Skincare Routine and Product Staples

My daily skincare routine has not only become a twice-daily occurrence, ensuring my skin is well-cared for but is also a time to switch off from the day and relax. I have tried numerous products and cleansing devices over the years; there is no doubt I have found the perfect combination, which suits my sensitive skin without causing irritation or aggravating the rosacea.

Please note, any products mentioned or featured are not an #AD. All opinions are my own and products were purchased myself.

In the morning, I use my FOREO LUNA mini 2 cleansing device to wash my face. I find it works best by applying the MADARA Cleansing Milk directly to the device (firstly running it under the tap). Next, I cleanse. After rinsing my face in lukewarm water, I pat it dry. It is important not to ‘scrub’ rosacea-prone skin, especially with a towel, as they can be rough on the skin, plus harbour bacteria (if not changed regularly). The FOREO cleansing device works via sonic power but is still incredibly gentle (even for rosacea and sensitive skin). The soft silicone ensures no abrasive material or scrubbing action occurs but still provides a deep clean without being abrasive. I particularly like the contoured tip with the slightly larger nodules: great for cleansing around the nose area. There is no risk of bacteria building up on the device (thanks to the silicone), no interchangeable brush heads (which saves money), and from a full charge, the battery life lasts for months, even when used twice per day.

Step two involves moisturising. My absolute favourite is from MOSSA Cosmetics, specifically the ‘Youth Defence Nutritive Antioxidant Day Cream’. This moisturiser is light yet nourishing and sinks in well: an important factor when adding products over the top, avoiding any white streaks or a washed-out complexion. Packed with vitamin C from cloudberries, it is perfect for sensitive skin and rosacea. The scent is divine; with distinctive citrus notes without being overpowering. In the past, I have used products containing high levels of vitamin C in the form of citrus fruits but found them too irritating for my skin. This moisturiser from MOSSA Cosmetics is ideal and has never caused any adverse reactions (even upon first use). The Latvian skincare brand harnesses nutrient-rich properties from Nordic berries and is organic, natural, cruelty-free and ecologically friendly. Different berries are used, depending on the product and desired outcome: the company has certainly nailed it. For more information on MOSSA Cosmetics, please visit the website. 

Step three is applying SPF. Before carrying on with my daily skincare routine, here is some information on sun protection and the products I use. 

The Importance of SPF

Applying sun protection is paramount to healthy skin, whether one has rosacea or not. As sun damage is the leading cause of ageing skin, it is imperative to apply SPF every day (even on overcast days over 90% of UV rays can still penetrate cloud cover).

SPF Products of Choice

I never gave sun protection much thought at the beginning of my rosacea journey, as I felt preoccupied with the desire to conceal the redness by applying many layers of products, with little consideration for sun protection. I have found natural sunscreens tend to leave a shiny, white residue on the skin, making it more challenging to apply products to conceal redness on top. For this reason, I opt for products with a nude tint, so I still benefit from the sun protection while still being able to apply additional products on top, without any white look to my face. My favourite products are either the MOSSA Cosmetics 365 DAYS for Face SPF 30 or MADARA Cosmetics Plant Stem Cell Age-Defying Face Sunscreen SPF 30. I do not have any preference but use whichever one I have to hand and sometimes swap between products for variety. Both products work equally well, providing long-lasting and non-toxic sun protection whilst acting as a makeup base.

Back to My Routine

The next stage of my routine involves coverage. Firstly I use MADARA Anti-Pollution CC Cream SPF 15 in Light Beige. Despite doubling up on SPF, in my opinion, you can never have too much sun protection! Sometimes I like to mix up this stage of my routine and use MOSSA Cosmetics Skin Perfector BB Nude Tinting Moisturiser. Although this product does not contain SPF, it has a slightly lighter coverage than the MADARA CC Cream, is easily buildable, and the fruity scent reminds me of summertime. Next, I like to add a few drops of the MADARA Moon Flower Tinting Fluid in rose beige. I prefer this to blush powder as I find the circular brush action sometimes removes my base coverage. The nice thing about tinting fluids is you have more control over application and blending it in. The product sinks in well (especially if left for a few seconds to sink in after applying). The scent is almost earthy and reminds me of pine trees, a poignant reminder of how naturally sourced these products are. 

Finally, I add any makeup, which usually entails a minimal amount as I prefer a more natural look. I like to use subtle pink lipstick and natural mascara. I am particular about natural mascaras as I find many of them smudge and do not stay put. My recommended natural mascara would be PHB Ethical Beauty’s Mesmerise Mascara which is water-resistant. As I sometimes suffer from ocular rosacea, my eyes are sensitive and tend to be watery. I have to be mindful of which products I use around my eye area, as anything irritating exacerbates the eye-watering. My current go-to lipstick is the Green People Velvet Matte Lipstick in the shade ‘Berry Nude’. It defines the lips, as being noticeable but natural and applies smoothly. The texture feels more like a lip balm which is great if, like me, you are not a fan of the typical ‘powdery’ sensation that can exist with other lipsticks.

Come nighttime, my preferred method to remove makeup is with oil rather than face wipes or other makeup removal options. Not only does an oil mean there is no ‘rubbing action’ which can be harsh on delicate rosacea-prone skin, but using an oil means that there is no waste either! I apply the AA Skincare from Amphora Aromatics, Rosemary & Olive Deep Cleansing Oil directly onto my face whilst it’s dry, making sure I am thorough around my eyes to remove the mascara. I then rinse my face and pat it dry. As with the morning, I use my FOREO LUNA mini 2 with the same cleansing milk to ensure my skin is thoroughly clean. The only difference with the evening routine is the choice of moisturiser. At night, I like to use either MOSSA Youth Defence Restoring Night Cream or MADARA Daily Defence Cream if my skin feels as though it could do with some additional moisture. Lip balm is another skincare staple that I like to apply before bedtime: with my product of choice being the MADARA SOS Lip Hydra Rescue Balm.