Skincare Secrets of a Beauty Blogger

Taking care of the skin you are in is so important. No matter what makeup or airbrushing you have it can't work on what lies beneath. Skincare is so important. As a beauty blogger and a recently qualified facial therapist I have learned in depth all about the skin and how it is the most important organ in the body. The skin is the first thing which people see when they see us. It is the main barrier to infection, and in order to keep this barrier we need to keep the skin healthy and moisturised. If the skin becomes dry, or irritated it is then that we see the cracks in the skin and irritations. It doesn't have to be a complicated skin routine, but once the basics are covered then the skin will benefit.

Most people take their skin for granted, they don't think about the effects of the outside world on the skin. It's not until we injure ourselves that we think about the skin's function. Skincare is not rocket science but more so common sense. The skin itself is made up of three layers, epidermis, dermis and subcutaeneous layer (fatty layer). The Epidermis is the layer we can see with the naked eye. It is the one exposed to all elements, it provides a waterproof barrier and gives the skin its colour or tone. Next we have the dermis which is the layer where out blood supply, nerves, hair follicles, sweat glands etc are found. It is also know as the hypodermis or true skin. Lastly then is the subcutaeneous layer which is made up of fatty adipose tissue for protection and insulation.

So what does the skin do for the body? Well the main functions of the skin are as follows : absorption, elimination, sensation, excretion, protection, temperature regulation, and movement. Due to the skin havin so many functions it is very important that we know what we are using on our skin as it is such a vital part of the body. Due to this reason I select what I use on my skin very carefully, I make sure I know what effect the product will have on my skin and why I am using it. Good skin comes from a healthy balance of a healthy diet and a good skincare range and routine. Farfetch recently launched a new beauty section and I have been looking through and have picked a wishlist for my skin. I am going to go through my skincare routine below and recommend some products from the farfetch range.

A good skincare routine always starts with a double cleanse, Now you may wonder why a double cleanser, well let me enlighten you a little. It is super important to cleanse as when you cleanser you are removing any make up or impurities as if these are left on the skin overnight they will dry out the skin causing blemishes and clog the pores. I always like to use a good oil cleanser or a melting cleanser to remove my make up. After this is removed I like to go in with a cream/ gel cleanser to remove any of the last traces of makeup and to make sure my skin is ultimately spotless.

One of my favourite oil cleansers is the Dermalogica Pre Cleanse or the Nia Balm Cleanser. Farfetch have a great selection of cleansers and a balm cleanser that would melt away impurities is the Eve Lom Balm Cleanser. The EVE LOM Cleanser was described by Vogue as ‘probably the best cleanser in the world' and is the foundation of the Eve Lom skincare regime. It changed the face of cleansing and continues to, everywhere in the world where they launch, being expertly balanced for all skin types, skin concerns and environmental conditions. With its signature blend of four aromatic plant oils, specially woven 100% cotton Muslin Cloth and quick routine, the result is incredibly glowing, radiant skin with a smoother, more refined texture. The difference can be seen instantly and just keeps on improving with use. It deep cleanses without drying or stripping the skin of its natural oils. It removes waterproof makeup and provides a thorough cleanse which decongests the skin by draining away any toxins in the lymph system.

After cleansing using an oil cleanser I also love to double cleanse using a cleanser such as Ren Rosa Centifolia Foaming Cleanser to remove any traces of oil and any other residue left on the skin. Following use of a second cleanser I am sure that their are no traces of any impurities left on the skin and it is fresh and clear.

Next step is the toner. Why do we use toner? Well toner is designed to close the pores and tighten the skin. Depending on it's ingredients it may have different effects on the skin. After cleansing, what your skin needs is a range of ingredients that restore and repair its surface. Skin can never get too much of these important ingredients, which include antioxidants and skin-repairing substances such as glycerin, fatty acids, and ceramides. The right toner can give your skin a healthy dose of what it needs to look younger, fresher, and smoother, right after cleansing and throughout the day. Toners vary in effect such as ones with glycerin will attract moisture to the skin and hydrate, whereas alcohol will strip and dry the skin as it has astringent properties. I have chosen the Sial mineral rich tonic contains gold for cellular regeneration and optimization and silver for its natural anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial properties. Maral root, Siberian ginseng and Arctic plant (Adaptogens), increase the ability to adapt, resist and protect against environmental factors, improving cellular energy production, while counter-acting internal/ external stress and inflammation. Energized with Rose Quartz to calm and soothe the skin, it includes a bio-adhesion moisture complex, to protect from moisture loss. Finely infused with Rose Water for rejuvenation.

The next step in my routine twice a week is exfoliation. Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells from the stratum corneum of the skin which is the very top layer. As the skin cells move from the basal/stratum germinativum they start the keratinise which means they become dead horny cells. They then make their way to the top layer of the skin, and if they are not removed or desquamated they will give a dull ashen look to the skin. Exfoliation can be done by enzymes from fruit such as papain from papaya, bromelain from pineapple, malic acid from apples, or lactic acid from milk. Salicyic acid from aspirin is used to treat blemishes, and glycolic acid from sugarcane is often used in enzyme peels. Enzymes dissolve the dead skin cells on the surface layer of the skin, whereas mechanical exfoliation is the process of rolling beads on the surface layer to remove the dead skin cells. Rice bran and jojoba beads are typical examples of mechanical beads added to exfoliants.

From the Farfetch range I have selected both a mechanical exfoliant and an enzyme exfoliant. For the mechanical exfoliant I have selected the Diptyque Multi Use Exfoliating Clay this is a 2 in 1 product, due to its composition of marble powder it can be used as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells, and due to the apricot kernel oil, vitamins and trace minerals it can be left on the skin for 10 mins as a mask to revitalize the skin. For my enzyme peel I have selected the Dr Sebagh Deep Exfoliant. Voted 'Top Ten Face Mask' by Glamour. A combination of Azelaic and lactic acid to exfoliate dead layers of skin for a faster cell turnover. An excellent pre-party ritual, skin looks instantly lighter, brighter and smoother. For that wow factor of highly polished skin use once or twice a week. The lactic acid from milk an azelaic acid from flowers are both enzymes which break down the dead skin cells on the skin and leave you with a brighter fresher skin.

Exfoliation can work wonders for your skin improving not only the way it looks but also the way it feels. Exfoliation fights the signs of aging, shedding the layers of dead skin that often magnify fine lines and wrinkles, making them stand out and making us look older. Exfoliation can also help you if you suffer from blackheads, whiteheads or breakouts, for it will unclog your pores, ridding them of the oil that builds up underneath, and keeping your skin clean and smooth. If you suffer from acne, then exfoliation can be a great way to keep it under control. Exfoliation twice a week will work wonders for your skin.

Next up in the routine once a week I apply a face mask, depending on my skins need the mask may vary. As you can see above I have a peat mask on my face from the Ogra Range. The benefits of facial masks are to refine the skin, increase hydration, diminish fine lines, firm skin, and give an even skin tone. Clay masks can be suited to all skin types if you are mixing them up yourself. You can get the clay from your local beauty supply store. Homemade masks are made to suit the skin, kaolin is used for oily skin, calamine for sensitive, magnesium to tighten pores. These are excellent ways of using clay to refine the skin texture but it is not accessible to everyone, Commerical masks are the readily available and are available in many different types to suit different skin types. I have selected different masks from the Farfetch range to suit different skin types.

Dry/Dehydrated Skin : Rodial Dragons Blood Hylauronic Mask soothes, hydrates and nourishes skin that’s in need of repair. Sourced from the red sap of the ‘sangre de drago’ tree, Dragons Blood acts like a protective film on the over the face, shielding delicate skin from environmental damage. This deeply moisturising restorative mask is a must-have multi-tasker for your skincare regime, combining the potent natural anti-inflammatory properties of Dragon’s Blood with hydrating hyaluronic acid, which draws moisture into the skin for a plumping effect. Fine lines and wrinkles are instantly filled and imperfections smoothed away. Redness is reduced and glow restored, leaving skin looking firmer, healthier and visibly rejuvenated.

Oily Skin: Eve Lom Rescue Mask is designed to rescue the skin from the stressful envirnment. Rescue Mask has won In Style's award for “Best Mask for Congested Skin” for seven consecutive years. Featuring Camphor, Almond and Honey-infused Kaolin Clay, it is the perfect weekly deep clean to keep your complexion in radiant condition. Rescue Mask is also on hand when skin becomes stressed and in need of extra help. Whether it's blotchy, irritable break-outs, jet-lag, or morning-after puffiness, this hard-working and versatile mask will get your skin back on track. It deep cleanses without drying, gently decongests pores and absorbs excess oil, Smoothes and conditions skin surface, leaving it supple and soft, Helps calms redness and irritation , Instantly soothes puffy tired eyes and skin.

Normal Skin : SJAL Kashmir Saphir Perfecting Mask is a mask which has lifting and regenerative properties. It helps normal skin by providing it with a lift and firm. This mask contains a Blue Copper Peptide to promote collagen synthesis, toning and firming of the skin as well as GABA amino-acid and silk proteins for skin lifting and conditioning. Kashmir saphir balances, restores and evens skin tone using Gold, Platinum and Silver, while including bio-chemical tissue salts for cellular regeneration and metabolism as well as restoring cellular mineral imbalances. A mask containing Blue Lotus, Eastern herbs and Tamanu Oil to deliver calming, soothing, anti-irritation and oxygenating benefits while using Kashmir Blue sapphire is for clarity and vibrational energy. Restorative, firming and regenerating mask. This super-active treatment protects, softens, calms and evens skin tone while increasing oxygen uptake. Includes firming, lifting and pore minimizing properties for a perfected complexion.

After all of these processes it is now time to apply some eye serum, face serum and then moisturiser. It is super important to make sure the skin is well hydrated and to make sure you are aware of what is in the products you are using. In college we did some testing and were astounded at the results. If the products you are using are too harsh it can cause premature ageing and damage to the skin. Excessive use of incorrect products can cause fine line and wrinkles, dryness and dehydration. We first tested the ph of the skin, we the compared the ph of soap and the ph of Cif. I was utterly astounded to see that the soap was the same ph as cif, I mean in all honesty, would you really use cif on your face? No! Exactly, this is why it is so important to know what's in the products. Soap is extremely stripping and damages the skin. Dermalogica products all came out very very close to the ph of the skin meaning they will not disrupt the natural ph of the skin. It really was an eye opener.

Eye Cream/Serum is the next step in the skincare routine. Eye care is very important to help keep the delicate skin around the eyes nourished and revived. If the skin is dry/dehydrated fine line and wrinkles may appear. The skin around the eyes is very thin and delicate so it is very important to take care when applying creams or serums. Always apply from the outside in and with the pad of the ring finger. I have chosen the Sunday Riley Start Over Eye Cream from Farfetch. With all the eye-brightening benefits of a good night's sleep, Start Over Active Eye Cream simulates the beautifying effects of eight hours kip. Instantly cooling and lifting, it banishes bags and the circles of darkness whilst strengthening and regenerating delicate orbital tissue. This brilliantly targets crêpey-ness, crow's feet, shadows and puffiness, while powerful anti-oxidants nourish and help stave off future deterioration from sun exposure and free radical attack. It's eye opening! Start Over is a cooling eye cream that reduces puffiness & the appearance of bags so eyes look brighter & well rested. The perfect antidote to sleepless nights, this active cream is designed to alleviate inflammation, soothe irritation & 'fill in' fine lines for eyes that belie their insomnia. Vitamin C Ester & Pomegranate Seed Oil combine to stimulate collagen production for a plumper, firmer eye area while Liquorice brightens dark circles & NV-5 Ageless Complex repairs, rejuvenates & protects. Jessica Simpson and Amanda Seyfried are big fans of the start over cream.

Last but not least is the face moisturiser. Why do we moisturise? Think of the skin's surface like the paint on your car. If the paint is cracked, and left unprotected from the elements the metal quickly oxidizes and rusts. The same concept goes for your stratum corneum - once it's dry, brittle, or cracked, you've lost your shield/barier and the skin is vulnerable to exposure from the outside and water evaporates from the dermis. You can get cracks on the skin, and infections can easily occur. When the barrier function is compromised for any reason (trauma, wind, dry air, too many chemicals on your skin), bacteria enters the dermis through the cracks on the surface. To protect this from happening we apply moisturiser. Again moisturiser can be suited to your particular skin type. I have chosen a general all rounder from the Farfetch beauty range as a daytime moisturiser.

Algenist Sublime Defense Anti-Aging Blurring Moisturizer SPF 30 is formulated with anti-ageing alguronic acid and SPF 30, this detoxifying moisturiser creates a potent UV shield, defending skin against the effects of pollution, whilst blurring skin for a totally smooth appearance. After one use, skin feels significantly softer. After ten days of deep hydration at the cellular level, pores are noticeably tighter for an effortlessly flawless complexion. It provides the skin with that barrier needed to protect the skin from the elements.

And for night time I have chosen the OSKIA Bedtime Beauty Boost This nourishing night cream is packed with nutrients, bio-actives and floral extracts to supercharge skin overnight. The luxurious formula is designed to help stimulate the skin’s natural regeneration process, iron out the appearance of wrinkles and give skin a naturally radiant, youthful glow. Wake up to softer, healthier skin. Light in texture but rich in essential cell nutrients in addition to hydrating, brightening and anti-ageing actives, it is designed to help stimulate the skin’s natural regeneration process, iron out the appearance of wrinkles, reduce age spots and give skin a naturally radiant, youthful glow. Formulated with OSKIA’s unique nutritional approach and signature MSM repair & regenerating complex. Provides a feast of health and beauty-boosting nutrients to help rebuild cell health , Easily absorbed and non-greasy, Aids the natural repair and regeneration processes, Helps plump and smoothes fine lines and wrinkles, Stimulates collagen production, Provides long lasting hydration when your skin needs it the most, Helps lighten and prevent hyperpigmentation, Protects the skins own DNA.

So there ya have my skincare routine, it is quite a complex routine but it is well worth it. Beauty is a commitment and good skincare takes time and effort. It does not happen overnight and it takes time for the serums/creams to have an effect on the skin. It takes at least 4 weeks for a product to have a visible difference on the skin. I hope you found some new products to use and will check out www.farfetch.com to check out their new beauty range which contains loads of designer products.