A year ago my skin was in shambles. Today I'm on Imuran and actually had a Dermatologist appointment yesterday. Let me know if you want to know more about Imuran - I do mention it a fair bit. The Imuran is for eczema treatment.
Way back in November of 2015 I did a long post on what my AM/PM routine is for skin care. At that stage I was still early in the days of my treatment with Imuran and on a low dosage, combined with Prednisolone. I've been on Imuran now for nearly 6mths and am at a higher dose.
Imuran has helped immensely with the improvement of my skin and thus my routine has changed - I dont need the 10 or 11 or 12 steps I used to do. My routine has become shorter and lighter.
(I feel the need to explain that I am on medication to help with my skin so you don't think my improvements have been due to JUST skincare.#imuranlifestyle)
So Part One - Morning Routine!
I don't spend a long time on my morning routine. Pretty much I grab my basket of goodies, my cup of coffee and watch the morning news for about 20mins, this gives the product time to sink in and be rady for the sunscreen layer later on. Some things are AB, some are Western. I tend to follow the AB routine of layering products but have been switching item in and out.
1. Wipe down with micellar water. Currently finishing off a Garnier micellar water. I have lined up next the Simple miceller water (it has niacinamide in, main reason why I bought it). I avoid a heavy cleanse in the morning because of my dry skin, I find that the micellar waters to a good job for my skin type.
2. Toner - I am using the Rosette Ceramides Lotion as my new toner, as I have just used up the Sukin Hydrating Mist Toner - rosewater, chamomile and aloe. But I will buy more of the Sukin Toner in the next Priceline sale - this is very refreshing on hot days. During Feb I kept it in my work bag as a spray for during the day at work. The Ceramide lotion is ok so far.
3. Serum - I've started using POND'S Collagen Serum (from this post). The texture is slick and a little goes a long way - 3 drops is actually enough. I have moved the Mizon to night only to give the POND'S a whirl. I mentioned in my old routine that I was also using the DermaVeen Serum. That was utter crap. Irritated my skin and did not help at all. So I'm using it on my legs to finish it off. I also have been using extra Hydraluron Indeed Labs if I get a bit flakey.
4. Eye Cream - I have finished my QV Eye cream and am now using POND'S dual eyecream (can't remember where I picked this up - I was rummaging through my skincare stash for a new eyecream and found it. So started using it. Nice stuff). I have the L'Oreal Revitalift eyecream lined up next.
5. Light moisturiser - either the SkinFood Lettuce and Cucumber Emulsion or the Mizon Collagen Emulsion. The Lettuce and Cucumber is still going strong. The bottle seems to never end!
6. Heavy moisturiser - Nivea Visage Pure and Natural Moisturising Day Creme (haul in this post). I like this a lot. Its quite rich and soothing. OR EgoSilic15 cream - this is a barrier cream with dimethicone in. Specifically for eczema use. I use this everywhere as well as my face
7. Suncreen - Hamilton Face (from this post, it has become my favourite sunscreen)
I usually get up to stage 6 then get dressed, and then apply suncreen before my makeup.
I have found from having a large "wardrobe" of skincare items I can change it up as my skin needs change. If I'm really dry I will put more steps in, as the weather changes I can put different items in. I've learnt over the past year that it is important to adapt your routine to your lifestyle and the weather. I used to have just one moisturiser and micellar water, thats all I used. There are days when all I do is use micellar water, serum and a moisturiser. But there are days when I do 11 steps - I do these now somewhat more as a "spa day" type of treat.
But I am determined to finish of that SkinFood Emulsion!
Do you have a skincare "wardrobe"? How do you change your routine?
