Irene Forte’s AM/PM routine

…with a glass of water. I used to have hot water and lemon first thing, but since going to the Vana Wellness Retreat in northern India, I’ve switched to room-temperature water. In Ayurvedic medicine, they teach you not to have anything too hot or too cold, as it’s not good for your system. I have to say that since doing this, I’ve felt amazing.

…as it’s good for dry skin as much as anything else. I also moisturize my body every single day using a body cream or my Rose Body oil. On a ‘bad’ face day I use the NuFace device; the microcurrent really wakes up your skin. I also love face massage and am looking to buy a cryotherapy face roller.

…but there is one recent change I’ve made that makes a huge difference to my skin – using a toner. It takes the tap water off my face after cleansing, removing all the calcium that’s left over from the London water, and I can see a visible improvement. I use my Irene Forte Hibiscus Serum, and twice a week I swap to Biologique Recherche’s P50 toner, which is more exfoliating and brightening. I didn’t really use serums before, but they can be more potent than a cream and penetrate better, so it’s the one step I now never miss. I use either my Aloe Vera or the Prickly Pear face cream, and then follow with the EltaMD Skin UV Daily Facial Sunscreen SPF 40. I dab some Westman Atelier Foundation where I need it, mixed with a tiny bit of my Rose Face Oil. I use the RMS Beauty ‘Un’ Cover-Up under my eyes, and finish with By Terry’s Hyaluronic Hydra Powder.

…including ProbiotiX Daily 5 Live, and Hemagenics – a great formula with iron and its co-factors; I don’t eat much meat and have had low iron levels in the past. ImmunoBlast has vitamins A, C, E, D and zinc to support the immune system, and when traveling I always take Lugol’s Iodine tincture 15%.

…and try to walk everywhere I can, and if it’s not too cold I run outside in one of the London parks. Even if I work out in the gym during the week, I still try to get outside and have a run at the weekend.

…and (before lockdown) would use the Skinned app to book a monthly facial with London-based facialist Desi Valentine; I do a course of four glycolic peels with her twice a year. I also liked to have a massage at least once a month with Lucja Maslowska; she’s amazing and is extremely experienced in different types of massage, nutrition and meditation.

…I meditate, using my mantra if I need to – it really helps me get into the right state of mind. I also take melatonin, as it’s very calming when I feel stressed. It’s a phyto, or plant-based, melatonin and I also use it when I travel or have jet-lag.

…with the Rose or Orange Blossom Face Oil from my line, using pressure points and my knuckles to work into the muscles. I love oils, as they penetrate so easily and make a great barrier for the skin. I always use the Foreo device with my cleanser, as it does make a difference in really cleaning the skin.

…once a week. Before lockdown, my sister and friends would come over and we would do masks, massage and peels.

…I listen to Terrence The Teacher’s Tranceform app. I also take magnesium powder in a glass of water at night, as it helps relax the muscles.

Firming facial exercises to try at home

How to do an at-home facial