Skincare 101

 

There are so many skincare products on the market!! It can feel overwhelming when you are trying to build a skincare routine. Using the right skincare for you can make a dramatic difference with long term benefits to help your skin looking healthy. The important part is to select products that is suited to your skin-type and concerns. Let’s go through some of the basics!

Cleanse

The best way to start and end your day is with a clean canvas, cleansing is a crucial first step to establish your skincare routine. If you are skipping your morning cleanse, think again! Our skin regenerates overnight, your morning cleanse assists with removing dead skin cells, leaving your skin looking brighter and more refreshed. Our skin also still sweats at night and so it super important to be starting your morning routine with a nice, clean canvas. This ensures that you will be getting the most out of any products you apply as part of your morning skincare routine.

Cleansing is also a necessary step at the end of your day as our skin is often exposed to pollution, bacteria, dirt, grime and not to mention the layers make-up or skincare that’s been sitting on our faces for hours! Our skin is yearning for a good cleanse. A double cleanse is recommended if you are wearing makeup or sunscreen, using an oil-based cleanser or a cleansing balm to gently remove the products off your face, followed by a cream, gel or foam cleanser. A cream cleanser is recommended for dehydrated skin, if your skin feels dry after a cleanse, opt for a gel cleanser. A foam cleanser is optimal for oily skin.

Serum

Is your skin looking for a certain boost? Pigmentation? Fine lines? Uneven skin tone? A serum is a great way to target areas of concern after your cleanse. By selecting or pairing serums to treat your specific needs, you can maximise your skincare routine.

Hydrating serums such as Hyaluronic acid is used to treat dehydrated skin and retain moisture. This is a great serum for all skin types and should be used on damp skin. Serums containing Hyaluronic acid can be applied as part of your morning or evening routine.

Vitamin C is considered as a skin brightening product and serums containing it can be used to target concerns such as pigmentation, uneven skin tone and dullness. As Vitamin C is considered an antioxidant, this particular skincare product is usually recommended to apply as a part of your morning skincare routine.

Anti-ageing serums that contain active ingredients such as retinol, AHA’s including glycolic and lactic acids are best used as part of your night-time routine. Products such as these assist with skin rejuvenation, cellular turnover and can be used to assist with common anti-ageing concerns such as

fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage etc depending on how well your skin can tolerate the products. With any product containing active ingredients, for example Retinol - you can start with a lower percentage and work your way up to a higher dose as required. This is true for AHA’s also – if you are just starting out, Lactic acid is slightly more mild than Glycolic Acid and a lot of products will show the percentage and strength included in the product.

Moisturise

Once you are ready to lock in all the nutrients from your serums, its time to apply your moisturiser. A moisturiser is designed to retain moisture, protect your skin and create a barrier between your skin and other products. It is important to know your skin type and match it a moisturiser that is compatible with your skin. Let’s have a look at the variations!

Oily Skin: A light weight, water-based, gel moisturiser that is oil-free may be best suited for oily skin types. You can remain hydrated without any added oils. Alternatively, some may prefer a mattifying moisturiser to control any shine.

Dry Skin: A hydrating cream moisturiser is recommended for dry skin; a thicker cream moisturiser can help lock in moisture for longer and help treat dry skin.

Sensitive Skin: Depending on what your skin is sensitive to; you may wish to find a moisturiser that is free from a certain ingredient. A fragrance-free moisturiser may be a good start!

Sunscreen

UV rays can cause long term, damaging effects to your skin and trigger signs of ageing. When you are selecting your sunscreen, make sure it is a broad-spectrum sunscreen that will protect your skin against UVA (Aging) and UVB (Burning) rays. It is important to remember to apply your sunscreen all year round! Experts recommend sunscreen to be reapplied throughout the day more frequently if you are swimming. Depending on your skin type and what your skin may be sensitive to. You can select from two types of sunscreen – Chemical sunscreen will absorb the UV rays while Physical or Mineral sunscreen will sit on top of your skin, creating a barrier to reflect UV rays.

Now that we have covered some of the basic products, you can kick start your skincare journey!

This article was brought to you in partnership with beauty salon suppliers, The Global Beauty Group. To find out more about the best skincare products for your skin concern, please visit their website https://www.theglobalbeautygroup.com.au