% of vitamin C to brighten and protect skin, while peptides strengthen and smooth. I then seal in all these ingredients with the myBlend Revitalising Emulsion, which is so lightweight, yet deeply nourishing. At this point, I’ll then give myself a facial massage with either my fingers and knuckles or the myBlend Face Massage Roller. I’ve been giving my skin a massage for years – it’s something I do religiously as my Danish great grandmother did daily and she had the most incredible complexion. I don’t feel right if I don’t do it – even if it’s just a five-minute massage.
Switch-Out Strategy
“I do try to use a vitamin C daily but, if my complexion feels very dry or tight, I’ll switch it out with myBlend’s Hydration Serum – it’s full of skin-quenching hyaluronic acid and soothing allantoin to keep inflammation and feelings of tightness at bay. For days where I feel completely zapped of moisture, I’ll add a facial oil to my routine for an extra dose of nourishment. I am a huge fan of oils – especially for cleansing. Nothing breaks down dirt and grime so well as an oil, plus they cocoon mature skin in hydration. I love using an oil under make-up, too or mixed with a little bit of foundation – it just breathes life and youthfulness back into your skin.”
Essential SPF
“Once I’ve applied all my skincare, it’s time for sunscreen. A good SPF is the best way to prevent premature skin ageing, so I always reach for factor 50 and apply it as the last step in my routine. If you’re after a new one, myBlend’s Hydrating Antioxidant Screen is a no-brainer. It shields skin from UVA and UVB damage while also offering hydration. Added vitamin E keeps your skin tone even and smooth, while the sheer texture means you never have any white residue left behind. Other than SPF, I sometimes apply a light eye gel under my eyes to seal in moisture and to add a little youthful, sheen… Then I’m ready.
Light Movements
Before I go about my day, I like to take on some simple stretches to awaken my body and to limber up. I also stick to 16/8 intermittent fasting, so breakfast is at midday, normally after my yoga practice or stretch routine. Since following a fasting regime, I’ve found I have much more energy first thing. I don’t feel as sluggish or in need of a snack mid-morning.
The Double Cleanse
Night-time is when I double cleanse to remove the dirt and build-up of my day. I start with an oil-based cleanser – like myBlend’s Universal Nourishing Oil – and then follow up with the brand’s Enzyme Cleansing Foam. The first one breaks down everything seamlessly, while hydrating my skin, and the second one whisks away dirt and gently exfoliates for a brighter, more luminous-looking complexion. They are both so gentle and feel really luxurious on the skin. While my skin is still damp, I’ll do a quick facial massage with a gua sha tool or the myBlend Face Massage Roller to keep skin feeling taut and stimulated.
Anti-Ageing Treatments
“Post-cleanse, I use a retinol treatment and tend to alternate my evening serums based on my skin’s needs. I’m a latecomer to retinol and I wish I had begun using it years ago, because I’ve seen impressive results – think smoother-looking skin that is fresher and bouncier. I’ve worked much harder on my complexion recently than I did in my 50s and I’ve really seen the difference in its tone and texture. After my retinol, I apply the myBlend Revitalizing Cream – if you’re unsure what to try from the line, make it this. It has a beautiful, whipped texture that is a joy to apply. It’s fairly rich but never suffocating – your skin will drink it up.”
Extra Add-Ons
“I love a good tech device and have recently added the myLEDmask to my evening routine. It’s early days but independent clinical studies show that, with regular use, it can help skin appear firmer, more radiant and up to three years younger thanks to targeted LED light. I am up for anything that improves skin tone and encourages collagen production simultaneously. Just the ritual of putting this on and switching off makes it a winner for me.”
Finally…Wind Down Essentials
“Once my routine is finished, and if I have the time, I’ll indulge in a hot bath. I love a good glug of oil thrown into my tub and my favourites are Wilder Botanics Herbal Tranquillity and Healing Spirit – both are made by the owner, Rachel. They transform your tub into a soothing oasis and help you switch off and unwind. I love to light a candle at night-time, too. My favourites are from Noula – a brand that is local to me in Sussex. Their wax melts are divine and I promise you will love them, especially Bulgarian Rose & Oud. Look out for the Dark Amber & Patchouli Candle, too. It’s housed in a beautiful tortoiseshell glass.”
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