The skincare industry can be kinda overwhelming, which is why we’re (always) here to help. And we totally understand your dilemma; with literally hundreds of innovative products being released each week and the discovery of another “must-have” ingredient, it can be hard to determine what products you really need and what’s just a trend. To guide you through the beauty-jargon on your quest for perfect skin, here are 18 skincare tips that cover ALL the bases and what they say , you'll always find answers in nature
1. Get to know your skin type
Understanding and getting to know your skin type is the most important thing you can do for your skin. If you’re unaware or misinformed, you could compromise your skin’s natural balance and trigger irritation, inflammation, breakouts, and even premature aging by using the wrong products. The most common skin types are oily, acne-prone, dry, sensitive, and mature skin; it’s also important to note that you can be more than one type and it can change over time or through the seasons, so always listen to your skin.
2. Make sure you know how to layer
If you don’t apply your skincare products in the right order you could prevent them from being fully-absorbed, which means they won’t be as effective. The general rule is to apply the most lightweight formulas first so they can be easily absorbed without the barrier of heavier creams. To avoid piling (those tiny little balls you get when you’ve used too much product), when you move onto thicker creams, give your skin time to absorb the product (at least a few minutes).
How to layer your skincare like a pro:
When we spend so much money on our skincare regime, there’s nothing more heartbreaking than feeling like our skin isn’t bringing the A-game. But the reason why your skin isn’t slaying could simply be because you’re applying your creams in the wrong order. We know it seems crazy militant, but if you don’t apply your lotions and potions in a specific order, you’re seriously dis-enabling them from doing their job.
Step 1: Cleanser
Cleansing should remove any makeup or dirt from your skin while also adding a burst of hydration, and if you wear makeup, you should definitely be double cleansing. To double cleanse, start with a cleansing Gel (the most nourishing way to remove any makeup as they’re free from harsh chemicals, soaps, and parabens), then use a foam or gel cleanser (or whichever best suits your skin type). It sounds extra, but it will make sure there’s absolutely no makeup or dirt on your skin before you continue the rest of your regime.
Mask or Exfoliate: Once your skin is completely clean, now is the time to do any extra steps in your routine, like a clay or Mud mask or exfoliating your skin. If you want to use a sheet mask, you can do this after you’ve toned.
Step 2: Toner
Toning is super important as it removes any grime or makeup residue that your cleanser wouldn’t budge, plus any minerals or chlorine from your water. It will also instantly tighten your pores and help restore your skin’s pH levels for a more even skin tone. .
Essence: If you use an essence in your skincare routine, now is the time to apply.
Spot Treatment: Apply your spot treatment now so it can absorb properly and start working its magic. Allow a few minutes before moving on to your next step.
Step 3: Serum
Serums are lightweight and contain a high concentration of active ingredient. The formula is made up of smaller molecules that are absorbed into the skin at a much deeper level. This makes serums ideal if you’re trying to target a specific skincare issue, like wrinkles or dry skin, as many are packed with hydrating ingredients as well. Like essences, which are basically a more watery version of serums, you only need a small amount – about the size of two pomegranate seeds!
Step 4: Eye Cream
Eye creams can brighten under eyes, reduce puffiness, and add an extra hit of moisture. Depending on the formula it may look like a serum or a thick moisturizer, but now is the time to apply it, as there are fewer ‘barriers’ for it to get through, and it can be absorbed more easily! Always apply your eye cream with your fourth finger in a tapping motion, as this is the weakest finger so you won’t tug or pull the delicate skin. We also love to keep our eye cream in the fridge; it’s the ultimate eye wake-up call in the mornings! Check out our fave eye creams for dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines here.
Tip: If your eye cream contains retinol, you can apply after your moisturizer, as this will lower the risk of it irritating the skin.
Step 5: Moisturizer
Hydrated skin is glowing skin, so NEVER skip your moisturizer. The right moisturizer will hydrate, replenish, restore your skin’s pH levels, and nourish and repair any issues like dry, flaky skin. But it’s also essential that you choose one with the right formula and ingredient list for your skin type. Like if you have dry skin, you need a really rich formula, but if you have acne-prone or oily skin, a gel formula will be your best friend.
Step 6: Facial Oil
Without a doubt one of the most powerful potions on your shelf, the small molecular structure of face oils allows them to penetrate deeper into your skin and hydrate at a much deeper level. They also repair and plump your skin, and feed it with amazing natural vitamins. Oil needs to go last because it will create a protective barrier on your skin and lock in water, if not applied last, it could block your other skincare products from penetrating.
Step 7: Sunscreen
For daytime, this is THE most important step, even during the winter months. Applying a good sunscreen every morning will protect your skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays. An SPF will sit on the surface of your skin acting as a protective barrier against the sun, so you should always apply it last. Check out our fave suncreens here, remember you need to reapply SPF every two hours.
From this point on you’re officially ready to start applying your makeup!
3. Don’t apply too much product
When it comes to skincare, ‘more is more’ is not a good rule. So if you apply too much moisturizer, the product will likely pill or could potentially block your pores. Plus, it’s a total waste of product and your money considering your skin won’t be able to absorb it all anyway!
4. Always double cleanse
Double cleansing is our fave K-beauty hack, and it’s completely transformed our skin. By cleansing twice, you’ll ensure all the dirt, bacteria, oil and pollution that’s built up on your skin during the day has been removed, leaving you with a thoroughly clean base for you to layer your nighttime skincare routine onto.
5. Never forget to do a patch test
Before you start using a new product, you should always do a patch test to avoid the risk of irritation or an allergic reaction. Just apply a small amount of product to your inner arm to see how your skin reacts to the formula.
6. Don’t use expired products
Hanging onto products past their expiry dates is a big no-no: It’s bad for you. Sadly, your beloved beauty products harbor bacteria (especially if you use them frequently), and these can lead to infections and irritations, not to mention, they don’t perform as well – we’re talking to you, gunky mascara! After a while, products can produce harmful toxins that can be dangerous to your health as well as your skin. As a general rule, if you can’t remember when you bought your face cream, SPF, foundation, mascara or eyeliner – get rid of it!
7.Your skin may purge, don’t panic
If you’re using a new product and your skin starts acting out, your skin may be purging. According to celeb dermatologist and author of Beyond Beautiful, Dr. Doris Day “A purge is a reaction from a product. It can be an irritant reaction to a product, leading to piling up of skin cells and their underlying contents. It can be due to an imbalance of water in the skin, an imbalance of the way the cells exfoliate or an imbalance of elements within the skin.” What this means is, the product might not be breaking you out, but it’s causing a reaction in your skin – this doesn’t always mean you should disregard the product.
8. Sunscreen is everything
If there’s one thing literally ALL derms tell us; it’s the importance of using sunscreen daily to help protect your skin from sun damage. 90% of how your skin ages is within your control and is directly linked to sun exposure. So even on cloudy, winter days, protect your skin by using a sunscreen with SPF 30 or above and a 5-star UVA rating. Just apply sunscreen every day, and your skin will thank you for it.
9. Make masks a regular thing
Most of us will associate a face mask with the occasional pamper night with your girls. But masks are actually super important and can be incorporated into your daily regime. Celebrity facialist Georgia Louise recommends doing a 10-minute mask every morning to hydrate and soothe the skin. Face masks can help address a whole array of skin concerns from oily and acne-prone skin to dry or sensitive skin; you just need to find the right mask for your skin type. Check out our fave masks here. Even if you don’t have time every day, do a clay mask once a week and a sheet mask to hydrate as often as possible.
10. You should switch up your skincare regime throughout the year
The weather is another external factor that can wreak havoc on your skin. Just think about it: during the winter, the combination of low temperatures outside and increased indoor heating can seriously dry out your skin. Whereas in the summer, you’re dealing with humidity, sun exposure, and climbing temperatures; causing oily skin, dark spots, and even sun damage. That’s why it’s essential to combat the opposing temperatures with different formulas and ingredients throughout the year.
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