SKINCARE ROUTINE

Until half a year ago, there were only two jars and a bottle on my bathroom shelf: day cream, night cream, and a cleansing mousse. What more do you need? I thought... Until I approached thirty and realized that my skin needed more than just a little cream in the morning. Now there are not three, but ten items on my bathroom shelf and I am quite a bit poorer. I did a skincare check-up with my friends from Kiehl’s and now I start every morning with twice as many dabs of this and that. Do you also have no idea what to apply to give your face what it needs? With these five steps, you keep your face smooth, tight, and radiant.

1. Cleansing

’At night, the skin produces waste products and skin oils lie on the surface. Therefore, it is very important to cleanse your face in the morning with a good facial cleanser (a gel or mousse). Because just water won't dissolve these facial oils. Wash your face during your shower ritual so that the pores open up from the warm water and your day care is then well absorbed.

2. Tonic water

The use of tonic water has a hydrating effect on your skin. The water softens the top layer of skin and ensures that the products you use afterward are better absorbed by the skin. Apply the tonic after cleansing by dabbing it on with a cotton pad.

3. Serum

Don't have this bottle in your bathroom yet? What a shame, girlfriend. A serum is thinner and lighter in texture and contains a good boost of vitamins and antioxidants. Unlike regular skin products, this bottle often consists of smaller molecules that can penetrate deeper into the skin layers. It addresses pigmentation spots, fine lines (because yes, thirty), and redness. Apply the serum after cleansing your face, so after your tonic and before your day cream, and gently pat it into your skin.

4. Eye cream

The area around the eyes is a sensitive zone. Besides the fact that the skin here is thinner and more sensitive, the eye contour contains no less than twenty-two little muscles that are constantly in motion. Moreover, the skin here has fewer sebaceous glands, which means that moisture deficiency occurs more quickly and the skin needs more hydration. Eye creams are often extra mild and contain active ingredients like caffeine, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid. This makes the area around your eyes smoother and you can wave goodbye to bags and crow's feet. Lightly dab the cream into your skin with your fingertips after the serum.

5. Day cream

Ready for the last step? That is a good day cream with a built-in SPF factor to protect your skin. A day cream ensures that the moisture balance of your skin remains stable. Make sure you use a cream that suits your skin type. Where I used to use a simple jar for dry skin, nowadays I get to use an anti-aging cream with antioxidants and hyaluronic acid. Whatever you choose, make sure you are well protected against air pollution, temperature differences, and of course the sun (yes, even in winter).

And now you can start your makeup round ;-).