There’s a cliche saying that “small things consistently done produce great results.” Might not like quotes, but this one is painfully truthful. Consistency works everywhere: at work, personal life, health. Sometimes it’s hard to notice the difference right away, but if you stick to the daily habits that you know are good for you, the results inevitably start to show. The same is true for the skincare routines. This is why I created a few daily skincare habits for myself and vouched to never skip them. Of course, there are days when I just fall off the bandwagon, but it’s more an exception. Being consistent helps me see the benefits these habits provide.
USING RETINOL FOR EARLY SIGNS OF AGING | I’m in my thirties, and of course I have signs of aging. I am completely comfortable with my wrinkles and wouldn’t want to erase them. However, my skin is a bit of a diva, and being naturally dry, it turns to dehydrate almost instantly it doesn’t like something (the weather, skincare, you name it). So I have been using retinol or its alternatives (e.g., bakuchiol) daily for a while now to prevent premature aging and give my skin the ability to slow down on the wrinkle-making process. I am currently using Retinol Night Serum from The Organic Pharmacy and really like it. It absorbs quickly and does not irritate the skin whatsoever.
SPF | Not a day goes by without me applying some kind of SPF on my face. I know it might seem like you need it only when you’re out in the direct sun, but we know better now. There are tons of evidence and claims from dermatologists that our skin might get damaged over time just from sitting in front of a computer screen or next to a window for prolonged amounts of time. So you need to protect it. Most often than not, I prefer moisturizers or makeup with included SPF, but with spring approaching fast, I decided to give this Coola Classic Face Sunscreen a try. It contains a broad spectrum of SPF50 and is water-resistant, so it’s even perfect for outdoor exercise.
TAKING CARE OF LIPS | A good nourishing lip balm is an essential in my daily life. I usually have two balms simultaneously: one at home and one in my purse. I don’t have a favorite, so I just get the one on sale or, depending on my mood, as long as it’s organic. My current is this John Masters Organic Calm Lip Balm with vanilla. It has a divine scent, and I really enjoy the nourishing texture. Another one I currently have is Logona Rich Lip Balm with calendula.
DRINKING LOTS OF WATER | And I mean, LOTS. I don’t think this habit needs any further explanation. Water is important; we’ll leave it at that. I usually reach for 1.5 liters as my daily goal. Any less, and my lips start to chap, but any more, and I feel too full and almost bloated. So 1.5l is my golden middle. Large glasses and room temperature water encourage me to drink more. I know that many people cringe even at the thought of lukewarm water and prefer cold water instead, but I have to listen to my body, which says, “girl, we do lukewarm or no water at all.” For travel or on days when I’m not glued to my workspace, I use this S’well White Marble Traveler bottle (I got it at Naturisimo, but it seems they no longer sell it). This stainless steel reusable bottle is just the most perfect and convenient thing! I own a couple of IKEA reusable bottles, which are good and durable but versatile and cute. You can use it not only for water but also for tea or any other beverages. I once used it for soup when traveling, and it worked great by keeping it warm. It keeps the drinks cool as well.
NOURISHING SKIN WITH OILS IN THE EVENING | Oils saved my skin. It would be parched without nourishing, hydrating, and rich oils. No amount of hydrating moisturizer can take care of my skin as the oils can. I use different oils in summer than I do in winter. I also have more than a couple oils on hand, but recently I’ve been enjoying the Ere Perez Australian Blue Cypress Face Nectar on a daily basis and Ere Perez Papaya SOS Marmelade for any dry patches or wind burnt areas that might be present.
What are your everyday skincare habits?