Like many of the generation that grew up without sunscreen, the sun has taken a toll on my skin. Summer holidays were spent on the beach near my grandparents’ house, day-after-day burnt to a crisp – we were oblivious to any long term damage to come.  Older and wiser, I take extra care now in an effort to remedy the past.

Beauty from Within
I’m a firm believer in beauty from within so I start with a balanced diet, regular sleep and exercise. Over time, having learned about the industry, I have become less trusting of supplements and as such generally avoid them. I do however love The Beauty Chef range aimed at improving gut health, skin and wellbeing. I have been taking the Collagen Inner Beauty Boost for years now and together with noticeable skin improvement, I haven’t been sick since. I used to catch every cold there was, so it has without question, boosted my immune system and helped on that front. I also like their gut-friendly Omega Elixir, full of essential fatty acids which work to hydrate dry skin from within.

For external skincare I am a big fan of 'simple'.  Here is what I use daily at the moment:

Morning Routine

Cleanse
In the morning I wash my face with Bondi Wash Baby Wash – this truly gentle cleanser is ideal for anyone with sensitive skin and makes a very affordable face wash as it lasts ages. Its ultra-gentle formula contains Blue Cypress & Petitgrain which heals and soothes the skin.

Serum
I recently found Naked and Thriving on Instagram. Aligning with my views on skincare, this brand uses plant botanicals and natural ingredients which are free from synthetic ingredients, fragrances, parabens and phthalates. With a blend of antioxidants and hyaluronic acid, I find the Protect Antioxidant Day Serum, helps keep my skin hydrated and firm throughout the day.

Moisturiser
Sodashi is one of the few truly natural skincare brands and their products are beautiful. Featuring cold-pressed botanical oils including macadamia and avocado, I find their Rejuvenating Face and Neck Moisturiser helps minimise fine lines and even my complexion.

Nightly Routine
In the evening, I wash away the day using the Bondi Wash Baby Wash as I do in the morning.  This leaves my skin clean and ready for more intensive products that work their magic overnight.

Serum
Containing pure retinol, I apply a small amount of The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane to my face, gently massaging it into my skin to minimise fine lines and fade blemishes. Not all The Ordinary products are natural but this one is and it's gentle - I like it a lot.

Moisturiser
Five nights a week I apply the Bondi Wash Purifying Night Balm which is intensely nourishing and hydrating.  I developed this product to protect and soothe the skin during travel but found it to be such a great night moisturiser, I use it regularly.  Rich in pure Australian natives, it includes rosella oil to promote elasticity and soften, wattleseed to refine pores, and a delicate blend of essential oils including buddhawood, blackcurrant and blue cypress to clarify and smooth.  (Along with our Bench Spray it's one of our products that people comment to me about how much they love it - from teenagers to grandmas).

I alternate by using the Sodashi Nourishing Repair Treatment on other nights – a blend of pure oils and extracts that work to balance skin tone, stimulate collagen growth and repair free radical damage.

Eye cream
One of the few products I can’t do without, is the Darphin Wrinkle Corrective Eye Contour Cream which smooths fine lines and restores suppleness. From one of the most natural French cosmetics brands, I find this product highly effective and notice a distinct difference if I don’t use it.

Exfoliant
Instead of topical applications, I like to use a Japanese face cloth to exfoliate my face. The Lab Organics Binchotan Face Scrub Towel is woven with ultra-fine charcoal powder which absorbs oil. Its softer side can be used for a relaxing skin massage whereas the coarser side acts as a gentle exfoliant, removing dead skin cells.

Body wash
I use the Bondi Wash Body Wash every day for body washing.  Its formulation is natural and gentle to leave your body soft, fresh and clean. 

Body scrub
For a full body exfoliation, I use the Bondi Wash Body Brush before showering once or twice a week followed by a scrub in the shower with The Lab Organics Deep Exfoliating Body Scrub Mitt. The Sasawashi fabric is made from plant fibres which is ideal for buffing areas like the feet and elbows.

Body moisturiser
Depending on how my skin is feeling, I use the Bondi Wash Body Lotion and the Purifying Night Balm on very dry areas of skin. Our Body Lotion includes bioactives and collagen-enhancers to improve skin firmness and elasticity.

Hands
To keep my hands moisturised throughout the day I use the Bondi Wash Hand Lotion as it is light, non-greasy and has vitamin C and antioxidants to help skin elasticity.

At night I prefer to use the Bondi Wash Stay Away Cream on my hands. I love the scent and it helps keep the mozzies away in summer – an added bonus.

Sun Protection
Even natural sunscreens give me some cause for concern. I worry that harmful ingredients may be absorbed into the skin. To avoid it wherever possible, I wear hats and long sleeves when outdoors. When sunscreen is absolutely necessary, I use the ASAP Moisturising Daily Defence SPF 50+ or the Natio Clear Zinc Mineral SPF 50.

Rashes
Recently I have been applying Bondi Wash Baby Balm to my elbows to combat small patches of irritated skin. As well as containing Blue Cypress which is effective for skin rashes, it includes Emu Apple extract which is a known wound healer and psoriasis treatment.

None of the above are sponsored - these are products I genuinely use and love.