When it comes to skincare, we are inundated with different routines, rules and products that we're told will give us the complexion of our dreams. But with all the overwhelming information constantly being fed to us, where do we begin? To exfoliate daily or not to, that is the question. Do we need to use a regime of products all from the same brand or is it acceptable to mix and match? What exactly is a toner and how/where do we apply it? If you've ever asked yourself these questions, fear not. Yes, there are women out there with a 16-step skincare routine, a whole lot of time, a facialist and dermatologist on speed-dial, and subsequently the most radiant, clear skin imaginable but by following this basic advice, we promise you can have a glowing complexion too.
Work out your skin type
You had breakouts in your teens and an oily T-zone and ever since then have stuck to products for "combination skin." Well over a decade on from your first Clearasil face-wash and self-diagnosis of your skin type, perhaps it's now time to visit a professional and find out exactly what your skin is like and therefore what it needs the most. Dry skin is different to dehydrated skin, and as we age our skin changes significantly, so head to a skincare counter for a consultation. Once you start using products made specifically for your skin's actual concerns, you'll notice an instant difference.
Cleanse, tone, moisturise
"The secret to good skin maintenance and radiant, well hydrated skin is the daily use morning and evening of a good quality, prescribed cleanser," explains Noella Gabriel, co-founder and Managing Director at Elemis. "Don’t cut corners with your cleansing routine! A prescribed cleanser ensures you are using the correct cleanser and most importantly, the texture most suitable for your skin type whether that’s a milk, a cream, a balm or a facial wash."
Next up use a toner which removes any impurities left over after cleansing. The majority of toners are water-based liquids made up of specific active ingredients including plant extracts and essential oils, tailored to tackle a variety of skin types.
But if you'd rather forgo a toner then we implore you to moisturise. Even if you have the oiliest skin known to man, moisturising is one of the best things for your skin. Proper hydration ensures skin is healthy, glowing and plump and keeps a rough and flaky face at bay.
Massage in your moisturiser
So you've realised the importance of moisturiser. Now you need to know how to apply it. To maximise effects, dot on and rub in moisturiser in gentle, circular motions. This daily massage will reduce puffiness, boost circulation and energise skin. The upward movement also helps to counter wrinkles and downward drag. Hooray!
Strip back your daily routine to a very simple regime
"Stick to minimum products: a good milky cleanser for removing makeup and eye makeup in one step at night (use with a face cloth to gently exfoliate) and keep face wash in the shower for mornings," advises Rowan Hall-Farrise, the Head Facialist at Face Place London. "Then apply serum, moisturiser and eye cream for a super quick and effective regime. Our tip is to always buy two of each product at a time to keep a spare “in stock” so you don’t run out and reach for the face wipes! Consistency is key." Hear, hear Rowan!
Use a serum
As Rowan mentioned, a serum ought to be a key part of your routine if you're able to incorporate one. As serums are lightweight and usually water-based they sink right in, delivering active ingredients into your skin. For a thorough lesson on serums and the best one for you, click here.
Protect your peepers
"A quick fix for tired, puffy eyes are Elemis' Pro-Collagen Hydra-Gel Eye Masks – they hydrate to the max and really target the fine lines at the corners of the eyes, which are often dehydrated," explains Noella Gabriel, Elemis' co-founder and MD. "They seal in moisture which is hard to achieve with a cream or serum. Pop them in the fridge for an extra cooling factor."
Wear sunscreen
If you take one thing from this article, we hope it's the importance of SPF. We don't care if you never wash your face again or refuse to moisturise, please just slap on the sunscreen. It helps to prevent facial brown spots and skin discolourations and also helps to reduce the appearance of facial red veins and blotchiness. And if that hasn't convinced you yet, it slows down the development of wrinkled, prematurely-aged skin.
Don't squeeze your face
There's nothing more unsightly and frustrating than when a prominent spot rears its ugly head in the middle of your face. Hands off! Fingers down! Think how many things you handle and touch each day so putting your hands anywhere near your face is a no-go, least of all spreading bacteria by picking or attacking a spot. If you leave it and don't touch it, it will pass sooner than you think and leave without a trace. Squeeze it and you'll most likely be left with a long-lasting scar or impossible-to-conceal scab. Nice.
Take off your makeup at night
"Don't wait until you're too tired to remove your makeup and do your skincare routine," warns beauty blogger Lily Pebbles. "As soon as you get home from work, get into your comfy clothes and take your makeup off! It means when it's time for bed you can actually go to sleep and not worry about your skin." Whatever you do, don't sleep in your makeup. Neither your pillow nor your complexion will thank you for it.
International makeup artist Wendy Rowe adds: "There are two non-negotiables for me when it comes to skin – no matter how tired or busy you are – always take your make up off before you go to bed. And always put moisturiser on in the morning."
Drink plenty of water
You've heard it enough times before but we'll say it again, keep hydrated. Keep a two litre bottle of water on your desk to encourage you to drink H2O throughout the day and add in half a lemon or some sliced cucumber to make it more palatable. Not only will you notice a radiance to your skin but also a spring in your step with the more water you drink.
Treat yourself to a facial
Whether it's an at home mask or a luxury treatment at a spa, a facial every now and then can rejuvenate your skin and give you time out to truly relax and unwind. If you have a little cash to splash, Rowan Hall-Farrise, the Head Facialist at Face Place London recommends the 'Face Place Signature Treatment' which is suitable for all skin types and concerns. If you have multiple concerns and aren’t sure which treatment is right, you can be assured the Signature Treatment will target anti-ageing, congestion, rosacea, lack of radiance, and will lift and plump the skin."
Not sure when to go? "How often you should have a facial depends on your skins needs," Rowan continues. "We recommend between weekly and six weekly depending on if the client is targeting a specific concern like acne or fine lines or as ongoing maintenance. One treatment before a big event gives great results, but we say Face Place is like going to the gym for your skin – once will gives results and glow but regular visits will change your skin." We've been and it's certainly worth the (regular) visit.
Avoid face wipes
We understand. You come home late from work or a party, you may have had a drink or two, and the last thing you want to do is stand in front of the sink for 15 minutes and waste precious sleeping time. We get it. However, on the whole, face wipes are the enemy. The chemical-drenched cloths can be incredibly irritating for the skin and being packed on top of each other, they are a breeding ground for bacteria. Packets of face wipes might remain on shelves for 18 months on a warm shop floor or bathroom and so require high levels of preservatives, alcohol and anti-bacterial agents to keep them usable, all of which you're then applying to your skin.
Don't over-exfoliate or over-wash your face
Just as face wipes can aggravate your skin, too much cleansing and over-exfoliating are skincare sins too. Skin is delicate and needs TLC so vigorous scrubbing will strip the face of its natural oils either leaving you with a bone dry complexion or a layer of oil which your skin has produced to compensate. Be gentle.
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