SKINCARE FOR BEGINNERS

RECOMMENDED ROUTINE

Great skin is not just a result of good genetics or DNA. Your daily habits, environment and product choices will all have an impact on the how healthy your skin is. As a Skin Therapist, I am asked questions such as “what should I be doing for my skin?”, “I don’t know where to start” and “what products should I be using?”. There are so many products on the market to choose from that it can become confusing as to where to begin. We have outlined below a starting point that can form the basis of a good skincare routine for most skin types. If you are new to skincare, then this simple Four Step Foundation process can get you started on your journey to great skin. For more advanced skin care users this Four Step Foundation is the groundwork on which to grow and add in more advanced products.

YOUR FOUR-STEP SKINCARE FOUNDATION:

1. Cleansing
2. Toner and Serums
3. Moisturiser and Sunscreen
4. Exfoliant and Masks

Step 1. Cleansing

Cleansing removes impurities, dirt, sweat and pollution etc from our skin and provides a clean surface for our other products to work more effectively. Choose a cleanser based on your skin type eg. Oily, dry, sensitive, rosacea etc.

Cleanse both morning and night. In the evening a double cleanse is recommended to remove makeup, pollution particles, sweat, etc. from the skin. In the morning a quick cleanse will prep your skin for the day and allow any makeup to sit better on the skin.

Step 2. Toner or Serums

A toner can have a dual purpose in your routine – removing any leftover residual cleanser and rehydrating/balancing the skin. Gone are the days of harsh astringent toners. They have been replaced with highly effective formulas packed with skin loving ingredients. They are a great way to add extra nourishment and nutrients to the skin without over complicating your routine.  

Adding a serum or two to your routine can really help boost the skin and treat conditions. Click here for the different skin concerns and a guide as to what products to use.

Step 3. Moisturiser and Sunscreen

The main function of a moisturiser is to hydrate and soften the skin. Skin loses moisture through our  environment (sun exposure, air conditioning, air travel) and activities (such as exercise, face washing). Moisturiser should be applied every morning and night after cleansing and toning. Moisturisers have an added benefit of active ingredients to address and help correct skin conditions.

Sunscreen

Perhaps the most important skin product to use! The biggest culprit of skin ageing is the sun. Any exposure to the sun can cause underlying damage and premature ageing. Using a sunscreen everyday (yes, even in winter!) can go a long way in preventing deep wrinkles, aged skin, and of course deadly skin cancers. Using a minimum SPF30+ and ideally a SPF50+ on the face and body every day is a must. There are a multitude of different textures, formulas etc for different skin types and preferences. Some products will combine sunscreen and a day moisturiser in one product – makes it easy to never forget to put your sunscreen on!

Step 4. Exfoliate and Masks

Our skin naturally replaces itself on average every 28 days. This can slow down to around every 40-50 days as we get older. The top layer of our skin is made up of these dead skin cells and although our body will naturally dispense of these cells not all of them are removed and tend to stick to the skins surface. The result can be a build of dead skin cells that can make our skin look dull, dry, and will prevent other skincare products from penetrating and working as they should within the skin. Regular exfoliation can help to remove these excess skin cells. Depending on your skin type will depend on how often you need to exfoliate.  

• Oily skin – up to 2-3 times per week.
• Dry skin – generally 1 time per week.
• Sensitive/Reactive – 1 time per week depending on how the skin feels. This step may be skipped if the skin is in a highly reactive state.
• Normal skin – up to 1-2 times per week.

There are many beautiful skincare masks, click here for some recommendations.