Skincare to combat dry & sleep deprived skin: here are my current faves

May 4, 2021 | 5 comments




Én af de vigtigste ting jeg har lært efter at være blevet mor, er at skrue ned for forventningerne til mig selv, især som selvstændig. Hverdagen med en lille baby er virkelig uforudsigelig, og man er selvsagt nødt til, at “go with the flow” og indrette sig som tiden går den pågældende dag. Og verden går ikke under, hvis jeg ikke får svaret på den dér mail samme dag som den lander i min indbakke. Jeg ELSKER mit arbejde og jeg glæder mig helt sikkert til, at kunne skrue op for arbejdstiden igen til efteråret – men lige nu er det også rart, at det hele foregår i et langsommere tempo, mens jeg nyder livet i barselsboblen med Emilie.

“Sov, mens du kan” er nok én af de kommentarer jeg oftest fik, da jeg var gravid. Kærligt ment uden tvivl, men også en smule utopisk. Jeg mener, man kan jo ikke indhente søvn på forskud? Vi har været ret heldige, at Emilie for det meste sover rigtig godt om natten. Selvom man ofte hører skrækhistorier om børn der vågner mange gange i løbet af natten (hvilket i virkeligheden nok er mere reglen end undtagelsen), så behøver det ikke være sådan. Børn er forskellige. Jeg ammer dog stadig 2-3 gange de fleste nætter, og selvom det ofte ikke tager mere end 5-7 minutter og vi begge hurtigt falder i søvn igen, så er det selvfølgelig stadig hårdt med så mange måneders afbrudt søvn. Og det kan helt klart ses og mærkes på min hud.

ENG.: one of the most important things I have learned after becoming a mother is to lower my expectations, especially as someone who is also self-employed. Everyday life with a baby is really unpredictable, and you obviously have to “go with the flow” and adjust every day. And the world will not perish if I don’t have time to answer that email the same day as it lands in my inbox. I LOVE my job and I am definitely looking forward to being able to turn up working hours again when autumn comes around – but right now it’s quite nice that things happen at a slower pace while I enjoy life in the maternity bubble with Emilie.

“Sleep while you can” is probably one of the comments I got most often while I was pregnant. Lovingly meant without a doubt, but also a bit utopian. I mean, you can’t get sleep in advance? We have been quite lucky that Emilie sleeps really well most nights. Although you often hear horror stories about children waking up many times during the night (which, let’s face it is often more the rule than the exception) it doesn’t have to be that way all the time. Children are different. However, I still breastfeed 2-3 times most nights, and even though it often doesn’t take more than 5-7 minutes and we both quickly fall asleep again, it is of course still hard with so many months of interrupted sleep. And I can definitely tell that I’m tired, just by looking at my skin.

Jeg er sikker på nogle af jer kender mærket The Ordinary (køber det på den Danske Sephora, da de oftest har alle produkter på lager, også i de store størrelser). Det er noget jeg selv er stødt på via Pinterest og Instagram. Så efter at have læst nogle virkelig gode anmeldelser af deres produkter, besluttede jeg mig for nogle måneder siden at købe et “start-kit”, og teste det af selv. Og jeg har allerede købt nogle af produkterne igen, endda i en større størrelse, fordi jeg har været så glad for dem. Ingen af produkterne indeholder parfume, de er både cruelty-free og veganske og så er lige netop dem jeg bruger (ifølge The Ordinary selv) også sikre at bruge hvis man ammer. Og så er de super budget-venlige ikke mindst. Jeg er kommet langt siden jeg lavede min egen ansigts-olie for år tilbage (ikke noget jeg vil anbefale), og i dag vil jeg meget hellere sætte min lid til eksperterne og dem der rent faktisk har forstand på hudpleje. Men det er stadig vigtigt for mig, at undgå for meget unødig parfume og når det kommer til danske produkter, går jeg altid efter Svanemærket så vidt det er muligt.

Jeg synes det var lidt forvirrende i starten, at finde de produkter der passer til min hudtype, så det har krævet lidt research. Alle produkterne ligner jo hinanden til forveksling, og der står ikke på det enkelte produkt, hvad det gør eller hvilken hudtype det passer til. De har dog en guide på deres hjemmeside, som er et rigtig godt udgangspunkt. Jeg har valgt at fokusere på produkter, som skal pleje min trætte, tørre hud og ikke mindst mindske synligheden af de fine linjer og rynker, som min hud helt naturligt er begyndt at få, nu hvor jeg nærmer mig 31 år (og generelt også er lidt mere træt efter at være blevet mor, haha). Jeg har altid troet på, at masser af vand, frisk luft, motion og sund kost er den vigtigste kilde til smuk hud og det holder jeg stadig ved. Men derfor kan man jo godt hjælpe det lidt på vej udefra også, ikke? Desuden føles det skønt, at pleje sin hud morgen og aften, synes jeg. Det er ofte det eneste jeg når til dagligt (makeup er der kun sjældent tid til, og håret ryger tit tilbage i en knold), men til gengæld er det også noget, som jeg nødigt vil undvære.

Her er de produkter jeg bruger, samt den rækkefølge jeg bruger dem i (de kan nemlig bruges i “lag” efter hinanden, ifølge denne guide som jeg har brugt, til at bygge min rutine op og for at være sikker på produkterne virker som de skal):

ENG.: I’m sure some of you are familiar with the brand The Ordinary* (I buy it via the Danish Sephora webshop, as they usually have all products in stock, even in the large sizes – but here I’ve linked the US/UK Sephora). I came across the brand via Pinterest and Instagram a long time ago. So after reading some really good reviews of their products, I decided to buy a “starter kit” a few months ago to try it out myself. And I have already repurchased some of products again, this time in a larger size, because I have been so fond of them. None of the products contain perfume, they are both cruelty-free and vegan and the ones I use (according to The Ordinary/Deciem) are also safe to use while breastfeeding. Last but not least they are rather purse friendly too, I think. I have come a long way since making my own facial oil years ago (not something I would recommend today), and today I would much rather put my trust in the experts and those who actually know something about skincare. It is still important for me to avoid too much unnecessary perfume and when it comes to Danish products, I always follow the Nordic Ecolabel/Swanlabel as far as possible.

I think it was a bit confusing at first, finding the products that fit my skin type, so it has required a bit of research. The packaging is very similar across the range, and it does not say on the individual product what it does or what skin type it suits. However, they have a guide on their website which is a really good starting point. I have chosen to focus on products that combat tired, dry skin and not least reduce the visibility of the fine lines and wrinkles that my skin has naturally started to get, now that I am approaching 31 of age (and generally also find myself being a little more tired after becoming a mom, haha). I have always believed that plenty of water, fresh air, exercise and healthy nutrition are the main sources to beautiful skin and I still maintain that. But it doesn’t hurt helping a little bit from the outside too, right? In addition, it feels great to care for my skin morning and evening, I think. It’s often the only thing I get to do on a daily basis (makeup is only rarely something I have time for right now, and my hair is often scraped back in a bun). It is however something I’ve promised myself to do as the least thing every day, and it makes me feel great.

Here are the products I use, as well as the order I use them in (they can be layered according to this guide that I have used to build up my routine, and to make sure the products work as intended):





1. Squalane Cleanser er en virkelig lækker og mild cleanser, som ikke udtørrer huden. Du påfører den på tør hud og skyller efter med lunkent vand. Jeg elsker cleansere som den her, der også fjerner øjenmakeup. Jeg varmer den op mellem hænderne og masserer den så blidt på hud og øjne og skyller af. Jeg bruger den både morgen og aften.

2. Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5. Hyaluronsyre binder fugt til huden og trænger ned i de dybere lag, så den er perfekt til især tør og dehydreret hud. Jeg påfører et par dråber af denne på fugtig hud morgen og aften. Jeg har ladet mig fortælle, at det med fugtig hud er ret vigtigt, når man påfører hyaluronsyre, da den ellers kan have modsat effekt, og faktisk tørre huden ud. Bare en lille heads up.

3. “Buffet” er en serum der virker opstrammende, fugtgivende og plejende på aldrende hud. Jeg bruger den morgen og aften.

4. Caffeine solution 5%  virker opkvikkende på trætte øjne. Den påføres morgen og aften under øjnene, og afhjælper hævelse og mørke rande.

5. 100% Plant-derived squalane er en ansigtsolie, som jeg bruger både morgen og aften efter de forskellige sera. Hvis min hud er ekstra tør drypper jeg et par dråber ud i hænderne og masserer direkte på huden, og ellers blander jeg blot et par dråber i sidste step; fugtgivende creme.

6. Natural Moisturizing factors + HA er det sidste step i min rutine (om dagen ihvertfald), og det er en fugtigivende creme. Den fedter ikke, men efterlader stadig min hud dejlig blød. Denne, sammen med olien, er en perfekt base til makeup synes jeg. Så hvis man synes alle de der sera virker forvirrende og som lidt for “high maintenance” (eller man bare ikke er dér, hvor man har brug for ekstra pleje til fx aldringstegn), så ville jeg gå med cleanseren, olien og så denne fugtgivende creme. Helt basic og super lækre produkter.

7. Vitamin C Suspension 23%. Vitamin C skulle efter sigende være uundværlig pleje til hud med aldringstegn, og generelt træt hud. Den får huden til at se friskere og mere jævn ud, og så indeholder den antioxidanter der giver en mere glat overflade. Denne bruger jeg kun om aftenen efter den fugtgivende creme (som The Ordinary anbefaler), da den er lidt mere “krads” end de andre produkter, så for at undgå at Emilie får det på sin sarte hud når vi kysser og krammer, så lader jeg den virke om natten i stedet, og så vasker jeg jo ansigtet om morgenen når jeg står op.

ENG.:

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1. Squalane Cleanser* is a really delicious and gentle cleanser that doesn’t dry out the skin. You apply it on dry skin and rinse with lukewarm water. I love cleansers like this one that also remove eye makeup. I warm it up between my hands and then massage it gently on skin and eyes and rinse off. I use it both morning and evening.

2. Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5*. Hyaluronic acid binds moisture to the skin and penetrates into the deeper layers, so it is perfect for especially dry and dehydrated skin. I apply a few drops of this on damp skin morning and evening. I have been told that applying it to damp skin is quite important when applying hyaluronic acid, as otherwise it can have the opposite effect, and actually dry out the skin. Just a little heads up.

3. “Buffet”* is a serum that has a firming, moisturizing and nourishing effect on aging skin. I use it morning and evening.

4. Caffeine solution 5%* has an invigorating effect on tired eyes. It should be applied morning and evening under the eyes, and relieves puffiness and dark circles. I need me some of that!

5. 100% Plant-derived squalane* is a facial oil that I use both morning and evening after the various serums. If my skin is extra dry I add a few drops into my hands and massage directly on the skin, and otherwise I just mix a few drops in the last step; moisturizing cream.

6. Natural Moisturizing factors + HA* is the last step in my routine (during the day at least), and it is a moisturizing cream. It’s not greasy but leaves my skin nice and soft. This, along with the oil, is a perfect base for makeup I think. So if you think all those serums seem confusing and a bit too “high maintenance”, then I would go with the cleanser, the oil and then this moisturizer. Basic, simple and really nice products.

7. Vitamin C Suspension 23%*. Vitamin C is said to be indispensable care for skin with signs of aging, and generally tired skin. It brightens the skin and it also contains antioxidants that give a smoother surface. I only use this in the evening after the moisturizing cream (as The Ordinary recommends), as it is a little more “harsh” than the other products, so to avoid Emilie getting it on her delicate skin when we snuggle through the day, I let it work it’s magic during the night instead, and then I wash my face in the morning when I get up.

Her til sidst vil jeg lige påpege, at The Ordinary anbefaler max 3 serummer pr. rutine, hvilket også er det jeg er oppe på. Som sagt har jeg været SÅ glad for de her produkter, at jeg allerede har købt erstatninger for et par af dem igen. Jeg har brugt dem i ca. 3 måneder, og jeg kan helt klart tydeligt mærke forskel på min hud. Den føles frisk og gennemfugtet, og er meget mindre tør, mat og træt. Jeg er ikke bange for rynker mv. og har altid været af den overbevisning, at min hud skal have lov til, at aldre helt naturligt. Men at se sund og frisk ud er noget, som jeg værdsætter utroligt højt og den følelse får jeg helt klart, når jeg bruger de her produkter. Det er tiltrængt mig-tid, en dejlig måde både at starte og slutte dagen på, og så tager det ikke engang særlig lang tid. Det kræver som sagt bare lidt research og baggrundsviden om, hvilke produkter man skal gå efter – men så er du også godt kørende.

Håber I kunne bruge den her gennemgang til noget, især hvis I selv har overvejet at prøve deres produkter. Og hvis ikke, så se det blot som en kærlig påmindelse om, at huske at tage lidt velfortjent tid til jer selv hver dag. 🖤

ENG.: finally, I just want to point out that The Ordinary recommends a maximum of 3 serums per. routine, which is also what I’m using. As I said, I have been SO satisfied with these products that I have already repurchased a few of them again. I have used them for approx. 3 months and I can definitely clearly tell a difference on my skin. It feels and looks hydrated and a lot less dull, tired and dry. I’m not afraid of wrinkles etc. and have always been of the belief that my skin should be allowed to age completely naturally. But looking healthy and fresh is something that I value highly and I definitely get that feeling when I use these products. Doing my skincare routine is a much needed form of me-time, a great way to both start and end the day, and it doesn’t even take very long. As I said, it requires just a little research and background knowledge about which products to go for – but after that it gets easier and it’s all worth it.

I hope you found this review helpful, especially if you have considered trying their products but just haven’t had the chance to yet. And if not, just look at it as a loving reminder to remember to take some well-deserved time for yourself every day. 🖤

5 Comments

  1. Nicky

    Lovely routine and love the ordinary too! The inkey list is also a very nice brand 🙂 do you use spf in the morning? Xoxo

    Reply
    • signeh24

      Hi Nicky! I’m glad you liked this post 🙂 There is SPF in my CC cream that I use almost daily, otherwise I tend to only apply it actually, if it’s sunny which is probably a mistake haha! I just don’t like the feeling of sun screen on my skin, but maybe I just haven’t found the one yet. Do you have any recs? Love, Signe xx

      Reply
  2. Heidi

    Thank you for this. I have looked at their products and have been a tad confused so this really helps!

    Reply
    • signeh24

      So happy to hear that Heidi!

      Lots of love, Signe xx

      Reply
  3. Mercedes V Arnao

    My recommendation for a great sunscreen is:

    La Roche Posay Invisible Fluid (also known as Shaka) SPF 50+ Fragrance Free Sunscreen (European version).

    This is an excellent sunscreen that isn’t greasy or oily and has no white cast and no pilling. It’s my holy grail sunscreen. I use it multiple times a day with no issues.

    Reply

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