Revamp your routine - the best of winter skincare

19:00 Monday 23rd of November 2015

Does you skin feel dull and lifeless and in need of revamp? Our skin tells a story and shows a complete picture of how we live our lives.

Let me give you an example - after a weekend where you have eaten really heavy luxury foods or maybe drank a few too many glasses of wines, the effects can often be seen in your skin. For the week, you can see that your skin is dry and dehydrated, or you suffer with a major break out.

No need to wonder why! That's our body's way of telling us that there are too many toxins in the body that need to get out. In the same way, what we apply to our skin has the same effect. Lotions and potions are absorbed into our pores through the skin surfaces.

It is so easy after a long day to reach for the face wipes to take our make-up off and use any old moisturiser we find lying around. Little do you know the damage you are doing to your skin. Stop what you're doing and think!

To achieve the long term effect of well nourished, healthy, glowing skin you need to take a look at how you are treating your skin. What are you doing to help with the anti-ageing process? Ask yourself, do I drink enough water or can I cut out some of those greasy fatty foods?

Coming up to Christmas, we all like to indulge, but if we train ourselves into following a daily routine morning and evening, it will start to become second nature to you.

I have picked different cleansers, toners and moisturisers for different skin types that I think are a great way to get you started on what will become the best decision you have made in looking after your skin.

Cleansers are used for a number of different purposes. Not only will they remove make-up but a good cleanser will remove of dead skin cells, dirt and unclog your pores.

It is so important to start every morning and finish every evening with your skin regime. I can tell you that your make-up will glide on in the mornings and in the evenings you can be sure that removing your make-up, cleansing and moisturising your skin will become a vital, feel-good part of your routine.

Liz Earle Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser

The award winning Hot Cloth Cleanser is ideal for all skin types and all ages it will remove any make-up, oil and dirt from the skin.

The Hot Cloth Cleanser works in two different phases. The first phase is cleansing the skin. It removes any oils, dirt or make-up from the skin surface. It is free from any mineral oils and is a creamy and rich texture.

Phase two is polishing of the cream using the pure muslin cloth which will also help dislodge any dead skin cells and leaves the skin feeling clean, fresh and radiant.

100ml €20.75

HOW TO USE

Massage one or two pumps onto dry skin over face and neck twice a day.

Rinse the pure muslin cloth in hand-hot water and wring out before gently wiping off the cream. Rinse and repeat.

Splash face with cold water and wait till dry. Then continue with toner and finish with moisturiser.

CLARINS

Clarins Pure Melt Cleansing Gel with Marula Oil is a triple textured cleaning gel. It transforms into an oil that melts away every last bit of excess oil and impurities from the skin.

Water activates into a silky milk that rinses the skin clean. The marula oil helps nourish and soothes the skin for optimal radiance and comfort.

Skin is left deeply cleansed and completely oil and dirt free. Suitable for for all skin types.

12ml €23.00

HOW TO USE

Apply a small amount at first (you can always apply more) onto the fingertips and massage in circular motions gentle for a few seconds.

Emulsify the skin with water and rinse. Continue with toning and moisturising the skin.

	IMAGE Image Vital C Hydration Facial Cleanser is a fantastic cleanser for people who are suffering with sensitive, acne, eczema or sunburned skin. It is a very soft and gentle cleanser, but also very effective. While cleansing the skin from impurities, excess oils and make-up, it also has all the essentials antioxidants and vitamins the skin needs. It works wonders with soothing and hydrating roascea skin and is paraben free. HOW TO USE Pump a small amount onto the fingertips and massage into the skin. Using lukewarm water and cotton discs, remove the cleanser from the face in circular motions. Continue with toning and moisturising the skin.
	For our next step in conquering our perfect beauty regime, we must talk toners. Some people argue that you don't need them once you have cleansed the skin. However I feel that if I leave out my toner and move straight to moisturising, I feel like I have forgotten something, it just doesn't feel the same. After I tone I can automatically feel the difference it makes. It feels completely fresh and clean from all impurities, allowing a perfectly even surface for my moisture to be applied and absorbed directly into the skin. Here are the toners I have picked which can be paired with all of the above cleansers I have mentioned. Simple Simple's Kind to Skin Soothing Toner is just that - kind and gentle on the skin. It is a light, alcohol-free toner leaving the skin feeling fresh without irritating or dehydrating the skin. It contains witch hazel which will tighten and tone. This is suitable for all skin types and the Ph balance works in harmony with your skin. Only using a small amount means the you won't run out any time soon! HOW TO USE Apply a small amount onto a cotton disc and gently glide it around the face and neck. Allow to dry and then apply your moisturiser.
	Neal's Yard. Neal's Yard Rehydrating Rose Toner is naturally balanced and refreshes the skin. Freshly damask roses are distilled to create this beautiful facial toner. Made with 95% natural ingredients, this toner is suitable for all skin types and even vegans. *How to use*. Apply a small amount onto a cotton disc and gently glide it around the face and neck. Allow to dry and then apply your moisturiser.
	Don't forget the moisturiser! After a day where our skin is exposed to the environment and a layer of make-up, your sensitive epidermis needs the chance to be replenished and hydrated. When you are choosing your moisturiser, looking for active ingredients such as botanical extracts and oils will help encourage the rebooting of elasticity, texture, clarity, fine lines and wrinkles. These ingredients are what we need on a daily basis to help prevent early signs of ageing. Picking a moisturiser can sometimes be overwhelming as there are so many different to choose. That is why it is so important to examine your skin to see what skin type before you spend money on products. Here are different moisturiser for different skin types to jump-start your new skin regime. *L'Oreal Paris Revitalit Magic Blur* What if you could insistently blur fine lines, wrinkles and pore sizes with the help of one magic cream? The L'Oréal Laboratories have fused a power anti-ageing formula with blurring polymers inside a moisturising, skin smoothing cream. This unique finishing cream blends into the skin leaving a light finish which smooths out fine lines and wrinkles, pores and minimises little flaws and imperfections. This potion is enriched with pro-retinol A, which targets the signs of ageing. This magic cream can also be worn under your foundation for smoother, even application and wear which is an added bonus. 50ml €15.99 How to Apply Using your fingertips, apply a small amount of cream all around the face and neck area. Then using gentle circular motions, massage the product into the skin.
	Burt's Bees Goodnight Sensitive Skin. If you have sensitive skin, you know you have to be so careful about what you use on your face or body. The last thing you want to do is irritate or redden the skin. This moisturiser is specifically formulated with softening cotton extract that can help sustain moisture. This helps shield skin from potential irritants such as harsh soaps or facial cleansers. It also contains rice extract, which helps moisture the skin as well as aloe which we all know soothes the skin. This night cream is also fragrance free and hypoallergenic. This is a 'must have' for those of you who suffer from sensitive skin. 50g €23.50 How to use Using your fingertips apply a small amount of cream all around the face and neck area then using gentle circular motions massage the product into the skin
	*Dermalogica's Active Moist.* I have always suffered with over active sebaceous glands which means I have oily skin. To be honest, it's a real pain. When I am choosing any product may it be make-up or face masks, right to my night moisturiser, I have to consider the ingredients. Will the product matte my problem or increase oil production? I have had many a trial and error but I have found the perfect night moisturiser for oily skin. Dermalogica's active moist is a full of natural ingredients such as lemon, cucumber and burdock which allows texture to be evened out, hydration is maintained and skin is left feeling smooth. This product is known to combat excess oil production and feels incredible lightweight on the skin. Making this part of your daily skin regime will truly give you viable results after only a few applications. It is truly worth every cent! 50ml €36.05 How to apply Using you fingertips apply a small amount of cream all around the face and neck area then using gentle circular motions, massage the product into the skin. My top tips: Don't forget about your neck! The first signs of early ageing appear in the neck and décolletage area.When cleansing and moisturising bring the products right down to your décolletage and massage into the skin. Using an SPF minimum of 15 in your creams will protect your skin from sun damage right through to the cold harsh weather. Luckily, this is usually included in most products. So learn to love your skin and protect it.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.