Skincare can be a pretty confusing world when you first get started. There are just so many products to choose from, and for every different type of treatment, there are a thousand brands all vying for your attention with promises that theirs is the most wonderful option for you. The truth is, while the branding, glitz, and glamour of the skincare world can make it appear intimidating, it really doesn’t have to be. Skincare isn’t science, well okay it is science, but it’s a fun science. So, while no skincare routine is truly going to be a one-size-fits-all sort of deal, we’ve put together a quick skincare guide to get you started.
Washing your Face
For all the formulations, peels, serums and more, it’s amazing what a difference just washing your face regularly can have. If you rinse off your face after you wake up and before you go to bed, applying just a little bit of cleanser as you go and washing it off with warm, not hot, water, you’ll start to see changes almost instantly. With that said, if you’re a person that wears makeup, you may find that you need to wash your face twice before bed. Once with cleansing oil or another gentle makeup remover, and then again with the cleanser and water. If you’re someone that doesn’t have many routines they stick to, this can be a little tricky to stick to at first. However, having this as part of your routine will quickly become second nature, and your skin will thank you for it.
Toning your Skin
With a cotton pad, or even just your palms, you can gently wipe a few drops of toner across your face. This will leave your skin looking tight and smooth, but just make sure not to use it alongside other chemicals that may not respond well with it, like retinoids, as this can lead to irritation and inflammation.
Selecting your Serums and Gels
Whether you go for a peptide eye gel to smooth out the fine lines or a simple vitamin C serum to rejuvenate your skin’s glow, there are so many different options depending on the condition of your skin. Just remember, if you’re using an eye gel and a moisturiser at the same time, you’ll want to put the eye gel on first. Moisturisers for the face are going to be a little thicker than those for the sensitive eye area, so going in this order will ensure you get optimal absorption.
Consider Retinoids
Retinoids, while an absolutely fantastic way to smooth out your complexion and increase your cell turnover, can be a little tricky. They don’t mix well with certain toners and peptides, and should only be used at night to avoid opening your skin up to sun and toxin damage out in the world. Remember to always wear sunscreen during the day when using retinoids, as this extra sun sensitivity can really add up over time.
The Face Oil Finishing Touch
Nothing passes through face oil, so if you decide you want to add it to your routine, which you should certainly consider, it needs to be at the very end of your routine. Starting with face oil will mean that all of your other skincare attempts are really just sitting on top of it without getting absorbed, rendering them pretty useless.
This is by no means a comprehensive guide to what you can do with your skin, it merely breaks down a few of the core additions that you can bring to your skincare routine if you’re new to this. So, go out, experiment, explore, and find out exactly what works for you.
