I used to only wash my face with water. Like not even with an expensive thermal water, I’m talking water - straight from the tap. And you know what? That’s all my face needed. Plus, I was in my early twenties, my collagen stores were plentiful and I slept eight hours straight. My thought process never even stepped foot inside the realms of a skincare world...
And then I had kids. Before I knew it, I was Googling ‘what causes dark under eye circles?’ (Answer: children) and ‘how do you get rid of them?’ (Answer: celibacy) every time I sat down to feed my son, which felt like a hundred times a day. It’s true though, your life does change completely following the birth of your children. Although what people fail to mention as often, is that your face will change too. At least mine did. And sure in the grand scheme of things, it’s not a big deal to semi-swap your sanity and your face for the joy that is raising human beings. It is a small price to pay and with a coming of age and moving to the newer (and wiser) 30-35 age bracket, I do feel much more confident in who I am now, which is a major life bonus… but my face does need a little help these days and I’m not afraid to admit it. In fact, I’m all about sharing my ‘anti-ageing’ skincare finds with other women of the world, because in reality finding skincare products that do what they’ll say they do can be a bit of a minefield. In this modern age where women have to ‘be it all’ and ‘do it all’, spending a little time on a skincare routine can also contribute to some much needed ‘self-care’. Which is something that many of us tend to throw to the bottom of our to-do list. When in reality, it is a very important thing. Anyway, ageing is inherently a condition we will all meet with different trains of thoughts. And no matter where you stand on the subject, I think it’s safe to say that it’s ok to want to chat about it. That way you can take from it what you like/works for you and leave anything that won’t work (right now) behind. However, let’s not forget about it, because like anything face related, things can change quickly and what was once not needed might soon turn out to be your go-to. Especially as you move from one age bracket to the next. Or add another child to the mix. So let’s chat a little more about anti-ageing skincare products because these are the ones I’m currently reaching for: Youth To The People Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser Honestly, this is a super gentle cleanser perfect for morning/night and every skin type. Plus, it’s filled with antioxidant-rich ingredients such as kale and green tea, which we all need as we start to age. However, at night I always double cleanse, which has changed my skin for the better. I start with Medik8’s Lipid Balancing Cleansing Oil, which not only melts away a day’s worth of makeup, but it’s designed to replenish the skin’s natural barrier which is very important to keep your face looking youthfully radiant. Then I generally follow with a creamy cleanser such as the OMOROVICZA Thermal Cleansing Balm so that I don’t dry out my skin. Exfoliating is also a major player in my skincare routine and since I have been growing and breastfeeding children for the better half of three years I am religious about using Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Peel Pads, which act like a mini home peel when you can’t get to a salon yourself. Once a week I also use Glam Glow’s GRAVITYMUD’s Firming Treatment, which leaves my face feeling unbelievably smooth. As well as DR. JART+Hydration Lover Rubber Mask, as it helps plump any much-needed hydration back into my face. Warning: it does look a little terrifying when you wear it. Tatcha’s Luminous Dewy Skin Mistis also worth the spend. I seriously have no idea how a tiny spritz of this product can leave you looking so radiant, but it does. I use it on bare skin and over makeup and I never leave the house without it now. Serums and oils have also been my major game changers. In the morning I never go without an antioxidant serum and currently use SkinBetter Science Alto Defense Serum as it neutralises free radicals, soothes and brightens, layered under Medik8’s Physical Sunscreen which is SPF 30 and amazing under makeup. I then apply Fresh Beauty’s Youth Preserve Face Cream because it’s lightweight/non-greasy, great for this time of year and honestly, these three products feel like the best combination in the AM to protect ageing skin. At night I never go without Aspect Extreme B serum, which is an all in one powerhouse anti-ageing and brightening cocktail that I swear has given my face my pre-baby glow back. And I keep things simple by layering Omorovicza Miracle Face Oil as it contains bakuchiol, a naturally derived alternative to retinol (great when you’re breastfeeding!) over the top. Also right now, I think that’s all I need. Words: Yadira Galarza Cauchi