These are my must-haves for my skin routine – I personally like the whole “Feed your skin what you would feed yourself” concept, where I aim to use organic and natural products where I can.

Knowing that my skin absorbs everything I put onto it only makes me that much more wary of what chemicals I want and don’t want inside me.

This post is in no way affiliated with any of the proucts described – this is well and truly my tried-and-tested, personal account that I have found works best for my skin.

Try at your own risk! It is good to have an open mind and be willing to experiment, but also use your head. If you know you’re allergic to certain ingredients listed in the products, stay away and try gentler alternatives.

THE VITALS: MY SKIN PROFILE
- Age: 21
- dry
- tired
- fatigued
- dull
- flaky
- not-sensitive to organic ingredients and essential oils but can’t handle harsh chemicals and alcohols

THE TOOLS:

Cleanser: Organic Coconut & Jojoba soap

I buy the Tilley brand as it is a certified organic soap manufacturer. Unlike other cleansers I have tried, this is gentle yet effective, leaving my skin feeling cleansed, soft and supple without drying it out. Not to mention it smells delicious!

Toner: Witch Hazel
I use this during that time of month when I’m prone to break-outs. Native Americans were the first to take advantage of Witch Hazel’s healing powers, using it to treat swellings, inflammations, and tumors. Witch hazel is mainly used externally on sores, bruises, and swelling, and its hydrosol form is used in skin care as an astringent and anti-oxidant – two acne fighting soldiers!

Toner: Rose water

During my clearer days – and especially at night –  I use Rose water as a toner. Since rose oil has anti-inflammatory properties, using rose water can help in reducing the redness from irritated or over-heated skin.  It has astringent like properties, which is why it is used after facials and clean ups to close open pores. The best and easiest way to use it is to apply it at night, as it helps clear all impurities that your face has collected through the day.

Moisturizer: Homemade Day Cream

A mixture of a base cream (fragrance free simple cream like Sorbolene), grapeseed oil, and the following essential oils; cedarwood, jojoba, rosehip, jasmine, clary sage, and bergamot (3 drops each).

Homemade night cream
A mixture of a base cream, grapeseed oil, and the following essential oils; grapefruit, jojoba, rosehip, tangerine, mellissa, and neroli. My night cream is higher in vitamn C as I will not be at risk of UV damage, whilst still absorbing all the goodness of the citrus oils – resulting in a brighter complexion the next morning.

Serum: The Jojoba Company Absolute Serum

OK I admit it, I’m freaking out about wrinkles.Yes I’m only 21, but having ‘Prevention not cure’ drummed into me since I was a little tyke has made me farsighted with the whole thing. This is why I use Absolute Serum. The di-peptide carnosine in conjunction with hyaluronic acid and silymarin, a potent antioxidant from milk thistle, work together to aid collagen production and refine skin smoothness and expression lines. I find my skin feels refreshed and taut when I use this.

Some of the goodies it contains: 

• Pure Australian Jojoba – antioxidant, rich in Vitamins A, D+E, hydrating
• Hyaluronic acid – plumps skin
• Carnosine di-peptide – prevents stiffening of collagen
• Silymarin – effective radical scavenger
• Lillypilly – high in Vitamin C (nourishing)
• Kakudu Plum – high in Vitamin C (nourishing)
• Vitamin E – powerful antioxidant
• Lecithin – hydrating, softening and soothing agent

 

FACIAL REGIME:

For a deep cleanse, I set one day a week for a proper facial. I start by cleansing, then steaming the face with boiled water with essential oil and herbal tea.

This is then followed by an exfoliating peel, and finally a puryfying mud mask to draw out any lingering nasties.

Exfoliating peel: Aspect Fruit Enzyme Peel

A potent antioxidant-rich fruit enzyme mask which was originally designed to eliminate dead skin buildup and dissolve excessively peeling skin post in-clinic procedures. The peel provides gentle exfoliation, with antioxidant protection while it moisturises, smoothes and calms. My main reason for using it is that it addresses mild hyperpigmentation. I have this problem around my mouth and chin, and I’ve found that with regular use it has improved my skin tone and texture significantly.

Masque: Deep Sea Cosmetics Mud Masque 
This particular formula containing moisturizing components such as Avocado oil, Lavender oil and Vitamin E, based on Dead Sea mud, which gently purifies and cleans clogged skin pores.

OR

Homemade mask recipe

White clay (crushed) 1 tbsp

Oatmeal 1tsp

Honey 1tsp

Lemon juice 1tsp

Pinch of nutmeg

Aloe Vera (gel from one leaf)

Rosehip oil 2 drops

Grapeseed oil 5 drops

 

Mix all together to smooth paste, slather on your face and leave for 10-15 minutes.

 

*Images courtesy of Tilley Soaps, Humphrey’s Witch Hazel Dabur Rose Water, Aspect, Deep Sea Cosmetics, The Jojoba Company, Getty Images