Cecilia Wong’s Daily Skincare Routine + Her Amazing DIY Glow-Inducing Toner

Happy Tuesday Beautiful! Last week,I wrote about how to make subtle lifestyle switches for the spring season. Today, I wanted to focus on the more topical skincare routine I’ve been following and the effects it’s had on my own skin. Because I’m constantly learning and developing new techniques and taking new approaches to my clients skin, as well as my own, I change my routine up frequently. If I’m feeling congested in my sinuses, I make sure to add Gua Sha into my regimen. If my eyes are puffy from too little sleep, I like to use my jade roller for some lymphatic drainage. It’s important to keep shifting your routine because your body is in constant motion, varying with the seasons, age, and other changes. With that being said, when Self Magazine interviewed me about my current daily skincare routine, I was more than happy to share what has been working for me and my skin recently. Here’s how I described my routine: “During the day, my objectives are to calm, hydrate and protect my skin. I start by toning with a DIY daikon water. Then I use Bio N’ Ice therapy, which uses LED lights and ice infused with antioxidants to de-puff my skin. To hydrate, I use the Meder Masque Hydra-Fill sheet mask ($82), which I follow with my Black Currant Serum ($72) and Ilike Organic Skin Care Grape Stem Cell Solutions Moisturizer ($94). I then apply Meder Blepharo-Night eye cream ($108) and Ilike Phyto-Lift Eye Countour Cream ($75). Last but not least, sunscreen! I love La Roche-Posay Anthelios 30 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid ($30) or Coola Mineral Face SPF 30 ($36).”

After receiving multiple inquiries from readers about my DIY daikon water, I decided to share the recipe with all of you. I am absolutely obsessed with this toner thanks its simple formula, which packs maximum results. Consisting of just two ingredients, daikon and dried chrysanthemum flowers, this toner is a lovely addition to any skincare routine and helps to brighten and keep skin looking youthful, while easing inflammation and cooling the skin. For those of you who are unfamiliar with daikon, it is a type of radish that has been used for many years in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

When eaten, this vegetable improves digestion thanks to the enzymes it contains. It also is amazing for detoxifying the body and boosting the immune system, due to its high concentration of vitamin c. Finally, daikon contains anti-inflammatory compounds and can reduce inflammation in the body. All of these elements that make daikon a powerful super food, also make it amazing for your skin. Enzymes help to gently exfoliate the skin, while vitamin c is amazing for brightening and giving you the covetable glow. The anti-inflammatory compound in daikon helps to ease inflammation that can be brought on by acne. Known for it’s cooling properties, chrysanthemum is connected to the Lung and Liver meridians in Traditional Chinese Medicine. This herb calms the liver, releases toxins, and drives away Wind while clearing Heat from the body. The addition of dried chrysanthemum flowers to this recipe brings antibacterial properties to the toner as well, making it great for spritzing on your face after a workout when you have bacteria on the skin. Additionally, if you have leftover dried chrysanthemum flowers, I recommend using them to make a soothing tea by simply steeping them in boiling water.

Have you heard of daikon and chrysanthemum being used topically? Did you know that these herbs have been embraced by Traditional Chinese Medicine for many years? Feel free try my recipe for this amazing toner and watch how your skin looks brighter and more youthful!

I would like to thank you so much for reading and so generously sharing! It’s always wonderful sharing these fabulous tips with you all!

With all my love, Cecilia