Every woman’s skincare regime is different. Yours might include a drop of luxury facial oil, a scoop of rich cream and a spritz of refreshing toner. Maybe there’s a hydrating serum or a décolletage lift in there too. Meanwhile, your girlfriend only uses one or two inexpensive products that sit beside baby wipes and a toothbrush in her bathroom, and yet she has really great skin.
Both of these lifestyle choices are subjective. Some prefer a low-maintenance routine while others enjoy the sensation of applying myriad textures to their skin. But which of these scenarios is the right one for you? Should you be using more or less products?
The jury is still out on what the universal care routine is, but we’ve broken down the essential steps.
Cleansing
If you only do one thing for your skin, you must cleanse it. World-renowned facialist Eve Lom's entire skincare line revolves around the art of cleansing- it's good for your chakras.
If your skin type is oily, reach for a water-soluble cleanser, like DHC's Deep Cleansing Oil, to wipe away environmental pollution, debris, makeup and excess sebum.
If you're the sensitive type, choose Erno Laszlo's Sensitive Cleansing Set - a duo of skin care treatments expertly formulated with advanced technologies, antioxidants and essential vitamins to create a bespoke regime.
Use a micellar water to remove stubborn eye makeup - we love the Mint Micellar Cleanser by Dr. Botanicals.
As you sleep your skin can accumulate extra oils and environmental debris. Dead skin cells and allergens may collect on your pillowcase and be transferred to your face throughout the night so cleanse again in the AM. Your morning cleanse is what preps your skin for the penetration of skin products and an effective application of makeup.
You won't need to double or deep cleanse for this one as you're not removing makeup.
Exfoliating
Exfoliators slough away built-up dead skin cells, revealing new skin and preventing clogged pores. Exfoliating every day can strip the skin of its natural oils, causing breakouts and irritation because you’re removing the top layer of skin before it has a chance to heal. Instead, exfoliate 2-3 times a week if you have normal or combination skin, and once a week if you have sensitive skin.
Toning
Toners are designed to balance the pH levels of your skin. They'll smooth, soften and calm while boosting the skin’s surface with replenishing ingredients. A toner helps to ease tightness, minimize pores and reduce redness. Daily use will give your skin what it needs to function in a healthier way.
Moisturizing
Contrary to popular belief you don’t need to use a traditional moisturizer every day, but you do need a moisturizing product containing ingredients naturally found in the skin. Antioxidants, cell-communicating ingredients (such as retinol) and skin-repairing ingredients (such as ceramides) are stripped away over time because of environmental stressors and sun damage. Moisturizers, serums, gels and lotions act as compensation and when you apply one or more every day, you help your skin retain healthy moisture levels so it can look youthful.
Which type of product you use depends on your needs. For example, if you are regularly outdoors, use an SPF moisturizer such as the SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50.
Don't miss a dedicated night cream in the evenings to help your skin repair itself while you sleep. A day cream is designed to protect, while night creams are often rich in corrective ingredients such as retinoids for plumping, and glycolic acid for polishing. They are designed to help your skin regenerate and renew. For intense hydration and plumping try Vichy LiftActiv Serum 10 Eyes and Lashes Anti-Wrinkle Eye Serum with Hyaluronic Acid.
Targeting
Use targeted treatments for individual skin care concerns, for example, serums, spot treatments and face masks. When and how often you apply these optional extras will depend on the product.
Discover more everyday essentials on our SkinStore website today!
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