Skincare

Active ingredients are the key players in many skincare products, and it’s these that are responsible for targeting specific skin concerns and delivering results. Some of the most common active ingredients include: 

hyaluronic acid

vitamin C

retinol

ceramides

salicylic acid 

niacinamide  

AHAs/BHAs

Once you’ve found the right skincare products for you, layering them correctly will help you maximise their benefits. The general rule of thumb is to start with the lightest products first and work your way up, so try these 6 easy steps for creating your skincare routine:

Cleanse: start your routine with a gentle cleanser, or face wash, to remove impurities and refresh your skin. In the evening, this is an essential step to remove any makeup, sebum or dirt that builds up during the day. But, if you have dry skin, you might want to skip this step in the morning and refresh your skin with warm water instead!

Tone: follow up your cleanser with a toner to balance your skin's pH and prepare it for moisturiser. If you find toners too stripping for your skin, skip this step and instead spritz a layer of a refreshing facial mist. 

Eye cream: the skin around your eyes is thinner, so targeted products like eye creams are often thinner too. Pop your eye cream on before other moisturising products to make sure you’re making the most of it’s ingredients

Serums: many people include serums in their skincare routines, whether it’s vitamin C, hyaluronic acid or many more. Serums often contain active ingredients so layering them under your moisturiser allows them to penetrate your skin better

Moisturise: lock in your skincare and keep your skin nourished with a layer of a hydrating moisturiser. You may want to choose a lighter moisturiser for the daytime and a thicker moisturiser or night cream for in the evening. 

SPF: keep your face protected from the sun’s rays during the day by adding a layer of SPF as the last step of your routine - try to choose an SPF with a factor of at least 30!

Other skincare steps for healthy, glowing skin:

Exfoliate: using an exfoliator helps to remove dead skin cells and reveal a brighter, smoother complexion. Stick to using your exfoliator once a week to prevent from over-exfoliating your skin

Masks: not just an indulgent skincare step during a pamper night, face masks are a great skincare step for when your skin needs a little extra love

With so many products on the market, it can be so tricky to know where to start with your skincare. Finding the right skincare products that work for you can be a bit of a trial-and-error process that takes time. Try these tips to help find skincare that works for you:

Know your skin type: understanding your skin type (oily, dry, combination, or sensitive) will help you choose the right products.  

Patch test: before trying a new product, test it on a small area of skin to check for any adverse reactions.  

Consistency is key: stick to your routine consistently for optimal results.

Less is more: don't overload your skin with too many products - a simple routine is often the best.

Listen to your skin: pay attention to how your skin reacts to different products and adjust your routine accordingly.

Skincare is a journey, not a destination. Be patient and consistent, and you'll see a noticeable improvement in your skin's health and appearance.