Skincare 101: Building a routine that suits your lifestyle

Everyone is ridiculously busy, so it's easy to overlook the importance of self-care- especially when it comes to our skin.

Great skin won’t come from the social media trends & influencer products; it's about understanding your skin's unique needs and crafting a personalised skincare routine.

In this blog, we'll break down the essential steps to help you build a customized routine for glowing skin.

Know Your Skin Triggers

The foundation of any effective skincare routine begins with understanding your skin and it’s triggers. Is it usually oily, dry, combination, or sensitive? Does anything ‘set off’ a chain reaction that leaves you with dry/stressed/spotty skin?

Different skin types have distinct needs, so identifying yours is the first step toward tailoring your regimen.

1. The first step: cleanse

The basics. You start your routine with a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type. Cleansing not only removes dirt, pollution, makeup and product build up, but also prepares your skin to absorb the subsequent products better.

Double vs single cleanse?

Double cleansing usually involves using an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based one. This combination effectively removes makeup, sunscreen, and impurities from the skin.

Benefits:

• Helps to prevent certain types of breakouts: efficient cleansing helps prevent clogged pores, reducing the likelihood of acne and breakouts. But it’s important to keep in mind the other triggers of spots and pimples like environmental and physical stress- and equally important to recognise when you’re stripping too much away from your skin. (see ‘downsides’)

• Enhances Product Absorption: A ‘clean canvas’ will support your serums and moisturisers to penetrate better, maximising their effectiveness.

• Customisable: You can (and should) tailor your routine to your skin type. For example, if you have oily skin, you might choose a lighter oil-based cleanser, and for dryer skins you may choose a rich balm for this first step. Very sensitive/dry skin? Double cleansing may not actually be for you… read on.

Downsides:

• Time-Consuming: Double cleansing can take more time, and this can be inconvenient, especially during busy mornings or late nights.

• Dryness/over stripped skin: For some, especially those with dry or sensitive skin, double cleansing may strip the skin of natural oils, leading to dryness initially- and potential for over production of sebum leading to imbalance. If you really feel like you need that extra cleanse to remove the day- you can try using an oil based first step, or just use your usual hydrating/creamier cleanser and do a double pass with that.

• Not necessary for everyone: linked to the above point- some people may not need a double cleanse. If you don't wear makeup or maybe you live in a low pollution area so no need to remove a load of grime from the day (sorry Londoners- this doesn’t apply to you nor me), a single, gentle cleanser might be sufficient.

• Product Sensitivity: you may be sensitive to certain ingredients in certain oil-based cleansers. Patch testing new products is always a good idea.

Double cleansing is pretty much an essential step for people wearing makeup or sunscreen, and who live in areas with high pollution. However, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Consider your skin type, lifestyle, and the products you use to determine if double cleansing is right for you.

If you decide to try it, make sure to choose cleansers that suit your skin's needs and maintain a healthy balance.

Book in for a skin consult if you’re not sure.

2. Exfoliation

The older we get, the slower the turnover of our skin cells gets.

Exfoliation helps to unveil newer skin cells giving a brighter more glowy skin tone, helps to unclog pores, and promotes cell turnover. Choose an exfoliator that matches your skin's sensitivity— a word of absolute caution: PUT DOWN THE ST IVES SCRUB. NOW.

You should be cautious of physical exfoliants on the face which can lead to damage and irritation.

Similarly, when choosing an acid based exfoliant- go low and slow to begin with, to avoid excess dryness, peeling and irritated lumps forming- quite literally the opposite of the desired effect.

3. Hydration: Pick a decent moisturiser

A good moisturiser will replenish and lock in moisture, and act as an additional barrier for external/environmental stressors on the skin. Even if you have naturally oily skin, don't skip this step. Opt for a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser to keep your skin balanced.

As seasons change you may need to switch up your moisturiser/add in a thicker cream at night to support your skin barrier.

4. Sunscreen: Every day, without fail

No skincare routine is complete without SPF. Sun damage not only accelerates aging, but can exacerbate conditions like rosacea and ultimates puts you at risk of skin cancer. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and apply every morning, regardless of the weather.

Your future self (and your aesthetician!) will thank you. Nothing looks as good in your 40s as using sunscreen in your 20s & 30s.

5. Treatments: Targeted Solutions

If you have specific skin concerns like acne, hyperpigmentation, dehydration or fine lines, once you’ve nailed the basics, start to incorporate targeted treatments into your routine.

Serums with ingredients like retinoids, vitamin C, or hyaluronic acid can address these concerns and enhance your skin's overall structure.

6. Listen to Your Skin

A customised skincare routine isn't static— it evolves as your skin's needs change. Pay attention to how your skin responds to different products, keep in touch with us- and we can support you to adjust your routine accordingly. Seasons, hormones, and lifestyle factors can all influence your skin, so get ready to adapt.

7. Consistency is Key

Building a routine is only half the battle; consistency is the other. Stick to your skincare routine diligently, and you'll likely see results over time. Remember, achieving good skin is a marathon, not a sprint.

By understanding your skin type, following a tailored routine, and being consistent, you’ll be celebrating more and more good skin days. It doesn’t have to be expensive, your routine doesn’t need to have ten steps, and the advice around when to start new products definitely shouldn’t come from someone being paid to sell one to you over the internet.

Treat your skincare routine as a form of self-care and the benefits will follow.

Why not book in for a skin consultation, and we can talk you through a few core products that might suit you? Book here