I’ve recently turned 38 and I get a lot of comments about how great my skin looks relative to my age and get asked what I do to keep it in good condition. Well, the answer is, I look after my skin and have been since I was 14 (thanks to having a mum who taught me the importance of looking after my skin since I was young). I have never had botox or any type of tweakments and for over a year now I have been making and using homemade, all-natural products and my skin has never felt or looked this great!
Considering we are going to be in some level of lockdown for quite a while now, I thought this would be an excellent time to share some of my trade secrets with you. Considering all people will be seeing of you via video conferencing calls are your top and your face, now would be a good time to continue or start looking after your skin! I have tried and tested a few morning skincare routines and this is one of my favourites, so I’m going to share this with you first.
See below my video on my full morning skincare routine version 1 (as I mentioned previously, I have a few). Please don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube channel, like and share my video.
As promised in my video, this blog will serve as a written version of it.
STEP 1: SKIN PREP
First of all, I put on my ridiculous but makes me happy ‘mouse-ear’ headband (as you will witness in my video). Then I rinse my face with cold water three times for the following reasons:
1. Wakes me up
2. Sometimes when we wake up in the morning, our face can look a bit puffy. This is because when we sleep our cells regenerate and so our pores expand. Washing with cold water closes our pores and reduces this puffiness.
3. Causes your capillaries to dilate and the tiny erectile muscles of the pores in your skin to tighten
For those of you that follow beauty trends closely, you’ll know about the ‘shove your face in a bowl of water with ice’ (as I call it) as an anti-ageing treatment. Steer clear of this if you are prone to broken capillaries.
Capillaries are tiny blood vessels throughout the body and face that connect arteries and veins. They form an intricate network around the body tissues to distribute oxygen and nutrients to the cells and remove waste substances. When damaged they show up as thin red lines on the face, commonly around the nose and in the cheek area. I have on my cheeks as a result of my revolting habit of being a smoker. I also have in and around my nose area and that is from having sinus problems when I was younger.
I then spritz on some rose water, which I now make myself (and will be selling for those in Joburg that are interested).
Rose Water is traditionally used as a toner, but I put it on, especially if I’m going to be exercising or if it’s a Monday and I’m making my all-natural, anti-ageing face mask for the week. It hydrates, moisturises and revitalizes your skin gets rid of that ‘dry skin’ feeling (it’s not drying out your skin to be clear) from your pores tightening.
STEP 2: REHYDRATE
It is extremely important to rehydrate your body in the morning as your body would not have had water for the number of hours that you managed to get some sleep. Keeping hydrated also helps with a healthy complexion. You can simply have a glass of water or a glass of warm water (you can add some lemon and ginger to boost your immune system). This is what I drink first thing to rehydrate at the moment.
Ingredients >>
· Aloe Vera Juice
· Probiotic liquid
· Coconut Water
Check out recommended products in my video link description.
How to make >>
1. Add 3 tbsp of Aloe Vera Juice to a glass.
2. Then add 2 tbsp of probiotic liquid.
3. And lastly, top up your glass with coconut water.
4. Stir it and drink up.
Aloe Vera Juice 101 >
· Helps improve your digestive system (which is key to healthy skin).
· Flushes out toxins from your body.
· Loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which is great for both body and skin.
· Helps to treat anaemia.
· Balances hormonal issues.
· Promotes radiant skin.
· Boosts your immune system.
Probiotics 101 >
· The good bacteria that keep your gut healthy.
· Helps to treat eczema, psoriasis, herpes and acne.
· Help improves your mood.
· Boost your immune system.
· Help you lose weight and fat around your stomach.
Coconut Water 101 >
· Contains antioxidant properties.
· Hydrates and replenishes electrolytes in your body.
· Can benefit your heart, blood sugar and kidney health.
I have since I can remember, suffered from stomach issues and I have been drinking this every morning for 2 weeks now and it has completely helped improve my digestive system and stomach dramas.
If you exercise in the morning, now is a good time. Then have a shower before starting your morning skincare routine. I do sometimes shower after I’ve done my face mask and cleanser.
STEP 3: ALL-NATURAL DIY ANTI-AGEING FACE MASK
So from my months of research into DIY all-natural skincare products, I stumbled across this great Ayurvedic anti-ageing face mask. The original recipe is just mixing banana with milk, but after all my research I added some honey to this magical mask. For all those that have come for my Anti-ageing Ayurvedic Facial and Tutorial, you’ll know all about the amazingness of this mask. Since the lockdown, I have added three key essential oils to the mixture to make this even better! Essential oils can have amazing effects by using them topically, orally (must be pure) and aromatically. The essential oils I have added are both great for the skin and boost your mood from their smells (and I think we all need a bit of mood-boosting during this apocalypse).
Ingredients >>
¼ banana
1 tsp of raw or pure honey
2 tsp of milk or almond milk
2 drops of Bergamot Essential Oil
2 drops of Lemon Essential Oil
2 drops of Clary Sage Essential Oil
How to make >>
Cut a ¼ of a banana, mash it up and place in a small container.
Add a tsp of raw or pure honey.
Add 2 tsp of milk or almond milk.
Then add the essential oils.
Mix all together into a paste.
Banana 101 >
Bananas are nature’s botox and are packed with incredible nutrients that are all beneficial for your skin.
Potassium hydrates and moisturizes your skin.
Vitamin B protects against free radicals and premature ageing.
Vitamin A heals dry, withered skin. Fades acne scars and dark spots. Smooths out ageing skin.
Zinc helps fight germs that cause acne.
Vitamin C helps the production of collagen. Fights off free radicals. Great for skin oil control and balance.
Vitamin E protects your skin from UV damage. Slows down the process of ageing. Fights free radical damage to skin cells.
Lectin destroys bacteria that cause acne and pimples.
Amino acids nourish your skin, strengthens connective tissue and helps maintain skin elasticity and strength.
Honey 101 >
Is antibacterial and packed with antioxidants which makes it great for your skin.
Boosts your complexion.
Clarifying and so it unclogs your pores.
Protects your skin – this is extremely important, especially now as we have to wear face masks when we go out in public. Any fabric rubbing against your skin can cause friction and lead to irritation. Also oil, sweat, dirt and makeup can build up under the mask leading to rashes or even breakouts.
Milk 101 >
Vitamin A treats dry, flaky and peeling skin and is essential for healthy new cell division.
Vitamin D is great for youthful glowing skin. Boosts collagen production. Slows down fine lines and wrinkles. Protects skin from free radicals that cause premature ageing. Helps fade dark spots and marks. Reduces acne. Promotes skin elasticity.
Vitamin B6 is necessary for new skin cell formation. Keeps your skin moisturized and healthy.
Biotin is great for healthy skin. Heals dry, withered skin. Revitalizes dry, cracked skin.
Protein promotes tissue repair and growth and strong wrinkle-free skin.
Vitamin B12 heals rough uneven skin. Has skin-lightening properties. Useful for evening out skin discolourations, pigmentation and acne scars.
Lactic Acid moisturizes, hydrates and nourishes dry skin. Keeps skin looking youthful by combating free radicals that age skin.
Potassium hydrates and moisturizes skin. Solves dry, itchy skin.
Calcium boosts collagen production. Promotes skin elasticity. Fights free radical activity.
Magnesium is a must for youthful, radiant skin. Slows down the ageing process.
Selenium fights free radicals that cause skin ageing. Protects skin against sun damage. Helps maintain skin firmness and elasticity, making it look more youthful.
Almond Milk 101 >
Fights free radicals that cause signs of ageing.
The oils in the milk trigger the production of collagen, which makes the skin softer and smoother.
Combined with slower skin regeneration, it helps your skin stay younger-looking and can reduce the number of wrinkles you have.
Bergamot Essential Oil 101 >
Antiseptic.
Anti-viral.
Uplifting and refreshing.
Promotes healthy and clear skin.
Soothes and rejuvenates your skin.
Mood booster (aroma).
Lemon Essential Oil 101 >
Antiseptic.
Anti-fungal.
Wards off free radicals with its antioxidant properties.
Promotes a positive mood and cognitive ability (aroma).
Clary Sage Essential Oil 101 >
Antiseptic.
Calms and soothes skin.
Soothes nervous tension and lightens your mood (aroma).
If you don't have these essential oils lying around, panic not! This mask is still effective without the essential oils.
How to use >>
Apply with your fingers or a brush.
Leave on for 15 minutes.
Wet a cotton face cloth and remove the mask, making sure none of it has got stuck in your hair or eyebrows.
Pat your face dry with a towel.
Keep in the freezer for up to a week. In the morning either defrost it in the microwave for 10 seconds or immerse the container in some hot water until defrosted.
Try and do this face mask 5 times a week.
STEP 4: CLEANSER
After you’ve removed your mask, wash your face with your cleanser. I use my anti-ageing Zit Zapper Cleanser. I used to only use this 1 week before and during my period as that was when I was most likely to get pimples. But since I’ve been wearing face masks (fabric) and also sue to stress, I noticed I was getting a few, so now I’m using it all the time.
For more details on my Zit Zapper Cleanser, click here.
STEP 5: TONER
As always, you should follow your cleanser with a toner. For more information on why using a toner is so important, have a read through my blog post, just click here.
In the morning, I use rice water toner, which you can easily make at home yourself. This is used widely in Korean and Japanese skincare routines.
Ingredients >>
½ cup of basmati rice
1 cup of filtered or distilled water
How to make >>
Rinse ½ cup of basmati rice under some cold water (using a colander).
Place the cleaned rice in a container and add 1 cup of filtered or distilled water.
Leave in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Strain the water into a container and there you have your rice water toner. Depending on the size of the container you have, if you have leftover rice water, just freeze it in a tray and defrost in the fridge when you need a top-up.
Keep refrigerated for up to two weeks.
Rice Water 101 >
Reduces dark spots and pigmentation.
Anti-ageing and increase collagen production in your skin.
Keeps your skin supple and reduces and prevents wrinkles and fine lines.
Hydrates and soothes dry and damaged skin.
Helps treat eczema, psoriasis, acne, rashes and skin inflammation or irritations.
Protects your skin from UV rays.
How to use >>
Apply to your face, neck and chest with a cotton pad after cleansing your face.
STEP 6: SERUM
I apply my anti-ageing, homemade, all-natural Shiv’s Serum from my Yummy Youth range after my toner. For more details on this product and more info on serums and why they are a must for your skin, go to my blog post, just click here.
STEP 7: MOISTURISER
Then apply your moisturizer. I have just launched my Sweet F*ck Moisturiser, aptly named after the reaction you’ll get when using this on your face. For more details, click here.
And always remember to apply sunscreen!
STEP 8: PRIMER
I haven’t launched this product yet (as of today’s date), but I use my 4-in-1 Face Mist which acts as a:
Make-up primer.
Make-up setting spray.
Hydrating & anti-ageing.
Mood Booster (aroma).
And then you’re all ready to get your makeup on for the 5 million video conference calls you’ll be having for work.
This might seem like a lengthy routine, but in reality, it’s not and I promise you it’ll be worth it.
Artist playing on Google Play Music, whilst writing this blog: Roxette
CONNECT WITH ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow me on Instagram Like my Facebook Business Page Subscribe to my YouTube Channel Follow me on Pinterest Disclaimer: This blog is only intended for informational purposes. Any information associated with this blog should not be considered as a substitute for prescription suggested by beauty, diet and healthcare professionals. Readers are subjected to use this information at their own risk. Tash Fromberg does not take any responsibility for any harm, side-effects, illness or any health or skin care problems caused due to the use of this content or anything related to this. Please always remember, products that work for me or others, may not work for you. Always test them on a small area of skin before buying or using it if unsure.