brown beauty talk contributor, Maria Tumolo shares her skincare regime and the products she uses to keep her skin in check while ageing gracefully.

Black don’t crack, they say. We marvel at how Black and Asian celebrities look stunning decades after they first graced our screens. However, we now know that our skin can sag if it is not cared for properly. During perimenopause and menopause our skin changes due to the reduction of oestrogen production in our bodies. 

From my mid-forties, my skin changed from being sensitive-combination to sensitive-dry.  This meant that my skincare regime no longer worked. Fortunately, I took good care of my skin in my twenties so the ageing process hasn’t been devastating. I simply tweaked my regime to maintain my glow.

My Skincare Regime

Overall, my skin concerns are; dryness, dark circles and puffiness of the eye area and milia (tiny bumps caused by keratin trapped under the surface of the skin). Plant-based skincare products work best for me and the brands I’ve used and liked in the past are Antonia Burrell, Emma Hardie, MgC Derma, Liz Earle, Okiki Skincare, Origins and Sukin. My skin also benefits from a boost of Collagen and Vitamin C, which I tend to take orally as supplements and smoothies along with roughly six glasses of water.

Morning

In the morning I wash my face with warm water and spritz with La Roche –Posay Toleriane Ultra 8. I’d read that this face mist was great for hydrating skin so I decided to try. I’m currently alternating between Origins’ Ginzing Gel Moisturiser and IT Cosmetics Confidence in Cream Rosy Tone Moisturiser.

Origins is an old favourite of mine; some years ago, I had a facial at their shop and I’ve never looked back. IT Cosmetics Skincare is new to me - a friend gifted me some of their products. Both brands promise increased radiance which is why I use them. On my eyes I apply Origins Ginzing Refreshing Eye Cream.

TOP TIP: A Jade Roller is good for getting rid of congestion and dark circles under the eyes. 

Finally, I finish off with sunscreen, alternating between Mary Kay Sun Care in SPF 30 and Ultrasun Face Tinted Honey SPF 50. May Kay Sun Care doesn’t leave a white cast and can be used all over the body. While the tinted Ultrasun is good for makeup free days. It gives me a fresh faced youthful look.

Evening

At night that’s when I take time and make my regime a mindful experience. If I’ve worn makeup, I remove it with Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water for Sensitive Skin. I tried micellar water after seeing the advert on TV. It’s gentle on my skin but removes face and eye makeup thoroughly.

After I wash my face using Silk’n Facial Cleansing Brush along with either between Origins Checks & Balances or IT Cosmetics Confidence Cleanser, followed by Origins Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Soothing Treatment Lotion. 

Some time ago, I read that retinol helps to control milia. I’m currently testing The Inkey List’s Retinol and after three days I could already see an improvement. Boots Glow Eye Cream is then applied and I finish off with Sukin Enriching Night Cream from the range which is meant to revitalise dehydrated skin. I bought it on whim over a year ago, when it was on sale. 

On Sunday evenings I include a mask. I use Okiki Skincare Gigi Face Mask Powder, after cleansing and a thin application of virgin olive oil. As a rule, I try to avoid products that contain parabens, alcohol and synthetic fragrances. 

Treatments

If I could, I would have monthly treatments. I’m a firm fan of the Sk:n Clinic’s HydraFacial. The HydraFacial as the name suggest, improves my skin’s hydration. The treatment consists of ‘multiple stages which detoxify my skin, removes dead skin cells, extracts debris and provides lasting hydration to protect and rebuild collagen levels. 

We can’t stop ageing but with a good skin care regime, diet and exercise, we can appear to be ageless.