At 40, I thought I’d give my skincare routine a minimalistic makeover and see how my skin reacted. By minimalistic I mean using only 4 skincare products for day and night and after 4 weeks my skin shows satisfying results that I might even question the huge amount of skincare products people tend to put on their skin.
I cleansed, moisturized, treated, and protected my skin during these 4 weeks with products that didn’t break the bank, but gave me results.
2 Step Daytime Minimalistic Approach
For my daytime minimalistic approach to my skincare routine, I only wash my face with cold water after I wake up. This helps to reduce puffiness of the eye area and it wakes you up believe me. I don’t use face wash in the morning.
The next step is to apply Nivea Refreshing Day Cream 24h Moisture Vitamin E SPF 15.
1. Nivea Refreshing Day Cream 24h Moisture Vitamin E SPF 15
This day cream effectively moisturizes my skin, keeping it hydrated throughout the day. With more than one UV filter (including UVA and UVB filters) it also protects your skin against harmful UV rays, helping to prevent premature aging and sunburn. I prefer a higher SPF factor, but can always add a higher SPF factor mineral sunscreen afterward especially in summer.
Message a generous amount of cream in small circles. It spreads easily and absorbs quickly into your skin. It smells great and is not greasy at all it is more like a matt finish.
Looking at this Refreshing Day Cream’s ingredients you’ll find a lot of reasons to invest in this 50 ml tube.
Active Ingredients
- Aqua (Water) listed as the first ingredient is always a good sign as it provides hydration.
- Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage, aids in skin healing, and has moisturizing properties.
- Glycerin attracts moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated, soft, and plump.
- Ethylhexyl Salicylate is a UV filter that protect the skin from harmful UVB rays, preventing sunburn.
- C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is a conditioning agent that helps to enhance the feel and texture of the product on the skin, providing a smooth finish.
- Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Avobenzone) is a powerful UVA filter commonly used in sunscreens to protect the skin from aging and damage caused by long-wave UV rays.
- Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is a lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps moisturize the skin, restore the skin’s barrier, and provide a smooth texture.
- Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid another UVB filter.
- Nymphaea Alba Root Extract (White Water Lily) has anti-inflammatory properties, helps to soothe the skin, reduces redness, and provides antioxidant benefits.
- Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (Shea Butter) Rich in vitamins A and E, is known for its moisturizing, soothing, and healing properties. It helps to restore the skin barrier and reduce dryness.
- Ethylhexylglycerin is another skin-conditioning agent and mild preservative with moisturizing properties. It also has mild antimicrobial benefits.
- Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine is a broad-spectrum sunscreen filter that helps protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays, preventing sun damage and premature aging.
- Sodium Chloride (Salt) It main purpose is to adjust the viscosity and thickness of formulations, but may also help with cleansing and is mildly antibacterial.
Nivea Refreshing Day Cream 24h Moisture Vitamin E SPF 15 seems unavailable in the UK or USA. Nivea’s changes to the formula seemed to influenced client satisfaction rates as they are not getting the same results and satisfaction with the makeover.
Where to Buy Nivea Refreshing Day Cream in South Africa Where it is still available
3 Step Nighttime Minimalistic Approach
1. Cleansing with a Gentle Exfoliating Wash At Night
Johnson’s Face Care Daily Essentials Gentle Exfoliating Wash was an easy choice as this 150 ml tube suits all skin types and is afforable option.
After the first wash, my skin felt soothed and soft. What is great is that this gentle exfoliating wash doesn’t dry my skin. It smells great too. The micro-beads are gentle on my skin yet effectively remove dirt, cleanse my pores, and remove dead skin cells without burning my skin. I do not struggle with blackheads anymore.
It is easy to use. You wet your hands, add about a pea to 2 pea-size blob to your hands, and rub your hands together till you see the foam forming. Message onto face and neck area and rinse. I find it easy to use when I take a shower as it is easier to rinse your neck area.
This Gentle Exfoliating Wash is enriched with glycerin makes it great for hydrating your skin while you wash.
After using it for 4 weeks my skin is less dull and has a better, healthy-looking color and glow.
Johnson’s Gentle Exfoliating Wash seems unavailable in the UK or USA.
Where to Buy Johnson’s Face Care Daily Essentials Gentle Exfoliating Wash in South Africa while it is stille available
2. TruSkin Vitamin C Facial Serum with Vitamin E and Hyaluronic Acid
After being asked if I ever used a Vitamin C facial Serum, I thought it a good idea to add this antioxidant serum to my nighttime routine. You could use it in the morning and at night, but because it can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, I decided to use the Vitamin C serum at night. Nighttime is the best time for skin renewal and restoration and it just made sense to boost my skin at night. This facial serum also has a pleasant smell.
Only 3 drops of this Vitamin C facial serum brightened my skin over these 4 weeks and I must say that I am satisfied with the results I got so far. The fine lines and wrinkles are softer and even the lines on my neck and décolleté are less visible.
After cleansing, I tested the effect of letting my face dry without patting it dry. I’ve recently learned how bacteria can be transferred from the towel left to dry to your face. There is a bacteria-free solution for this, but for these 4 weeks, I’ve tested natural drying. The face wash I use doesn’t dry your skin so even when leaving my skin to dry, my skin didn’t feel dry and stiff. You could use the bacteria-free solution if you prefer to pat dry your skin after cleansing.
Initially, I found it challenging to distribute the 3 drops evenly on my face, neck, and décolleté or décolletage (area of chest exposed when wearing a v-neck shirt). After practice, I mastered the even distribution of the serum. I start applying the serum on the areas where it is needed most and then continue to the rest of my face, neck, etc.
Luckily the TruSkin Vitamin C Facial Serum is available in South Africa and US so there is no reason why you can’t get your hands on one of these.
Where to Buy TruSkin Vitamin C Facial Serum in US
Where to Buy TruSkin Vitamin C Facial Serum in South Africa
3. Curaloe Original Aleo Vera Hydrating Night Cream (58% Aleo Vera)
This Hydrating Night Cream comes in a convenient 50 ml pump action container. It dispenses really easily and absorbs quickly. The total matt finish after application is great. It has a pleasant smell and ingredients that stimulate collagen and elastin production. At 40, anti-aging properties are a must for a nighttime skincare routine.
Gently pressing the pump, it dispenses a fine ribbon of cream. This is an added likable feature and I don’t have to use a spoon or spatula to get enough night cream without contaminating the container. Use a generous amount and massage it gently on the face and neck until absorbed. You’ll notice an instant matt finish which I love. I can go to bed straight after application without worrying about rubbing off the night cream on my pillow.
Let’s look at the ingredients of this night cream to get a better idea why it is so great.
Active Ingredients
- Aqua provides hydration to the skin.
- Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Aloe Vera) has soothing, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties. It helps to calm irritated skin and promotes healing.
- Cetearyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol that helps to soften the skin and create a smooth, creamy texture.
- Urea draws in moisture and helps maintain skin hydration. It also has exfoliating properties, helping to soften rough, dry skin.
- Dimethyl Sulfone (MSM) helps support collagen production, reduces inflammation, and can help improve the skin’s elasticity and appearance. It’s known to soothe and promote healing.
- Glycerin draws in moisture and help keep your skin hydrated.
- Sodium Hyaluronate is a salt form of hyaluronic acid, it helps the skin retain moisture, keeping it hydrated and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by plumping the skin.
- Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids, it helps to protect the skin from environmental damage, provides moisture, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil is a nourishing oil rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins A and E. It helps moisturize, soothe, and protect the skin while supporting the skin’s natural barrier.
- Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil is full of vitamins A, D, and E, this oil deeply moisturizes, nourishes, and helps soothe dry or irritated skin. It also supports the skin barrier and can enhance skin elasticity.
- Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Fruit Butter has rich moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties. It’s great for soothing dry or irritated skin and improving skin elasticity.
- Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Butter is similar to avocado oil, avocado butter is deeply moisturizing and rich in nutrients that support skin health, helping to nourish and repair dry or damaged skin.
- Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E Acetate) is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage, supports skin repair, and provides hydration and nourishment.
- Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It helps protect the skin from environmental stressors and calms irritation.
- Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Seed Oil is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, it helps moisturize, nourish, and protect the skin while supporting the skin barrier.
- Caprylyl Glycol helps to keep the skin hydrated.
Ingredients provides a good mix of moisturizing, soothing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant benefits. If you have sensitive skin you should first do a patch test as it also contains fragrance components that may cause irritation.
Where to Buy Curaloe Original Aleo Vera Hydrating Night Cream in USA
- Curaloe (70% Aleo Vera)
Where to Buy Curaloe Original Aleo Vera Hydrating Night Cream in South Africa
In Conclusion
After 4 weeks of testing these 4 skincare products I can confidently say that I am satisfied with the results and that I might even stick to this minimalistic skincare routine approach for a while. What makes the difference is the ingredients as you should start reading the list of ingredients instead of only listening to everyone that promotes skincare or trends that comes and goes. Find what works for your skin.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links, including those from Amazon, at no extra cost to you.