As you might have noticed, there is an abundance of skincare products to choose from. Everybody has their own preferred routines, Holy Grail products and techniques. What do we really have to do to achieve glowing skin? How do we even begin?
There are quite literally so many different options out there. Some people follow the 14-step Korean skincare routine, others apply some shea butter and call it a day. The thing to remember is that this is your personal skincare regime, and it is about finding out what is the best for you.
With a little help from our basic guidelines, you’ll be able to perfect your skincare routine, subsequently giving you the best skin. Here they are.
DEFINE YOUR SKINTYPE
There is an array of skincare products out there that cater to your specific needs. You can assess your own skin, here’s how:
- NORMAL SKIN – You’re not too oily, not too dry. This is actually quite rare.
- OILY SKIN – You have oily, shiny skin from your overactive sebaceous glands. This makes you more prone to breakouts. An easy way to test if you have oily skin is with blotting paper.
- DRY SKIN – Your skin will seem quite flaky, itchy, rough and dull. Remember, this is not the same as dehydrated skin. If your skin becomes dry in the winter or after using a harsh cleanser, you probably just need extra hydration.
- COMBINATION SKIN – This is the most common types of skin. Dry in some areas and quite oily in others, will it not just make up its mind? The T-zone is always particularly oily, cheeks being amongst the dryer parts.
As we get older, our skin changes. Don’t expect to have the same skin type forever. Adapt with your body and choose products that work for your skin type – you’ll notice a difference.
THE “NON-NEGOTIABLES”
These must exist in your skincare routine, no matter the type or the concerns. If you’re travelling, these are the three staple pieces to bring along with you.
- CLEANSER – Even if you don’t wear makeup, your face picks up dirt along the day. Washing your face, in any way whatsoever is very important.
- TONER – This removes impurities, ensuring you have a completely clear face.
- MOISTURISER – Straight after cleansing and toning, make sure to apply your moisturiser. This will ensure that your skin is hydrated and ready to take on the day. Most moisturisers have added SPF too which is very important. If your moisturiser doesn’t have an SPF, make sure to apply one separately.
THE ENHANCEMENTS
Now that we have the absolute must-haves out of the way, it’s time to make your skincare regime more personal. Just remember, your skin will change over time. Switching up your products along the way is the best thing to do. Some of our favourite enhancements include:
- Serums or facial oils
- Essence
- Eye Creams
- Face masks
- Lip care
- Exfoliators
From these products, you just need to decide which one you feel you would benefit the most from.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS?
To really be able to decide what you want your skincare routine to include, you’ll have to decide what your goals and concerns are. For example, somebody who is looking to prevent ageing might want to include anti-wrinkle creams, eye serums and rosehip oil into their routines.
Somebody with super dry skin might choose to include specialised serums and facemasks. Oily skin types might want to consider using an exfoliator. Really, it’s just your personal choices. Assess what your preferences are and it will help you finding the products that will be tailored to your needs and wishes.
HOW DO I FIND THE PERFECT BRAND FOR ME?
There must be thousands of beauty brands out there to choose from. To make life a bit more difficult they are all offering to make your skin look radiant. The best ways to choose a skincare line is to discover whether they cater to your skin type (including sensitive skin). From this, you can narrow down your options:
- Budget
- Ethics (vegan, cruelty-free, eco-friendly, fair trade etc.)
- Natural / synthetic
- Online reviews
As a start you could just opt for the basics and see how it works. Truth be told, there’s no rule to say you have to stick with one skincare brand. If something works for you and your complexion, roll with it.
Your skincare routine is extremely personal to you. Just because something works for somebody else, doesn’t necessarily mean it will work for you. Sometimes, it’s a case of trial and error, but if you follow these steps you should be on the right path to your perfect skincare journey.