AN ANTI-AGING SKINCARE ROUTINE
Having a routine is the best way to 1) see results 2) get glowing, younger-looking skin and 3) Slowing down that clock! So here is my suggested routine and the products I recommend and their sequence.
Step #1:
Use a Gentle Cleanser
Frequency: Morning and Night
Choose a gentle cleanser to use both in the morning and at night. You want a cleanser that contains oils such as a cream cleanser, milk cleanser or cleansing balm.
Step #2:
Exfoliate
Frequency: Two times week, morning or night
Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells that accumulate on the skin over time. It helps unclog pores and turn over new skin. As we age our skin’s ability and time to turn over new skin decreases thus sometimes it needs a little boost 🙂
You can choose a chemical exfoliator, such as serum that contains AHAs or you can use a manual exfoliator made from things such as sugar, coffee, jojoba beads, etc. Choose one that contains smaller particles and is not too rough on the skin.
To use a manual exfoliator add this to your cleanser, adjusting the amount that you like. Apply in circular motions, gently all over the face. Wash off as normal.
Step #3
Apply a Face Mist/Toner
Frequency: Morning and Night
Face Mists/Toners supply the skin a boost of water active ingredients. These can include things such as plant actives to boost hydration or sooth inflammation. Face Mists also prepare the skin for the products to follow and it is best practice to leave the face slightly damp and apply the next product for optimal absorption.
Step #4
Apply a Serum
Frequency: Morning or night or both
You want to choose a serum that has been formulated to target the signs of ageing skin and one that is designed to protect the skin from external aggressors.
Opt for a Vitamin C Serum that provides the skin with much needed protection. A Vitamin C Serum should be used in the morning and is not needed in the evening.
If you suffer from extremely dry skin, your wrinkles are more pronounced or your skin looks and feels dehydrated opt for adding a serum that contains Hyaluronic Acid in it. This helps to lock in moisture in your skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while giving your skin the hydration it needed.
Hyaluronic Acid Serums must be applied when the skin is damp for it to work its best. Apply after you have sprayed your face with a Face Mist/Toner or after you have cleansed the skin and before it has completely dried.
Step #5
Moisturise
Frequency: Morning
The best anti-aging moisturiser is one that has been formulated with oils that target softening the skin, hydrating the skin and protecting it. There are an array of beautiful oils out there for mature/ageing skin. Some of these include Cranberry, Pomegranate, Sea Buckthorn and CoQ10.
If you can choose one that also contains Hyaluronic Acid.
For the evening my suggestion to you is to apply a Face Oil or lightweight Serum that contains a small amount of oils or ceramides. You want to keep it a bit lighter in the evening if you can. This helps the skin be able to do its own natural cleansing, which it performs each night, without preventing it from doing so. The skin cleanses itself while you sleep, ridding the body of unwanted oils, bacteria and the like. If you have applied too much product in the evening you can be preventing the skin from doing its job and trapping the stuff that needs to get out.
So opt for a lighter routine. After you have applied your serum add one to two drops of a Face Oil into the palms of your hand, rub together to gently warm (oils are better absorbed when they are slightly warm) and pat in all over your face.
A great Face Oil to use in the evening would contain retinol or a retinol alternative; one of the best anti-aging ingredients.
Step #6
Apply an Eye Cream
Frequency: Morning
Eye creams are important because they are formulated to address conditions associated with the eyes such as dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles. These conditions may not be addressed in the moisturiser you apply. Opt for a rich formula that hydrates, soothes, increases circulation (such as coffee) and softens.
The skin around the eye area is thinner than anywhere else on your body. It requires a little more tender care. Using an eye cream can also assist with better application of your make up products, making them sit better and easier to apply.
Apply the cream in small dots around the eye. Leave for a minute or two to allow the skin to absorb then gently rub in what is remaining.
I advise to not apply an eye cream at night. As stated earlier, let your skin do its work in the evening. It will thank you!
Step #6
Do a Facial
Frequency: Once a week
A face mask once a week is the perfect way to boost your skincare routine. Apply it after cleansing and exfoliating, before serums and moisturisers or face oils. Go for one that helps to detoxify the skin, tighten pores, boost hydration and supply a rich amount of vitamins and anti-oxidants.
Clay Masks are great for boosting mineral content of the skin as well as detoxifying the pores. My favourite clay is the Australian Pink Clay. It offers a number of skin benefits including increasing circulation, mineral boost, tightening of the skin and more. It is natures way which is the best way.
ANTI-AGING SKIN CARE TOOLS
There are number of skin care tools that can help you amp up your skincare routine, help products absorb better, increase circulation and drainage and protect.
Derma Roller/Micro Needling Tool
This is a tool that assists the skin with the absorption of products. Its sole purpose is to help open up the channels of the skin allowing products that are applied to be better absorbed into the various layers of the skin.
It does not hurt but may cause the skin to look red and flushed. This is the just tool doing its work. This particular tool contains small little needles that are no bigger than 0.5mm long. They do not break the skin or cause injury. They simply open up the channels.
For best results use this tool two to three times a week, after you cleanse and tone and before applying a serum. Once you have used the Derma Roller, apply your serum and follow with your next skincare product.
There are other Micro Needling Tools with longer needles that work differently by physically damaging the skin to increase collagen production. Some people swear by them. Do your own research and make your own decision.
But the use of one that simply opens up the skin channels is a safe bet for all and boy does it really make a difference with the efficiency of your serums
Ensure that you properly clean after each use to ensure you are not putting bacteria into the skin.
Face Roller/Gua Sha
These are a great tools. Using one can help promote lymphatic drainage and stimulate the muscles in your skin. Simply use the tools in upward motions for the desired effect.
These tools can be used as often as you like. It is also great to be used first thing in the morning to help wake up your skin and handle puffy eyes. If you suffer from puffy eyes in the morning, simply place your roller in the fridge until cold and apply to the eye area for an immediate result.
There are a number of tutorials out there on the proper use of a Gua Sha.
Silk Pillowcase
This may be the last thing you though of when I was referring to beauty tools. You will however be amazed to understand how such a thing can help prevent against ageing skin.
The smooth surface of the pillow protects the skin and prevents harsh sleep lines. They are naturally anti-bacterial and therefore don’t hold onto bacteria applying it to your face when you sleep. Plus they are amazing for your hair. They can increase shine, smoothness and prevent unnecessary breakage.
REMEMBER: No matter how great your skin care products are, you must use them consistently and in the right sequence to see results. If you are invested into slowing down clock make this routine a daily habit and the rest is history!
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