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What are your particular health, beauty and skincare habits that are so part of your daily life and routine that you don’t really think about?
Where do these come from and why are they important to you?
We all have our own habits and routines that we have picked up along the way - maybe from someone we looked to when we were younger (for me it was my mom and my one particularly glamorous grandma that bought me my very first set of skincare products) ; or maybe it’s something we’ve seen or read about online somewhere or just developed ourselves.
These were the kind of things I was reflecting on for this blog … I thought I’d share some of mine that have become part of my daily life over the years.
Not just in terms of my skin on a daily basis, but also being much more conscious of being a beauty consumer and how that impacts our environment.
Beauty trends come and go, but the pursuit of healthy, radiant skin and a more sustainable lifestyle is always in season.
It's never too late to refine your beauty routine and cultivate habits that benefit both you and the planet.
Forget fleeting trends; these simple yet powerful practices are your year-round essentials for a happier complexion and a greener conscience.
This remains my number one, non-negotiable skincare tip, regardless of your age or the weather outside.
Incorporating a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher (for me it’s always SPF 50 on my face) into your daily morning routine is the single most effective step you can take if you want to get and stay ahead of early signs of ageing.
I think of it as my daily armour against harmful UVA and UVB rays, which are responsible for premature wrinkles, sunspots, and even skin cancer.
It's easy to invest heavily in serums, moisturisers, and treatments, but consistently skipping sunscreen can undermine all your efforts.
Make it the last step in your morning skincare ritual, even on cloudy days or when you're indoors (as UVA rays can penetrate glass).
Consider formulations that suit your skin type and layer well under makeup.
It's not just about the face! Unfortunately this is a skincare habit I have left very late and I certainly have ths skin damage to show for it. This is one of those bits of advice where I wish someone sat me down and explain in very simple terms how quickly the skin on our neck and decolletage ages, how sudden that damage can appear and hoe difficult it would be to correct it (should you want to of course). This really crept up on me.
From a very early age, make it a habit to apply your sunscreen and skincare products down to your neck and décolletage.
These areas are just as susceptible to sun damage and the signs of ageing as your face, yet they are often neglected.
The skin on your neck and chest is thinner and more delicate, making it particularly vulnerable to wrinkles, sagging, and uneven tone.
By including these areas in your daily skincare routine, you're investing in a more youthful and consistent appearance overall and it will be much easier to take care of as you get older.
We all know the feeling of wanting to collapse into bed after a long day or a late night out, but resist the urge to go to bed with your makeup still on.
Disclaimer: I wish I can say that I get this right all the time, but I certainly don’t. I hear of people who say they have never skipped a night in their whole life but I’m afraid that’s beyond me. We’ve pretty much all been there at some point I’m sure.
Even if you don't wear makeup, your skin accumulates pollutants, dirt, and bacteria throughout the day. Add to that the buildup of sebum (natural oil), sweat, and dead skin cells, and you have a receipe for clogged pores and potential breakouts.
Beyond sunscreen, cleansing is arguably the most crucial step in your skincare routine. Neglecting this can lead to a host of issues, including breakouts (which can then lead to scarring), irritation, dehydration, a dull and uneven complexion, and accelerated signs of ageing.
A clean canvas allows your subsequent skincare products to penetrate and work more effectively.
Find a cleansing method you enjoy – whether it's a lovely, buttery cleansing balm like our Ané Radiance Reveal Cleansing Balm, a creamy cleanser, or a foaming wash – and make it a non-negotiable part of your evening routine.
Double cleansing (first with an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and sunscreen, followed by a water-based cleanser to purify the skin) can be particularly beneficial if that is your preference.
Think about it: your makeup brushes and sponges come into daily contact with your skin and your makeup products.
Over time, they accumulate sebum, product residue, dust, pollution, and dead skin cells. This creates a breeding ground for bacteria, even including potentially harmful strains like staphylococcus, streptococcus, and E. coli.
Using dirty makeup tools can transfer these impurities back onto your skin, leading to breakouts, irritation, and even infections
Investing time, energy, and money into a good skincare routine only to apply your makeup with dirty tools is counterproductive.
Make it a habit to wash your makeup brushes and sponges at least once a week. Use a gentle cleanser or a dedicated brush cleaner, rinse thoroughly, and lay them flat to dry.
I know it may not be the most fun and exciting task on your list (it certainly isn’t for me) - but putting on a podcast and taking 5 minutes to stay on top of it is worth it. I think it makes your brushes last longer as well and it definitely impact on the pigment payoff when using them.
Not only will this keep your skin healthier, but clean brushes also ensure smoother makeup application and help your tools last longer.
Don't forget to regularly declutter and clean out your makeup bag too.
While incredibly convenient, single-use face wipes come at a significant cost to the environment.
They are often made from synthetic materials that take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills, contributing to plastic pollution. Furthermore, as highlighted in a 2019 Water UK report, millions of wipes are flushed down toilets daily, causing severe sewer blockages.
Leading beauty retailers like The Body Shop and Holland & Barrett have recognised this issue and have taken steps to ban or phase out their face wipe ranges, championing more eco-friendly alternatives.
There is no rule to say that you should use a face cloth, but if you do one of the most helpful switches you can make is to reusable, washable face clothsthat you can use over and over again.
These offer a more thorough and gentle cleanse compared to wipes, effectively removing makeup and impurities.
I even created my own Ané Double-sided Face Clothsspecifically designed to work beautifully with your favourite cleanser, leaving your skin feeling truly clean, smooth and refreshed.
It's a simple swap that makes a big difference.
The environmental impact of conventional disposable sanitary products is a significant concern.
The vast majority are not biodegradable, contributing to landfill waste and plastic pollution.
Synthetic fabrics derived from pesticide-sprayed crops, along with chlorine bleach and other chemical additives used for whitening, are commonly found in disposable pads and tampons.
Fortunately, in recent years more excellent sustainable alternatives have become more available and accessible. Sustainable period care focusses on reducing environmental impact and waste by using reusable and eco-friendly alternatives to disposable menstrual products, like menstrual cups, period underwear, and reusable pads.
Companies like DAME, Flo and Tampon Tribe all offer various sustainable menstrual care products.
For a completely tampon-free and waste-free option, consider menstrual cups like the Moon Cupor reusable period underwear like Modibodi.
These alternatives are not only better for the planet but also often gentler on your body.
Adopt the 3 'Rs' rule in your beauty world: Recycle, Reuse, or Re-gift.
Regularly take inventory of your beauty products.
Instead of letting these items gather dust and eventually end up in the trash, consider their potential value to someone else (before they're out of date).
You could re-gift unopened and suitable products to friends or family.
Even better, donate them to a charity like Beauty Banks, (based in the UK) which does incredible work redistributing personal care and beauty essentials to individuals and families facing hygiene poverty.
A little research locally to where you are in the world will hopefully show you some similar organisations to contribute to.
Another good habit to get into when it comes to your skncare routine is simply to commit to give your products and your skin more time - and to stay consistent with a new product or routine.
I know how tempting it can be to jump on the latest skincare trend or switch products frequently, especially if you're not seeing immediate results. This is something I used to do for many years - constantly buying more and just adding to a pile of half or barely used products before moving on to the next miracle promise product.
However, there's a reason why skincare ingredients and products often undergo clinical testing for up to 8 weeks to demonstrate real efficacy.
Your skin needs time to adjust to new formulations and for active ingredients to work their magic.
Be patient and consistent with your chosen products, giving them a fair chance to deliver on their promises.
Frequent switching can disrupt your skin barrier and potentially lead to irritation and further issues.
While a consistent and effective skincare routine is undoubtedly important, it's crucial to remember that it's just one piece of the puzzle, especially as we age.
Your skin's health and radiance are intrinsically linked to your overall well-being.
Focus on foundational habits such as getting sufficient, quality sleep, managing stress levels effectively, eating a balanced and nutritious diet, and incorporating regular movement into your lifestyle.
These factors play a significant role in hormone balance, circulation, and cellular regeneration, all of which directly impact the health and appearance of your skin.
Your skincare routine can do a lot, but it works best in synergy with a healthy lifestyle.
Staying adequately hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day is fundamental for overall health and plays a significant role in the health and appearance of your skin.
Just drinking more water isn’t going to resolve dehydrated skin all by itself - good topical skincare is also important, but it’s key to our overall health and skin health. Not to mention our energy levels, focus and concentration.
Water helps to flush out toxins, improve circulation, and keep your skin cells plump and hydrated, resulting in a more supple, smooth, and glowing complexion.
Dehydration can lead to dryness, dullness, and even accentuate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Carry a reusable water bottle with you as a reminder to sip throughout the day, and consider adding more hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables into your diet.
They don't call it ‘beauty sleep’ for nothing!
Getting proper, quality sleep is essential for your skin and body's repair and regeneration processes, and this directly impacts your skin's health and appearance.
During sleep, your body produces more collagen, which helps keep your skin firm and elastic. Lack of sleep can lead to increased cortisol levels, which can trigger inflammation and contribute to breakouts and other skin issues. It can also result in dark circles, puffiness, and a dull complexion.
Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to allow your skin to repair and rejuvenate.
I’m finding this more and more difficult to manage as I’m getting older, but it's so worth the effort in the end.
Establish a relaxing bedtime routine to promote restful sleep.
Beauty is not just about external treatments; it's also deeply connected to your overall well-being. This means something different to all of us in all sorts of different ways.
Finding ways to make self-care rituals that work for you and fit into your life and daily routine can have a profound impact on your stress levels, which in turn can significantly affect your overall health and skin.
Whether it’s regular meditation, breathwork, cold water therapy, regular saunas, yoga, long walks (this is my personal favourite) or hiking or just taking some quiet time for yourself - the options are endless - it’s so important to find something that you love that is just for you.
Even if it’s only the smallest of pockets of time.
I have to add that I don't get all of this right all of the time - q
Here are a few questions to ask yourself -
Take a few minutes to write down your thoughts.
This reflection can be a powerful tool for understanding your current routine and identifying areas you may want to improve.
For example
By aligning your personal habits with these timeless principles, you can create a beauty routine that not only enhances your skin's health but also contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Use this handy checklist to track your progress and make these essential steps a seamless part of your daily and weekly routine.
☐ Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+ or 50+) to face, neck & décolletage.
☐ Cleanse your face thoroughly every evening to remove makeup and impurities.
☐ Extend your skincare routine to your neck and décolletage.
☐ Drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day.
☐ Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
☐ Be mindful of the products you are using and avoid frequent switching.
Your Weekly Beauty Habits Checklist:
☐ Wash your makeup brushes, sponges and other beauty tools at least once a week.
☐ Take some time for a relaxing self-care ritual - this could of course be in the daily bucket too
Timeless Beauty Habits Checklist:
☐ Regularly review your beauty stash and recycle, reuse, or re-gift unwanted items.
☐ Where possible consider more sustainable alternatives like reusable face cloths and menstrual products.
☐ Be patient and consistent with your skincare routine to see real results.
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