
Skincare Steps in Order: How to Do Your Skincare Routine the Right Way
Navigating the beauty landscape can feel a bit like being an explorer in the wilderness, especially with an ever-growing selection of skincare products and evolving beauty trends. But don’t stress, because; we’re here to make things easier.
The golden rule of skincare application? Move from the thinnest to the thickest texture. This methodology allows for maximum absorption, ensuring all those potent ingredients in your products don’t go to waste and help you achieve that glowing, selfie-ready skin.
Ready for a deep dive into the ultimate skincare routine? Get your beauty headband on, it’s time for some skincare schooling!
Step 1: Cleansing
The Fundamental First: Why Cleansing?
The first step of any great skincare routine begins with a thorough cleanse. It’s not just about splashing some water on your face and calling it a day; effective cleansing washes off the makeup, excess oil, accumulated dirt, and the impurities your skin has been exposed to throughout the day. By ensuring a squeaky-clean canvas, your cleanser enhances the absorption of the following skincare steps, amplifying their benefits and boosting their efficacy.
Choosing Your Cleanser & Technique
The choice of your cleanser should ideally align with your skin type. If you have dry skin, a creamy, hydrating cleanser will keep your skin from feeling parched. On the other hand, oily skin will benefit from a foaming or gel-based cleanser to manage sebum levels without stripping the skin.
So, how do we go about this? Start with a splash of lukewarm water (hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils) and gently massage your cleanser in a circular motion. This will stimulate circulation and give your face a mini-massage while washing away the day’s build-up. Rinse thoroughly and pat your skin dry with a soft towel. Be careful not to rub or tug at your skin, as this can cause premature ageing and sagging.
Step 2: Toning
Balancing Act: The Purpose of a Toner
Toners are the unsung heroes of skincare that often get overlooked. The primary purpose of toning is to rebalance your skin’s pH levels after cleansing, which can disrupt them. Moreover, a good toner goes the extra mile, picking up any residual grime that your cleanser may have left behind. Toners hydrate, nourish, and prep your skin to absorb the goodness from the rest of your skincare routine more effectively.
The Toning Technique
Once your skin is clean and fresh post-cleansing, it’s time to tone. Dispense a small amount of toner onto a cotton pad. Ever so gently, sweep the saturated pad across your face. Alternatively, if your toner comes in a spritz format, spray it directly onto your face and pat it in using your fingers. This might seem trivial, but it’s a small ritual that signals to your skin that it’s time to get ready for the next skincare steps.
Step 3: Serums
Power Players: The Benefits of Serums
Serums are power-packed potions that are the workhorses of any skincare routine. Boasting high concentrations of potent ingredients, serums are designed to target specific skin concerns such as dullness, acne, pigmentation, or wrinkles. They have smaller molecules, enabling them to penetrate deeper and deliver a high concentration of active ingredients into your skin. Serums that feature potent actives – such as hyaluronic acid or retinol – are ideal if you’re looking to truly rejuvenate your skin – but make sure to always patchy test products, and be informed about what ingredients shouldn’t be mixed.
How to Apply Your Serum
After your toner has absorbed into your skin, it’s time to apply your serum. Using your fingertips, dab the serum onto your face and gently press it into your skin. The pressing motion encourages absorption and stimulates circulation. Remember, serums are potent, so you only need a small amount. Also, take care to avoid the immediate eye area unless your serum is specifically formulated for that sensitive region.
Eye Cream
The Eyes Have It: The Importance of Eye Cream
The skin around your eyes is the thinnest and most delicate on your face. This makes it more susceptible to signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles, and means it requires a little extra care. Eye creams are formulated to target these issues, as well as others like puffiness and dark circles. Their lightweight texture absorbs easily without causing irritation, making them an essential part of your skincare routine.
Applying Your Eye Cream
When it comes to eye cream, less is more. Apply a pea-sized amount onto your ring finger (it applies the least pressure), then gently dab the product around your orbital bone, moving from the inner to the outer corner of your eye. Remember, the skin here is delicate, so avoid tugging or pulling.
Treatments (Masks, Peels, Spot Treatments)
Tailored Treatment: Why Use Masks, Peels, and Spot Treatments?
Treatments like masks, peels, and spot treatments are not everyday essentials, but they are excellent for tackling specific skin concerns. Whether you’re dealing with an unwelcome blemish or you just want a hydration boost, there’s a treatment for that. These products typically contain a high concentration of active ingredients and are designed to be used once or twice a week.
Applying Your Treatment
Choose a treatment that aligns with your skin concern. Apply a generous layer to your skin (or spot-treat, depending on the product) and let it work its magic for the recommended time. Afterwards, rinse or peel off (depending on the product instructions), and reveal your revitalised complexion!
Moisturising
Essential Hydration: The Role of Moisturiser
Moisturisers are the hydrating hug your skin needs, no matter your skin type. They lock in the products applied before, seal in moisture, and provide a protective barrier against environmental stressors. A good moisturiser will keep your skin feeling plump, soft, and elastic.
Applying Your Moisturiser
After your treatment has been rinsed off or absorbed, it’s time to moisturise. Take a dollop of your favourite moisturiser, warm it between your fingers, and apply it onto your skin in an upward motion. This technique is not only gentler on your skin, but it also gives a lifting effect. Don’t forget about your neck and décolletage, these areas are often overlooked and age quickly if not properly cared for.
Step 7: Facial Oils
Liquid Gold: Why Use Facial Oils?
Facial oils are often misunderstood, but they can be a game-changer, especially for those with dry skin. These luxurious elixirs provide an extra layer of nourishment and hydration, helping to soften the skin and seal in moisture. They also add a healthy, radiant glow that can make your skin look more youthful and refreshed.
Applying Your Facial Oil
After moisturising, warm a few drops of your chosen facial oil in the palms of your hands and press it gently onto your face and neck. The warmth helps the oil absorb into the skin. If you have oily skin and are wary about using oils, try non-comedogenic oils like squalane or rosehip oil which won’t clog your pores.
Step 8: SPF
Your Skin’s Best Friend: The Importance of SPF
Regardless of whether you’re basking in the summer sunshine or it’s a gloomy winter’s day, SPF should be a non-negotiable part of your morning skincare routine. It protects against the harmful effects of UV rays, preventing premature ageing, sunburn, and serious health concerns like skin cancer.
Applying Your SPF
Last but definitely not least, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to all exposed areas of your skin. And remember, SPF needs to be reapplied every two hours if you’re in direct sunlight.
Step 9: Lip Care
Pout About It: The Importance of Lip Care
Lips are often forgotten in skincare routines, but they need love too. Like the skin around your eyes, your lips are delicate and prone to dryness and ageing. A good lip balm can hydrate, soothe, and protect your lips.
Applying Your Lip Care
Apply your lip balm in a generous layer, just like you would with your regular lip products. Reapply as needed throughout the day to keep your lips hydrated and plump.
Step 10: Sleep
Beauty Sleep: The Role of Rest
At the end of the day, no skincare routine can make up for a lack of sleep. While we rest, our bodies, including our skin, go into repair mode. It’s when the magic happens – cellular turnover, damage repair, and the like. Getting a proper night’s rest will help to keep your skin looking refreshed and radiant, so don’t skip over the importance of good beauty sleep.
And there you have it! A complete guide to doing your skincare routine the right way. Remember, skincare is a personal journey, and while this is a guide, it’s essential to listen to your skin’s needs and adjust as necessary. Happy pampering!