MY EVENING SKINCARE ROUTINE

In my recent question and answer post I was bombarded with requests to do an updated skincare routine so here it is. Today I'll be sharing with you my evening routine and next week I'll be sharing with you my morning routine. I'm doing it backwards because I've just changed back to a cleanser I was using a few months ago and I want to make sure that all goes well with it. Most of you will know that I'm a huge skincare lover (I'm currently working on an Ebook that'll be released early next year) and my routine is quite extensive. I'm not saying that everyone needs a routine like this but it's what I like to do and what works for me.

A bit of background on my skin - it's combination/oily and I have a huge array of problem depending on the time of month and all that fun stuff. I'm a big believer in watching your skin and switching products to accommodate the particular concerns that may arise. I have a huge problem with blackheads, enlarged pores and hormonal breakouts that also leads to hyper pigmentation and uneven skin tone. It may seems really crazy but it's manageable with the right products. 

CLEANSE 

Product: NAT. Face Rebalance Cleansing Gel* 

In the evening I prefer to use a gel cleanser over my usual creams. In the past I've used some really harsh ones that have made my skin stripped and tight but this one from NAT.Face is really lovely. It's designed to help regulate oils, reduce bacteria and soothe any sore red areas so if you're an oily/combo gal like me who has problems with breaking out this is perfect. It does lather but never strips the skin and the scent is really gorgeous but light. I always double cleanse no matter what but sometimes I use an exfoliator instead of this for the second cleanse. It's available here.

EXFOLIATE 

Product: The Body Shop Pore-Cleansing Facial Exfoliator 

I went a long time not using a manual exfoliator because it was a bit of a trend to hate on them (more on that experience later) but I've come back to doing it 4-5 times a week. As I mentioned earlier my skin is incredibly prone to blackheads so exfoliating is a key step to helping manage that problem. I'm so glad to be back using a manual exfoliator because no matter what everyone says, it's what works best for me. The one by The Body Shop is the best one I've found in terms of being gritty enough to be effective without being overly harsh or irritating the skin.

TONE 

Product: Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing All Over Toner*

A press sample I'll happily buy over and over again. This toner I've been using alot because it's an extra step to help treat breakouts without being stripping or harsh. A blend of salicylic acid and oils like argan, orange and lemongrass makes for a perfect treatment for pesky blemishes whilst soothing the skin. It's the most effective toner I've ever used and I can definitely notice a difference when using it, it's well worth the $23. 

TREAT 

Products: Clarins Double Serum*, La Mav Antioxidant Rich Nightly Repair*, John Plunkett Glyco Peel 

Here is where I chop and change every night dependent it on how my skin is. The Clarins Double Serum I use if I have no active breakouts because it helps with cellular renewal but also has rose hip oil and hyaluronic acid to help the keep the skin hydrated and plump. I think that this serum is a good all-rounder that any skin would benefit from. The one from La Mav has a similar effect but I find this one more of an oil consistency so this is my 'lazy' serum, reserved for night where I can't be bothered doing both a serum and an oil. When I'm breaking out I like to use the John Plunkett Glyco Peel which I've repurchased again and again. It's 25% Glycolic Acid which it really helps buff away any dead skin cells or dry bits. Don't be fooled by the words 'peel' or 'acid' it's super gentle. 

BOOST

Products: Kosmea Skin Clinic Rose Hip Oil and Eco Pigmentation Serum*

Now I like to move onto products that are really going to hydrate my skin and give it an extra boost. I've spoken alot about Eco Pigmentation Serum but it's been working really well for me. I use it every second night to help reduce pigmentation and dark marks. The high levels of Vitamin E means that it works wonders for evening out the skin tone. The consistency is very rich therefore it does tend to leave alot of residue on the skin but it's worth the results I've been seeing. An oldie but a goodie is rose hip oil which really helps me when I have dry patches and rough skin texture. Another product I think any skin type could benefit from. 

MOISTURISE 

Products: Trilogy Eye Contour Cream and Optiva Nourishing Night Cream* 

I've been trying to find a replacement for my Benefit eye cream that's super moisturising but nothing compares to that. I have severely dehydrated skin around my eye area and the Trilogy Eye Contour Cream just doesn't cut the mustard for me. It is gorgeous but not rich enough for my poor eye area. For all over the face the Optiva cream is fantastic either alone or layered with an oil. It's a really affordable, basic cream but it does exactly what it claims to do - nourish and moisturise the skin. 

ZAP 

Product: Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel*

Depending on how large of an area I'm applying this gel I may apply it before my moisturiser, generally I'm only applying it too a few spots so I mainly use it after. I take a cotton-tip and apply this to any active spots. I find it's one of the most effective spot treatments I've used for helping to move along the healing process. I would be hesitant to recommend this if you have severe acne or would be applying it over larger areas because it can be quite drying. 

What are you favourite products to use at night?

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*products provided for consideration - honesty as always :)