My barrier friendly routine
I have been an investigator this last year on what causes my rosacea to flare. Managing any skin condition takes more than just using the right products and getting facials. It has so much to do with what is happening internally. Here are some of my takeaways.
I cook 95% of my meals at home. Dairy and gluten are not triggers for me. My diet is simple, nothing revolutionary, I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables and am always trying to get enough protein and fiber. Buying organic is a priority. I avoid processed sugar because it is highly inflammatory and it is a trigger for me. I rarely drink alcohol anymore and when I do it is intentional and if I drink wine I am prepared to be red in the face. I hydrate like it’s my job. I take a high quality fish oil, zinc, and a probiotic daily. Taking fish oil consistently has been a game changer in strengthening my skin barrier. I recommend this to pretty much every client.
Like many, I am becoming more aware of the role my nervous system plays in my overall health and therefore the health of my skin. Stress is unavoidable but with different meditation and spiritual practices and regular therapy I have become much more resilient to it when it comes. Getting a dog has been a beautiful addition to my life, it gets me outside walking daily, with that comes stress reduction, lymph flow, and creative ideas.
I love my skincare routine. It is something I look forward to. Everything I use is Botnia unless otherwise stated. I believe wholeheartedly in every single product they create and am grateful to be a partner with such thoughtful innovators.
Morning:
Quick note on application. I try not to rub anything on but rather press it into my skin. I find that to be more gentle for my sensitive skin.
I splash my face with cool water. Sometimes I cleanse with the Gentle Cleanser if I feel like I need it. Maybe I had a sweaty nights sleep or have gone walking and need some extra cleansing.
A heavy handed spray of hydrosol. I rotate based on what is on hand. Right now I am using the Wild Rose Hydrosol that I made. It is lovely.
I let that dry a little bit and then on damp skin I put on a facial oil and one pump of Well Serum. I blend them together in my hand. I either use the Clarity Oil or the Remedy Oil.
I let that absorb. Then I put on the Gentle Sun Cream. It goes on beautifully over the oil and it smells like roses. This SPF if unlike anything else out there.
Night:
I love my night time skin ritual. I never rush it.
Cleanse with Balancing Oil Cleanser. This is brilliant for removing layers of SPF. I sometimes double cleanse with the Gentle Cleanser.
Another heavy handed spray of my hydrosol of choice. The Rose Geranium one is lovely too.
On damp skin I apply two pumps of the Hydrating Serum. Hyaluronic Acid holds water so it is important to put it on damp skin.
After that soaks in a bit I apply two pumps of Well Serum. My essential desert island product hands down.
Daily Face Cream is my final step. This moisturizer delivers both water and lipids, two things the barrier needs most. A little goes a long way.
Two nights a week at night I use the Fade Serum. It is a gentle mandelic acid serum that is suitable for sensitive skin. This serum combines exfoliation, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support plus microbiome balance.
This routine consistently has gotten my skin to a really balanced place. I adjust products based on the season but generally it is some version of this.
Thank you for reading! As always please reach out if you have any questions!
~Anna