Skincare that really cares

My skincare journey has evolved significantly over the years, largely dependent on what’s going on in my life. During my 20s, it was mostly non-existent and, in hindsight, quite horrendous. I cleansed with microbeads, which are not only atrocious for the planet and its aquatic life, but also abrasive for the skin. I wore a lot more make-up and didn’t always wash it off before bed. I didn’t spend money on natural or organic products as my income was mostly spent on cheap vodka, Cup A Soup and white-chocolate scones. I was living the “party-uni-party” life. When I was about 27, I really started taking notice of my skin. A little disclaimer: I’ve been blessed by the skin goddesses, and I’ve had clear, healthy skin with very few blemishes my whole life. But now I’m 34 and I’m starting to see some ageing, fine lines and skin spots. I’m also acutely aware of the importance of sticking with the same skincare products and not jumping ship whenever the next shiny new anti-ageing promising product lands on my desk. Which is hard because there are so many shiny new products these days. However, I have learned to come back time and time again to the good ones, one of those being Sanctum.

Sanctum is a tried and tested favourite and a crucial part of my now “too-many-steps” and “need-this-time-for-me” skincare routine. I begin my day with their HY C Recovery Serum. This potent serum is a dreamy facial packed into a pump bottle. Designed to replenish moisture and enhance the radiance of your skin, the serum’s blends crowd favourite hyaluronic acid for its unique ability to attract and hold water, ensuring optimal skin hydration. Additionally, vitamin C plays a vital role in preventing pigmentation, unveiling a more luminous complexion. This serum effectively addresses premature ageing, fatigue and age spots by harnessing the power of certified organic ingredients and active compounds. It also contains gotu kola extract, which promotes healthy skin and defends against damaging environmental factors of which, when you live in Australia, there are plenty. Each morning after my shower, I apply a pea-sized amount onto my fingertips and gently press it on my face and neck. Over my many years of enjoying facials, I have learned not to rub serums or oils into my skin, instead simply pressing them onto the skin. This ensures maximum effectiveness as it allows the products to penetrate deeper without friction. The HY C Recovery Serum smells divine, with subtle hints of rose and sandalwood preparing me for the day.

I bookend each day with Sanctum’s Soothing Cream Cleanser. I’ve been using the product for so long now that as soon as I smell the rosemary leaf extract my mind and body begin to relax. Enriched with certified organic petitgrain essential oil and aloe vera leaf juice, the luxurious cleansing cream effectively removes daily residue, make-up and excess oil. Simultaneously, it safeguards the skin’s natural acid layer, promoting a thorough yet gentle cleansing experience. The creamy texture of this cleanser is what keeps me coming back for more. It leaves my skin feeling milky, soft, smooth and deeply nourished.

As I apply the cleanser, my commitment extends beyond the face to include my often-neglected décolletage. Sanctum’s products, gentle on sensitive skin, prove their versatility by effectively cleansing heavy sunscreens. The affordability and effectiveness of the range make this commitment a sustainable and enjoyable part of my routine.

Every Sunday, my evening shower transforms into a sanctuary with the Sanctum Hydrating Gel Mask. The cooling infusion of aloe vera leaf juice and cucumber fruit extract soothes my body’s natural tendency to warmth. With the addition of rose flower water and geranium flower oil, the mask has been expertly crafted to soothe and tone while replenishing lost moisture. The clever team behind Sanctum have also formulated the mask with tocopherol, a form of vitamin E that promotes cell renewal and skin elasticity.

I simply smooth the natural gel mask onto my face and neck, avoiding my lips and eyes, and leave for a blissful 10 minutes. This ritual has become my weekly self-indulgence — a moment to savour amid the chaos of daily life. Usually I’m rushing out the door, showering at the gym or have my toddler at my feet. But, on Sunday night, I enjoy Sanctum’s Hydrating Gel Mask, wash my hair, give my hair a treatment and shave my legs, all to the sound of music. Sometimes I even sip a red wine or coconut water in the shower to really create that spa feeling at home.

My skincare routine has certainly come a long way from my carefree “party-uni-party” days. Sanctum has seamlessly woven itself into my life, creating a world filled with skincare nourishment, consistency and moments of self-indulgence. It’s not just a routine; it’s a journey of self-care and appreciation for the little moments that Sanctum products effortlessly enhance.

For more information, visit sanctumaustralia.com.

Article Featured in WellBeing Magazine 208