Capsule Skin Care: A Toolkit for Each Skin Type

If you take a look at the products I use in my skincare rituals and that I sell online, the best thing about them is that they all work together. A great cleanser will only get you so far if you’re using a moisturiser that’s wrong for your skin. Serums are great, but they won’t undo the effects of a too-harsh cleanser. They’re your capsule toolkit for good skin that complement each other and mean you need less product cluttering your bathroom vanity.

I’ve pulled together a capsule collection for each skin type, which are made up of the products I use during my facials. They are tried and tested, and I hope you love them as much as my clients!

Dry/Mature Skin

A good base starts with a really good cleanser, and Miskin’s Smooth Oil Cleanser is perfect for skin that needs a little extra attention. I have been in the game for 16 years and I’ve yet to see something like this product – it’s truly special. Erica Brooke’s Daily Dose Moisturiser is full of antioxidants, so it soothes as well as restores. I recommend using it in tandem with a Miskin Skin Elixir, especially Revive, which is perfect for dry and mature skin, as it helps to tone and tighten. Using the Alyssum Alchemy Rose Radiance Mist throughout the day will not only keep you fresh in the warm months, but help your other products penetrate better.

For extra radiance, you can’t go past The Little Alchemist’s Vit C Radiance Serum, which stimulates collagen production, as well as clarifies, brightens, strengthens and revitalises stressed or tired skin.

Acne Prone Skin

For skin that needs a lot of TLC of a different kind, I always start with Erica Brooke’s beautiful Honey Cream Cleanser, which heals damaged areas. I then give it extra love with the Ultra Light Day Cream, which hydrates without overwhelming stressed skin. I add a drop or two of Miskin’s Anti-Inflammatory Skin Shot, which targets skin that is itchy and inflamed. I again recommend the Alyssum Alchemy Rose Radiance Mist because it is not only beautiful to use (and display!), but soothes any sore areas while hydrating.

Normal/Combination Skin

The Miskin Smooth Oil Cleanser is an absolute winner. It really is perfect for all skin types and leaves no residue, which is a must for any patches on combination skin. The Ultra Light Day Cream is great for normal/combo skin too, because it is beautifully hydrating without any heavy feeling. It won’t hang around on any oily sections, and those with dry skin will love how effective it is despite its lightness. I then recommend Miskin’s Balance Facial Oil, which is a great all-rounder. It heals, balances and repairs without any greasy texture.

And of course, I recommend the Alyssum Alchemy Rose Radiance Mist to hydrate and ensure deep penetration of your other products – especially important for dry skin.

Sensitive Skin

For those who tackle redness or irritation, natural products tend to be the most gentle on the market. I love the Miskin Smooth Oil Cleanser for sensitive skin, because it attracts dirt and oil without any scrubbing or harsh ingredients. The Erica Brooke Daily Dose Moisturiser is both soothing and restorative, which is especially essential when you first start moving away from harsh, harmful cleansers and exfoliators. I use Miskin’s Anti-Inflammatory Skin Shot, either by itself for a more intense treatment or just a few drops in your moisturiser. I finish with Miskin’s Calm Facial Oil , which includes soothing ingredients like chamomile and tamanu oil. And for a truly luxe treat for sensitive or reactive skin I think Wildcrafted Organic 24kt gold beauty balm is worth every penny. I have seen very few products that calm skin like this product does. It is non-clogging and full of anti-inflammatory and antioxidants to help keep your skin radiant. Also, let’s not forget the 24kt gold flakes that melt into your skin!

Ones everyone should have in their stash

You’ll have noticed that I recommend the Alyssum Alchemy Rose Radiance Mist for all skin types – and I really do! Another few incredible all-rounders are:

• Erica Brooke’s Emerald Elixir. The Emerald Elixir is a powerhouse combination of everything you want – it repairs, reduces scarring, plump fine lines, reduces age spots, evens out skin tone, increase collagen, and smoothes and protects your skin. It’s my new best friend.
• Miskin’s Honey Apple Mask - A blend of honey, clay and oils this is a mask perfect for weekly use to re-hydrate, gently exfoliate and soothe skin (especially on breakout spots!).

It’s cruel that when you’re trying to keep yourself healthy, your skin has other ideas, sneaking in breakouts and such. But it doesn't have to be a fact of life when you’re sweating it out at the gym. If you keep your skin clean, protected and hydrated, you’ll be glowing from the inside out in no time! Here’s some of my tips for a post-gym routine.

Before

Whether or not you’re a girl who applies make up to go to the gym or if it’s just there because you’ve been at work – no judgment here! – you need to be careful you’re not clogging your pores when they’re trying to breathe. Clogged pores = breakouts = more makeup needed. Sweating is a great way to detoxify your skin, so my simplest recommendation is to just not wear makeup at the gym. Whether that’s not putting any on in the first place or carrying some makeup remover in your gym bag, that’s my main advice – do what you will with it!

Don’t forget your hair either – if it’s full of product, pull it back. Otherwise, the products can drip down your face or neck, also clogging pores and causing breakouts in the same way as makeup. No thank you!

Taking up running in 2017? You go girl! – but not without sunscreen. Make sure you apply half an hour before you hit the pavement, and not just to your face. Leg melanomas are very common in runners. Scary but true. I've been really enjoying the Simple As That SPF 30+ Natural Sunscreen for a few months and with raspberry seed oil as one of it's key ingredients it is also hydrating.

After

Resist the urge to over-scrub your skin – even a killer Crossfit class doesn't call for post-sweat exfoliation. Not only can it dehydrate your skin further, but it will exacerbate anything your skin is trying to heal naturally. A simple cleanser is all you need. I love the Honey Cream Cleanser, as it feels so kind on my beetroot-red face. It also has antibacterial properties so will gently clean away any nasty germs that may have crossed your face during your session. Bamboo facial towels are the easiest way to wash away your cleanser and if you have break outs, leave on 2-3 minutes. If you're just wanting to refresh, the bamboo towels with cool water are a great way to bring your skin back to room temp!

Don’t forget your whole body when cleansing after a class – those deadlifts didn’t lift themselves. If you shower at the gym, keep a gentle body wash in your gym bag. You’ll not only free refreshed, but you’ll avoid any of the nasties that come from excess sweat hanging around. And then reapply your deodorant, of course.

Finally, although you might feel drenched, you’re not hydrated. After you wash your face, spritz yourself with some rose mist to cool you down and prep your skin for some love. Then slather on moisturiser. And drink a tonne of water.