My skin care routine - exact and disciplined, leaving little room for error.  

One of the longest-standing traditions amongst women is the sharing of beauty secrets. So, today I am sharing here a few of my very best kept. As I’ve written previously, I have acne-prone skin and establishing a routine that works for me has taken years. Since turning 30 this year, I’ve introduced a few new products and techniques that have worked like magic to keep my complexion blemish free, while managing, too, to counteract the first signs of aging. 

Of note, I slowly start to adjust my routine based on the season. For warmer weather, I introduce less creamy products as a rule. Now, allow me to walk you through the skin care routine that I’ve employed since March.  

Daily

I always remove my make up with Bioderma Sensibio H20 Make-Up Removing Micelle Solution. I have been using it for years and it is very gentle. I then cleanse my face, neck and décolleté with Biologique Recherche (BR) Lait E.V., which is for dehydrated skin. I change up my cleansers from BR depending on what my skin seems to need. 

I tone my skin with Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 PIGM 400, which is exfoliating. This particular formula is for reducing and preventing pigmentation. I’ve been using it for years now and, because of its gentle exfoliation, I do not further exfoliate my skin—except, that is, in the case of a facial (which I do approximately every 2-3 months, depending on how reactive my skin is). 

In the evening, I moisturize with Biologique Recherche Creme Placenta, which is ideal for skin with seborrheic tendencies. It purifies, while also reduces acne marks and scarring. 

In the morning time, instead of the face cream I apply Alumiers Alumience A.G.E serum, which reduces signs of aging caused by free radicals and pollution. Then, I use Alumiers Sheer Hydration Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40 (untinted), which is moisturizing. The formula is fast absorbing and has not caused me any breakouts. 

Finally, both morning and evening I use Biologique Recherche Creme Contour des Yeux et levres Biofixine, which is an anti-wrinkle eye cream that works great under make up. I love it.

Treatments

Aside from religiously following the above routine, I add a few products into the mix when my skin is reactive. My favourite mask ever — the one I’m wearing as I write this — is Biologique Recherche Masque Vivant, which is ideal for purification and brightening. Tip: when my skin is more reactive due to hormones, I add a pinch of baking soda. I’ve been using this mask once or twice a week for the past year and a half. 

For times when my skin is breakout prone, also known as PMS time, I use Forlle’d Hyalogy AC Clear Essence serum prior to applying my moisturizer at night. 

For spot treatment, I use either Kate Somerville EradiKate or Mario Badescu Drying Lotion. I am convinced these are the exact same formulas. The only difference seems to be price and availability; Somerville is $10 more expensive and available at Sephora. That’s why, since finding Badescu on Amazon, I’ve only been using it. While excellent for those pesky breakouts, use it carefully, as it is a very drying formula. 

In the mornings or while I’m travelling, when my skin feels puffy, I use Cleres Rose Quartz Face Roller. It works even better when you keep the roller in the fridge. I use it after washing my face and before toning. There are a number of techniques available. Personally, I like to roll up. I also use facial cupping, but that is for another post!

The products mentioned are more challenging to track down as they are mostly available through professional services. All of my Biologique Recherche products are from at Visage Clinic, meanwhile Alumiers products can be found at a spa near you, using their online store. The products are on the higher end in terms of cost, but they do last me an average of 3 to 4 months. Finally, one of the best decisions I made was to consult with a dermatologist and a see a trusted aesthetician. I will go more in detail as to the various services I use and whom I trust in the next couple of weeks. 

With Love…

Marta