Ask Abby: My Daily Skincare Routine

Even though I’ve spent the past three decades in the beauty industry, my complexion never ceases to confound me. Hormonal changes (hello menopause!), lifestyle fluctuations (thanks recession!) and environmental antagonists like sun and smog all contribute to a general decline in clarity, smoothness and elasticity. While these gradual – but inevitable – changes can be frustrating, I’ve finally established a new regimen that works for my more grown-up complexion. 

As the owner of a modern apothecary, the state of my skin is under constant scrutiny, but much to my delight, more clients than ever have been asking what my day-to-day product protocol entails. So, in the spirit of total disclosure, I’ve decided to divulge my current skincare routine, but bear in mind, the following list is tailored for a complexion that’s prone to dryness, dullness, menopausal-related melasma, sunspots and loss of firmness. Also, stay tuned for a separate piece on my roster of daily supplements; what you ingest is just as important as what you apply.

In the Morning:
    • Step 1: CLEANSE. As soon as I’m awake, I wash my face with Julisis' Gold Wash Day, which creates a foamy lather loaded with gold-derived antioxidants - minus any harsh surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate.
    • Step 2: PREP. To prime skin for the application of serums, I use The Organic Pharmacy’s Rose & Bilberry Toning Gel. Not a toner in the traditional sense, this nourishing gel is a non-astringent anti-ager that soothes away redness using a complex of rose hip, aloe vera and seaweed.
    • Step 3: SPOT TREAT. To fade existing sunspots and encourage a more uniform skin tone, I apply The Organic Pharmacy’s Rose Plus Brightening Complex, which is packed with natural antioxidants and exfoliating fruit enzymes.
    • Step 4: MOISTURIZE. I am a chemist at heart, so to create my own custom-blended concoction, I mix two drops of The Organic Pharmacy’s Antioxidant Face-Firming Serum with the Rose Plus Anti-Aging Cream. This non-greasy duo restores luster, hydrates and improves elasticity while helping to prevent hyperpigmentation. The effect mimics an instant facelift. I apply a separate eye cream – Julisis’ Eyemulsion - since the delicate eye contour should be treated with the utmost care to prevent excessive tugging or pulling.
    • Step 5: PROTECT. Everyday, I apply Julisis’ Sun Emulsion SPF 30, which is a broad-spectrum sunscreen. If you have time for nothing else in the morning, at least apply sun protection!

During the Day:
    • REFRESH: To perk up tired, dehydrated skin, I spritz my face with Duchess Marden’s Damascena Pure Rose Water. Ideal for clients prone to rosacea since it quickly calms an irritated complexion, this Rose Spray can also be used directly on top of makeup.

Before Bed:
    • Step 1: CLEANSE. You’ve heard it before, but you should never tuck in without washing away the day’s dirt, grime and layer of makeup. At night, I use a washcloth – since its texture proffers a gentle exfoliating action – in tandem with The Organic Pharmacy’s Carrot Butter Cleanser. This rich cleanser thoroughly wipes away any remnants of the day while instantly imparting long-lasting moisture.
    • Step 2: MOISTURIZE. My routine here is the same as in the AM. I mix two drops of The Organic Pharmacy’s Antioxidant Face-Firming Serum with the Rose Plus Anti-Aging Cream, then I apply Julisis’ Eyemulsion.

Weekly:
    • REVITALIZE: Every Saturday, I swab on Dr. Hauschka’s Rejuvenating Mask and I let my skin soak it in for at least two hours. This past year has been especially stressful, but the plant oils and extracts in this mask manage to soften my complexion, refine pores and calm any lingering inflammation.
    • EXFOLIATE: Once a week, I buff dull skin with The Organic Pharmacy’s Flower Petal Deep Cleanser & Exfoliating Mask. My complexion is drier than it was 10 years ago, thanks to menopause, so I need a facial polish that’s mild and non-irritating. This works wonders for sloughing off dead skin, as well as a week’s worth of product trials!
    • FIRM: Twice a week, on days that are particularly taxing, I apply The Organic Pharmacy’s Collagen Boost Mask, which creates an immediate lifting effect. Unlike other masks, you don’t have to wash this product off. In fact, you can apply makeup right over it.

Monthly:
    • BRIGHTEN: Once a month, for six days twice a day, I apply Mey of Switzerland’s Vitamin C Complex. This intensive topical brightener uses a concentrated form of vitamin C that promotes collagen synthesis, repairs sun-damaged skin tissue, and lightens sunspots. Mey of Switzerland is sold exclusively in-store at New London.