SIMPLE SICK DAY SKINCARE

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Today I'm sharing what I like to do as my basic skincare routine when I'm feeling under the weather, seeing as I recently had this really bad flu, nausea thing that had me floored for a couple of days and this was the minimal level of self-care I could bring myself to do! When you're in that position or any other scenario (such as postpartum or having a flare-up of a chronic health condition); it's all about stripping it back to the functional essentials, looking after the skin barrier and doing as few steps as possible. Whilst I'm talking about the specific products I use, this post is really about looking at what you already have that might fit into the same role within your own routine.

Of course I used a basic, gentle cleanser and - whilst I will review this brand soon - this is a preview of my thoughts on the Skin & Me Cream Cleanser* | £9. This is a watery-lotion cleanser that's non-foaming and gentle on the skin barrier. Simplicity is the key for my skin when I'm not feeling well; I often find my skin is a little more inflamed and I just don't have the energy for anything fussy. This is perfect; it's fragrance-free and formulated with good, skin-barrier-friendly ingredients such as the humectant glycerin (which pulls hydration into the skin), emollients for soft, smooth skin and gentle surfactants. Nothing more, nothing less. I use this in the morning as a skin-refresher that won't strip away moisture. It also works as a one-step evening cleanser when you're just at home and don't need to worry about getting lots of makeup and sunscreen off. 

Another lazy day winter skincare staple for me is the Kate Somerville DeliKate Recovery Cream* | £42. This is a rich, substantial, nourishing moisturiser that I tend to use as a night cream, but if I'm feeling lazy and just staying at home; I might just slap this on and be done with it. This is a healing, replenishing cream that's wonderful for sensitised skin. It's thick but not greasy, shiny or smothering and is formulated with ingredients like squalane (a skin-similar plant oil) and shea butter to provide that deep nourishment. Plus, there's plenty in here to soothe irritation and also help to strengthen the skin's barrier function, such as bisabolol, ceramides, cholesterol, ginger extract and non-fragrant plant oils. It has a kind of healing balm quality that works beautifully and also feels like its insulating the skin from the outside world! It's feels luxurious and like a treat for my skin when I'm feeling under the weather.

Finally, I've been reaching for the Zelens Power D Vitamin D Concentrate* | £105. This is a lightweight oil that can be used either as a final step in your evening skincare routine or as a serum step if you're just at home and don't mind looking a little 'shiny' during the daytime! This is a lovely option for unhappy or sensitised skin; it's formulated with Provitamin D3 to help with skin barrier health, Vitamins F and E for replenishing fats, squalane to help soften and moisturise the skin and ceramide-like ingredients. It's pricey, but it's one of the few things my skin can tolerate when it's having a moment and its guaranteed to bring down redness and irritation. I throw this into my routine every so often even when things are pretty happy and balanced, just so they stay that way, but it works wonders when I'm actually having a crisis and there's so much good stuff in here for winter skin in just a single step. This makes is a sick day staple for me; it's easy to grab for and it just does all the good stuff for my skin!

What skincare do you use when you're feeling sick at home?

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