Paula Begoun’s AM/PM routine

…because I always wake up early, between 5am and 7am. I brush my teeth, take my medications and supplements – omega fatty acids, glucosamine, B12 and an antioxidant blend – then I check my skin, hug my boyfriend and put sunscreen on.

…when I first wake up, I go downstairs to start working, so breakfast doesn’t happen until around 10am or 11am. I love an egg-white omelette with spinach. But if there’s leftover Chinese takeout, that’s the next best thing!

…time is precious and there is nothing that would benefit skin that should take much longer, unless I’m doing extractions and occasionally a mask. I use a gentle cleanser, enriched toner, Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, an ultra-light yet concentrated antioxidant serum, Paula’s Choice Resist 10% Niacinamide Booster and an eye cream. I finish off with a lash-growth enhancer and minoxidil for my hair.

…because having one cannot compare to cosmetic corrective procedures. I prefer to get medical treatments that I know have long-term benefits, like IPL and laser. A blend of great skincare, sun protection and a combination of cosmetic procedures has helped me achieve what I want with my skin.

…I often have dinner meetings and I travel so much that I have homes in three cities. When I am at home I like to cook dinner with my boyfriend. I’m a decent cook and my food is exceptionally healthy; I only use good fats and have completely cut out sugar, white bread and butter. I love to use lots of seasoning (you can never use too much garlic), and I make a killer Indian keema with a ton of veggies, turmeric and fresh king salmon.

…I go through spates of being dedicated to working out and then times where I’m a couch potato. My inconsistency drives me nuts! When I do exercise it’s in my home before dinner. I’ve created a nice workout area because I prefer not being social or taking the time to get to the gym. I like being on my own where the only eyes on me are mine.

…using a gentle water-soluble cleanser, a very gentle but effective eye-makeup remover, a nourishing toner, leave-on exfoliant and a targeted treatment for any blemishes and clogged pores. I apply an omega serum and eye cream, and never go to bed without applying lip balm first or taking my evening supplements: omega fatty acids, probiotics, CoEnzyme Q10, a multivitamin and vitamin D every other day.

…but the menopause has changed that. Sometimes I need prescription medication, because if I go more than two or three days with poor sleep, I can get a bit loopy. Doing a crossword puzzle before bed helps, as does keeping my phone on its yellow light setting, which is more soothing and less stimulating than blue light.