Top tips for amazing skin and creating the skincare routine that's perfect for you!
It's normal to be in a "skin rut" or be overwhelmed by all the advice and information out there. I've always loved skincare and trying new products, but sometimes I don't know what to do, and I know I'm probably not alone. I was most excited for this post because it took me so long to perfect my routine, but the time was definitely worth it because it brings me lots of peace. Although I'm still learning myself, all the research, expert advice and personal issues allows me to give you everything you need to perfect your skincare routine.
The Basics
Crafting the perfect routine involves recognising our individuality. I could leave my house in the morning and come back later looking like I've been dipped in a tub of oil so I know I've definitely got oily skin, but shine only in your T-zone is an indication of combination skin. You probably have dry skin if it feels tight and is flaky but, feeling hydrated and comfortable is likely normal skin. Knowing your skin type will help you choose appropriate products and treatments, and so will knowing the order you should apply your products. Cleansing, hydrating, treating and moisturising, have been proven to be the most effective order and provide the best results. What works even better is breaking for 90 seconds between each product, to maximise absorbtion.
Cleansing
To the men reading, please for the love of skin, PUT DOWN THE 4 IN ONES!! Skincare is not just for women and if you're not washing your face properly, with actual products I don't know how to help you!! Washing your face is the most important part of your routine as you need a clean base. Double cleansing proves to be more effective than single cleansing as the first breaks down dirt and oil, whilst the second addresses skin concerns such as acne, lack of hydration or to exfoliate. Emulsifying the product in your hands before application is vital as it activates the ingredients, apply to WET skin and massage into your face. I always prefer using my hands as opposed to a brush for direct exposure, and because of this, hands must be 100% clean to prevent bacteria spreading, so do so beforehand (and no, they do not get cleaned at the same time). If you're doing your routine at night time; just before bed, ensure this is at least 30 minutes before you're ready to sleep so that all your hard work dosen't rub off onto your pillow instead of your skin. The following morning, it may not be completely necessary to wash your face all over again because all you did was sleep (on a clean pillowcase!!). Instead, you could apply your toner and moisturise, as the products from the night before are still absorbing.
If however, you've just stumbled home at 2am, absolutely paralytic and ready to sleep away all your mistakes of the night, DO NOT!! under any circumstance use a wipe! Not only are they so bad for the environment, but they're not that effective for make up removal and all that tugging is slowly ageing you about 10 years. Instead, grab some cleansing balm (Elemis Pro Collagen Balm and Inkeylist Oat Cleansing balm are amazing!), a face cloth and wipe it all away, followed by the rest of the routine that you're about to create. I know what you're thinking...'this is sooooo long', but when you wake up the next morning, you'll be thankful that you've not had to sacrifice your favourite sheets.
Hydrate
Even if you have the healthiest skin, you still need to hydrate it. This doesn't mean just using water, but using a facial toner and chemical hydrants. Toners hydrate and balance the skin, remove excess dirt and oil, and prep your skin for the rest of your routine. It's better to spray than use a cotton round so the product goes directly to your skin. Depending on the product, they're also designed to do other things such as improve skin texture and hyperpigmentation. This should be followed by a chemical hydrant such as Hyaluronic acid and Polyglutamic acid (which holds 10x more water than Hyaluronic acid). Apply this straight after a liquid toner or even straight after cleansing whilst your skin is still damp to lock in the moisture.
Treat
So many things go into treating certain issues, including acids (safe acids!!) that literally work wonders. I've suffered from acne for as long as I can remember, buying every over advertised product and trying every natural remedy, until I actually did some research and cured it on my own. People tend to take their skin more seriously when they have something to treat but you should always look after your skin! Remember, issues can only be solved when you're consistent so dont expect results in 24hours (even with those little pimple patches). To get you started, a salicylic acid cleanser and lactic acid serum can help treat your acne. Hyperpigmentation can be reduced with vitamin c (which can also even skin tone) or tranexamic acid. For textured skin, water based AHA's are your best friend such as Gycolic acid. And the appearance of fine lines can be treated using retinols and lots of hydration. Most of these treatments can be used interchangeably to treat other things and some can't be used together. A list of Treatments for different skin issues can be found here on The Archives!
Moisture & Protect
Moisturizing helps to protect the skin's barrier from irritation and lock in your products, whilst reducing the development of dryness and fine lines. This is more important in the winter when temperatures drop. To boost skin hydration and repair skin barrier, you could try "slugging". I use COSRX Snail Mucin and Eucerin Soothing Balm which are both amazing, however slugging too often clogs pores ( I found out this out the hard way). If you have oily skin, you may think that you don't need to moisturize, but the drier your skin is, the more oil it tries to produce to make up. Instead, moisturise more with water based or gel products like Keihls Ultra Facial Gel cream.
I'm probably not the only POC who grew up thinking we didn't need sunscreen because we don't burn (we absolutely do). Come to find out, sunscreen has many benefits such as to reduce signs of ageing and hyperpigmentation but most importantly, it provides protection from uv rays which can cause skin cancer. The only downside is the unruly shine it leaves, however hyaluronic acid sunscreens dont do this! Be sure to apply throughout the day too and if you're wearing make up, try a spray or balm version to top up!
Extra Care
The little things make the biggest difference! Sleeping with a silk pillowcase will change the quality of your skin and hair as there's less friction than you'd get with cotton cases (make sure they're clean!!). Lip care is soooo important! (I literally have a Carmex lip balm in every bag just in case). Lip scrubs and lip masks really go a long way and make a difference. On the day you're slugging or doing your fave face mask, don't forget those lips! Chemical exfoliants such as The Ordinary Peeling Solution a couple times a week also make a great difference but you can definitely go without.
Perfect skin doesn't exist! Everyone has texture and blemishes and although we fond over the doctored images we see and wish that was us on our worse days, it's not real. The most we can do is love the skin we're in and look after it and I hope you will now that you have your new and improved routine!