How to Build the Best Skincare Routine
Fri, 19 Jun 2020
A skincare routine doesn't have to be complicated. There are 4 key steps to achieving healthy, clear, radiant skin. These can take less than 5 minutes - and in 10 you can have your make-up done too!
The first step is an easy one. Right from our childhood we're taught in wash our face regularly. Traditional soap can be drying for skin though, so here are some benefits of using a natural cleaner to wash your face. Cleansers come in many forms gel, foaming or cream.
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Removes build up of dirt, oil and chemicals caused by pollution. This undoubtedly freshens up your look
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Helps to stay hydrated, when combined with the other steps, it helps to retain moisture in the skin. It can also balance pH levels in the skin, making it smoother because it enables water and product retention
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Balancing the skin's natural sebum (oil) production is very important to protect it from free-radical and pollutant damage. The sebum glands use hairs on the skin's surface to travel to the outer layer and create a protective barrier. If too much dirt builds up on the skin this movement can be inhibited as the hair follicles get blocked.
The second step is one that is most often slipped and I feel underrated for it's role in boosting the efficacy of the steps and products which follow it. Toner is the "forgotten" step that helps to remove any traces of cleanser, remaining dirt or make-up.
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It can be a superhero product for anyone with oily or acne-prone skin or those who wear heavy make-up. Toner can help reduce the appearance of pores by removing this and other debris that can clog them.
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It is another pH balancer and is effective at removing chlorine which can be present in the tap water used to wash off cleanser.
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Toners prepare the skin to receive moisture and the best of all the benefits of the products that follow it. Some toners act as humectants which means they pull water from the air and lock it into the skin to aid hydration.
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I also find toner is excellent for a quick refresh on your face on hot days.
The third step has made it's way into the daily routine in the last 10-15 years. Serums have made their mark as a "wonder product". They are often costly though, so why should you invest in one?
A serum is a concentrate of powerful active ingredients which targets deep rooted skin problems by deeply penetrating and nourishing the skin.
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Serums help even out and plump skin texture due to the addition of collagen and elastin promoting ingredients in many
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Many contain Vitamin C, full of free-radical fighting antioxidants to help protect your skin and boost it's immunity to pollutant damage
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Serums can help tighten skin and reduce the appearance of pores, in turn reducing the appearance of blemishes and breakouts
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Serums can be used in the under-eye area help to reduce the appearance of dark circles by hydrating the delicate skin and the addition of caffeine can boost skin radiance.
Vitamin C, Frankincense and Myrrh boost skin immunity and collagen production helping to reduce the signs of ageing. Hyaluronic acid helps to hydrate skin and boost radiance.
The fourth step is one that most people are aware of, but it isn't as effective when used alone.
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Moisturiser helps to keep skin balanced, which reduces the chances of skin problems. When skin is too dry eczema can occur, when it's too oily you can have breakouts, so finding and maintaining a balance really helps
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It can reduce the appearance of blemishes by providing a protective barrier to further free-radical damage and locking in moisture to boost radiance
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Hydration helps to reduce the signs of ageing and moisturiser locks in the serum from the third step and this in turn helps to boost skin radiance and plumpness
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Moisturiser helps to keep your make-up looking flawless. Make-up sticks to dry areas and exacerbates the appearance of uneven skin, so keeping hydrated with a moisturiser base really makes a difference to your appearance.
I hope you've enjoyed these tips, found them useful and are going to implement some of the steps.
