In this blog post I’ll share all of my favourite skincare accessories and supplements. As I find more that I love, I’ll keep adding to the list. Most of these would make amazing gifts, too!
A word on supplements before we begin. It’s irresponsible for me to blindly recommend supplements to people I don’t know, so just make sure you check with your doctor before you consume any.
Disclaimer: some of the links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small % if you decide to purchase via the link.
Skincare routine accessories
These accessories are specifically for use during your skincare routine.
1. Gentle face cloths instead of rough muslins or flannels
I absolutely love these face cloths, you can also find them in places like Primark, Superdrug and TK Maxx. People often ask me if it’s really necessary to use a cloth, and the answer is no. However, I personally find it far more enjoyable, and I think it’s easier to make sure all of your cleanser is removed with a cloth.
Shop the face cloths for £7 for a 5-pack
2. Skincare routine headbands
These aren’t just a hype item! I don’t particularly like the way they look, but I was hooked instantly after using mine one time. They make cleansing so much easier, as they stop your hair from getting wet. I think I have four on rotation!
Shop the skincare headbands for £4.98 for a 2-pack
3. Stainless steel gua sha
The reason I do gua sha is because it’s relaxing, I don’t really expect to see results from it. Rose quartz gua shas look cooler, but they are less sanitary as quartz is porous. Stainless steel is much easier to clean and keep clean!
Shop the stainless steel gua sha for £6.29
4. Cleansing cuffs
How did I live for so long without these in my life? I have two pairs now. They stop the water running down your arms and into your pyjama sleeves. 10/10 do without.
Shop the cleansing cuffs for £4.99 for a pack of 4
Supplements and nutrition for healthy hormones
Everyone’s hormones are in a different situation, but if you suffer from breakouts and are female, you might seriously benefit from these.
1. Zinc picolinate
Apparently the best type of zinc for acne. I read that a large majority of acne sufferers also happen to be zinc deficient. I do feel that, since taking one of these daily, my random breakouts have lessened. I especially think they help around the TOTM.
2. Caffeine free coffee alternative made from Dandelion
My naturopath put me on this and it’s my new favourite thing! It’s coffee made from dandelion root, but it tastes exactly like coffee. Aside from being caffeine free, dandelion is amazing for water retention, digestion and hormone health.
3. Decaf green tea
You can get this in most supermarkets, and it’s an easy swap from regular green tea! A lot of people don’t realise green tea contains caffeine – a lot! It’s not a good idea to drink it before bed.
4. Spearmint tea for PCOS
Or just hormonal acne (or both!) Spearmint (not peppermint) is supposedly anti androgenic, and a lot of people see huge benefits from drinking a lot of it. It’s also caffeine free, so that’s a win.
Shop 100 pack of spearmint tea for £7
5. L-glutamine powder
There are sooo many reasons you could be bloated often, so I won’t sit here and say that this is going to fix that. However, if you do have leaky gut (see my post, Can IBS Cause Acne for signs) L glutamine can be a good starting point. In the post I talk about how leaky gut works, and L glutamine helps to protect the gut lining. You can put this in smoothies or water and it tastes of nothing.
Home accessories for healthy skin
These are accessories you can add to your daily routines to optimise them just that little bit more.
1. Acupressure mat
This is like a mini at-home acupuncture mat. It has tonnes of little spikes on it (it doesn’t hurt, you just have to get used to it) that press into your pressure points. I have literally fallen asleep on it before, it’s super calming.
I like to lay on it in bed while I read at night, or while I’m watching TV in the evening. It helps you get an amazing night’s sleep!
Shop the acupressure mat for £21.99
2. LED strip lights with changing colours
Okay I know these aren’t the most aesthetic, but they’re so worth it for under a tenner. Red light stimulates melatonin production at night, for a better night’s sleep again.
They come on a sticky strip, so you can stick them behind your headboard and they are totally invisible during the day.
Shop the LED strip lights for £11
3. Silk or satin pillowcases
Silk is best but satin is pretty good, too. I’ve had no problem washing them, surprisingly. Cotton pillowcases can dry out your skin from absorbing a lot of your skincare serums. I also find my hair stays healthier with these so.. win win!
4. Ear plugs when you sleep
I have always slept well and my apartment isn’t noisy, so you could say I don’t need these. However, my sleep is like 40% deeper when I wear them! It’s an amazing feeling when you wake up. For everyone wondering: yes you do hear your alarm!
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