I’m a big advocate of skincare being an excellent form of self-care, but not everyone wants to spend hours of their day lathering their face in products. I always thought that I needed to dedicate a whole load of time on skincare to make me feel good, but then I read an excellent chapter in Caroline Hiron’s book for those who perhaps aren’t feeling up to a full on routine. It gave me the idea for a quick, low energy skincare routine that makes for perfect self-care when you don’t have the time or the energy (or if you’re feeling sick or sad or low).
Skincare Routine in Less Than 5 Minutes
I actually timed this skincare routine to make sure it would fit within my epic list of self-care techniques you can do in 5 minutes or less – so I know that this one took me exactly three minutes! I felt ready for the day aferwards and it was nice to spend a little bit of time on myself. Here’s how you do it:
- Cleanser – I’m basing this on a morning routine, so I just need to single cleanse (double cleanse in the evenings if you’ve been wearing makeup or SPF). I picked a creamy cleanser that I really like the smell of, as that makes me actually want to do my skincare routine. The one I use is the Kate Somerville Goat Milk Cleanser which smells a bit like honey. Not everyone likes the smell, so find one that makes you feel happy and zen.
- Toner – If I don’t have the energy or the inclination to faff about with acids and toners, I use a spray toner. This one is the La Roche-Posay Serozinc which is really good for oily or blemish-prone skin. I spray it on while my face is still damp from washing off the cleanser and let it sit for one minute.
- Eye cream – I always wake up with bags bigger than Evita in ‘Another Suitcase in Another Hall’ – niche reference there, I know. I find caffeine eye cream reduces the puffiness and gives me a little morning boost too. I love The Ordinary’s Caffeine Solution for this – and I love the price point of their stuff too! If you’re not keen on this one, then The INKEY List caffeine eye cream is another firm favourite (and again, at a great price).
- Moisturiser – Finally, I finish off with my favourite moisturiser. I actually have a few of these on rotation, but the one I use in the video is the Dr Dennis Gross Hyaluronic Marine Oil-Free Moisture Cushion. I use this one on the days after I use prescription treatment on my skin, that can make it a bit sore. However, I also absolutely love The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA and a sample of Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ that I’ve been dragging out for forever. Basically, find a moisturiser that you love and that makes your skin feel soothed and soft by the end of your skincare routine.
This low energy skincare routine is ideal for those who really don’t feel up to looking after themselves (I know that feeling all too well), but still want to do something. It’s also perfect for those who are constantly busy and don’t really have the time to fit in all the lotions and potions that you might see in other skincare routines. The key is to start with a cleanser you love, so you actually want to slap it on your face.
