Lisa's Bathroom Shelf

To continue in our series of peeks into our teams bathroom cupboards:


This month:  What Lisa uses in her day to day routine!

I've always had a combination skin, although it's definitely not as oily in my t-zone as it used to be - the joys of aging! I've always suffered with dehydrated skin, and once I hit late 20's, pigmentation.

In the morning I cleanse with NeoStrata Clarifying cleanser, and I use a homemade balm cleanser at night.

After cleansing I use Skinceuticals Vitamin C serum, Phloretin CF. I have been using a Vitamin C serum for 15 years now and it's made a huge difference to my pigmentation and gives my skin a real glow. I would never not use it now. 

After waiting a few minutes for the Vitamin C Serum to sink in, and drag the kids out of bed in the meantime ...., I then apply Skinceuticals H.A. Intensifier for hydration and firming and plumping, and finish my morning routine with NeoStrata Ultra Daytime Smoothing Cream with an SPF 20. The glycolic in the cream exfoliates, helps my congested areas and also helps with anti-aging.

Both morning and night I apply NeoStrata Intensive Eye Therapy around my eyes. I love this product! It's great for hydration but also contains peptides and very powerful antioxidants to help trigger and reinforce collagen.

In the evening, after cleansing with the homemade balm, a very gentle cleanser that melts on the skin,  I switch between NeoStrata renewal cream and their Dermal Replenishment. Both focus on antioxidants, plumping and hydrating, but the renewal also contains pro-retinal, so is more active.

Top tip

Always apply your products in thin layers, rather than one thick layer.  The skin can only absorb so much product at one time. You are much better putting one layer, and then 30 minutes later, applying a second layer. It will really help with dehydration.

(Photos our own)

Sun Awareness

By: Diana Augustoni

Did you know there are about 9,000 cases of melanoma each year in the UK? Nope, well neither did we. Sun Awareness is The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) annual campaign to raise awareness of skin cancer and includes Sun Awareness Week from 5^th - 11^th May.

We at Fern thought this is the perfect opportunity to one, get back on this blog.... I know it’s been way too long! Sorry about that! And two to remind everyone of the daily actions we can take to prevent damage to our skin.

PROTECT Many of us know that we need to apply sunscreen in the summer but as we’ve mentioned on this blog before, wearing sunscreen everyday all year round is the best protection you can give your skin. We recommend using an SPF of 30 or higher with a Vitamin C/antioxidant serum underneath. Why pair the two together?  Vitamin C helps to treat and prevent changes in the skin associated with photo-aging and can be used to help with the treatment of pigmentation. When this powerful antioxidant is combined with sunscreen it maximises the photo protection of the skin. So, why not? You can never go wrong with a little antioxidant help, right?

Luckily Skin Ceuticals has just launched a Double Defence promo. When you purchase either their CE Ferulic Serum or their Phloretin CF Serum, you will receive a free gift of their SPF 50.

CHECK It’s important that we frequently check our moles on our bodies and monitor them for any changes. If you are ever concerned about a mole go to your GP. We personally think it’s best to have your moles checked every year to be sure you haven’t missed any changes. While most moles may not be harmful at all, early detection is key! Here is a basic photo and explanation to help you to check changes.  

Visit www.bad.org.uk  for further information.

PREVENT Be sure to practise smart choices while out and about in the sunshine. I just had to laugh…this is England, right? No but on a more serious note, sunshine or not it’s important to be smart with protecting ourselves. Be sure to protect your skin with clothing, a hat and sunglasses. Try not to be in direct sunlight from the hours of 11am – 3pm, it’s best to go in the shade. And be sure to wear your SPF!

Now I’m ready for the sunshine….you?