My Skincare Favourites 2021 – Affordable Dry and Sensitive Skin Products

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In 2020, I really got into skincare and looking after my skin – thanks to both TikTok and Instagram. It was the year I turned twenty-two and I realised that I was starting to see fine lines around my forehead and mouth. Now, I am not necessarily bothered by ageing – I am more than willing to accept a few lines here and there. However, I wanted my makeup to sit better on my face and generally feel better about my skin when not wearing foundation.

When it comes to my skin type, I have worked out that I have dry, sensitive skin. My skin often feels tight and looks very dull when not hydrated properly. If I use products that are too harsh or fragranced, I’m often left with stinging patches of red on my face. Alongside this, I also suffered from hormonal acne around my chin and the added bonus of cheek acne thanks to wearing a mask due to COVID-19.

Here is my current skincare routine that has worked wonders for my skin – in both hydrating it and minimising acne breakouts.

1. Double Cleansing

An important (and the first) step in my skincare routine is double cleansing with an oil cleanser and a water-based cleanser. I wear a lot of makeup at the weekends so this step is extremely important in removing all of the foundation which could clog my pores. However, as I have sensitive and dry skin, I found it essential to use the right cleansers to avoid drying out my skin further.

In both the morning and night, I start by cleansing my face with the Super Facialist Vitamin C Cleanser* as this is super hydrating and contains Vitamin C which is designed to brighten the skin’s complexion. I then apply the CeraVe Smoothing Cleanser* with Salicyclic Acid. The CeraVe cleanser gently cleanses and exoliates the skin without leaving it feeling taut or waxy – which I had experienced before with another cleanser. In fact, whenever I used the CeraVe cleanser, my skin feels amazingly soft! Also, the acne I was experiencing cleared up within like seven days of using this cleanser. It’s absolutely amazing! I would never buy anything else!

2. Vitamin C

In all aspects of our skin and bodies, Vitamin C is an absolute essential. Not only do I take Redoxon Immune Support Tablets* every day to boost my Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Zinc intake, but I apply a small amount of Beauty Bay’s Vitamin C serum to my skin in the morning. I find that it really leaves my skin looking glowy and hydrated – as well as working to reduce the pigmentation of my pimple scars. I am a massive pimple picker and so my cheek’s are covered in little red dots but Vitamin C has massively helped in reducing that.

3. Toner

In the evenings, I always use a toner after cleansing my skin to provide some extra hydration to my skin. The one I am currently using is the Essence Toner by Pyunkang Yul. When I started getting interested in skincare, it wasn’t long before I heard about the benefits of Korean skincare. From my research, Korean skincare is very much focused on hydration and plumping the skin with nutrients – which I love. This toner has an ingredient called Milk Vetch Root Extract, which helps to re-energise and replenishes the skin. I’ve nearly finished the bottle I have and I can say that it always leaves my skin feeling really smooth and glowing.

4. Retinol

After applying my toner in the evening, I like to use The Ordinary’s 5% Retinoid product. This Retinoid works very much like a serum in which I just squeeze a couple of drops into my palm and work it into the skin with a facial massage. This product is extremely oily so be prepared to feel like a glazed donut after using it! I like, at this point, to use my Rose Quartz Facial Roller and Gua Sha* as the Retinoid helps the roller to glide over my face and give me that face exercise I need. If you’re not sure exactly how to use facial rollers, I recommended watching this tutorial as you do it. This will show you how to give yourself a massage designed to drain your lymphatic system, reduce any facial swelling and stimulate blood flow around the face.

5. Moisturiser

After the Vitamin C and the toner stage, I apply the Embryolisse Lait-Creme Moisturiser. While doing my research last year, I came across this moisturiser which has been utilised in the entertainment industry since the 1950s and I can see why! The Embryolisse moisturiser has an incredibly light texture so it feels like it’s gliding over your skin. I often feel like my skin is as smooth as a baby’s butt after using it – and I have to resist the temptation to touch my face all day! Another great thing about this product is that a lot goes a long way – so it’s a real investment.

6. SPF

I honestly cringe when I think about all the times I’ve been outside not wearing SPF. However, I have started wearing SPF every day now and so should you – if you don’t already! The reason wearing sunscreen is so important is because most of our signs of ageing are due to the sun. However, it’s not just about aesthetics but wearing suncream every day helps to reduce your exposure to harmful rays that might cause skin cancers. As a result, it’s essential that you invest in an SPF which is 40 or higher and has protection against both UVA and UVB rays. I like to wear the UltraSun 50+ SPF as I am extremely fair and burn very easily. From my research into SPFs, it doesn’t matter how much time or money we spend on skincare products – nothing will matter if you aren’t wearing sunscreen!

7. Face Masks

If I fancy some extra TLC for my skin, I have a stash of sheet masks for hydration and brightening. It’s not essential to use face masks for your skincare routine but they are a nice extra – and great for pamper nights. I typically find packs of them on Amazon with a selection of scents. My favourite ingredients tend to be Aloe Vera, Vitamin E and Cucumber.

8. Supplements

As mentioned above, I currently take the Redoxon daily supplements of Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Zinc to improve my immune system and I imagine these have an effect on my skin too. Once I finished these tablets, I am going to go back to the Perfectil Hair, Skin and Nails supplements, which have a combination of vitamins and minerals to boost the growth of your hair and nails – as well as improving your skin health.

9. Water

It may seem obvious but if you want your skin to look more hydrated, it’s important to drink more water. Having at least two litres of water every day can make your face look more plump and glowing. Every day, I aim to drink those two litres of water using a bottle which carries up to 2000ML in liquid. I find it super helpful as I only need to fill it up once a day and then when I’m finished, I know I’ve reached my goal.

So there are my favourite skincare products as well as the skincare routine I follow! What are some of your favourite products?