A short disclaimer.  I am not a dermatologist or any kind of skincare expert.  I have built my routines on research, reviews that I’ve read and of course some good ol’ trial and error.  This is also NOT a sponsored post.  These are genuinely all products that I have bought, used and live by.

Living in a super busy and often congested city like Toronto can be really tough on your skin.  I don’t drive in the city and walk pretty much everywhere.  I’m constantly dealing with different temperatures, air quality and not to mention the dust and debris that floats around from construction and cars.

I do have to say that I’m lucky (knock on wood) that I don’t suffer from problem skin.  My biggest issues are dryness, sensitivity, a little bit of hyper pigmentation (freckles and some dark spots) and the occasional breakout.  And of course, the older I get I’m starting to battle the fine lines and wrinkles too.  I like to keep my routine pretty simple focusing on ensuring my skin is getting the love and care it needs to keep it healthy.  I spend more time in the evening on my routine making sure I get every speck of make-up off.  I focus on  infusing my skin with as many good things I can get my hands on to take advantage of the rejuvenation that happens during sleep.

Some Facts About Your Skin

1. Skin is the largest organ in the body
2. Skin plays a huge role in regulating your body temperature
3. You start aging at 20.  Collagen starts to deplete as we age and low levels of collagen is what contributes to wrinkles and sagging skin.  This can be combated with the use of Vitamin C which delays the rate at which collagen is depleted.
4. Your face shrinks as you age.  This is because we lose bone mass. To take care of your bone mass, you can take calcium and magnesium supplements and other minerals. They support your facial structure and prevent the skin from hanging off the face.
5. What you put on the inside will show on the outside.  Your diet will greatly affect the way your skin looks. Fruits and vegetables are important since they contain a lot of vitamins.  Drinking plenty of water will also keep your skin hydrated.

In terms of the actual products I use, I focus on those that are “hydrating” since my skin does run dry.  During the warmer months I do prefer lighter, fast absorbing products so I don’t feel heavy throughout the day.

My Morning Routine

I try not to do TOO much in the morning and focus more on prepping my skin for the day.  If there is one thing I never forget during the summer it’s SPF SPF SPF.  Although you really should be wearing it year round.

1. Wash my face with a gentle cleanser – currently using Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser
2. Tone – currently using Aveeno Positively Radiant Toner
3. An anti-aging serum and Vitamin C serum.  Currently using The Ordinary Buffet and The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%
4. Moisturize with a light cream that has SPF.  Currently using Nivea Q10 Plus Anti Wrinkle Day Cream with SPF 30

Every few days when I have time,  before I wash my face I take a lemon wedge and lightly apply it to my entire face.  I leave the juice on for about 5-10 minutes and then follow the above routine. The lemon does an AMAZING job of brightening and even very slightly lightening my complexion.  I would recommend testing it out on your wrist or neck first to make sure you aren’t sensitive to the lemon juice before applying it to your entire face.

My Night-Time Routine

Here’s where it gets more complex.  I want to make sure I have removed every spec of dirt and make-up from my face and then I alternate with certain treatments like exfoliating and face masks.

1. Use Face Wipes or Micellar Water to pre-cleanse my face and take off my eye make-up.  Currently using Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes & L’Oreal Micellar Water
2. Wash my face with a gentle foaming cleanser or a facial bar – same cleanser as the morning
3. Tone – same cleanser as the morning
4. Serums meant for night application – same as the morning but I also add The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane as a final step which is an oil based serum so it helps to moisturize as well
5. Chapstick or Vaseline Lip Therapy in Cocoa Butter on my lips

Every 2nd or 3rd day I use an exfoliating scrub or my Conair Exfoliating Facial Brush to remove dead skin cells and brighten and once a week I do a face mask.  Some of my favourites are the Sephora Sheet Masks and the Fresh Rose Face Mask.

I do wear make-up regularly so I try to have make-up free days as much as possible or just try to wear less when I can.

Final Advice

There are hundreds and hundreds of products that are out there and new ones coming out every day.  I have often found that breaking down all the information to the simplest things is actually the best for yourself and for your skin.

1. Eat a balanced diet
2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
3. Get a good night’s sleep
4. Moisturize

Would love to hear about some of your go-to products and any advice that you have for keeping your skin healthy and fresh.