Some women will have a bathroom cupboard full of skincare products, while others are quite happy with just the bare essentials. Each woman has unique skin, which means you should have your own unique skincare regimen. But there are a few basics that you should never neglect to include for great looking skin.
Before you think about picking a cleanser, think about your skin type.
There are four major skin types – normal, oily, dry and combination. Your T-zone might feel oily towards the afternoon even if you have normal skin. Whereas in oily skin, there is oiliness all over the face. If you have dry, sensitive or ageing skin, a creamy or milky lotion is probably best as it is more gentle on the skin. Foaming cleansers can work well for normal and oily skin. A cleansing brush also enables a more thorough clean than just using your hands.
It’s important to get rid of any dead skin cells with an exfoliator at least twice a week.
An exfoliator works deeper than a cleanser to shed these cells. You can choose between a mechanical exfoliator (a scrub or microdermabrasion) or chemical exfoliator (such as a glycolic acid, lactic acid and salicylic acid). If you have very dry and sensitive skin, avoid mechanical exfoliation as the process is drying and it can lead to microtears. AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) is best for dry skin and surface-level skin concerns like acne scars. BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) are best for oily and acne-prone skin types. People with normal, dry and ageing skin can use a combination of both.
The skin around your eyes is more prone to wrinkles as it’s much finer than the rest of your face.
It also has less oil glands so it benefits from a cream to keep the area moist. If you want to prevent wrinkles, look for an eye cream with antioxidants. If you want to minimise fine lines and wrinkles choose an eye cream with retinol or hyaluronic acid. An eye cream with caffeine is great for people who get puffy eyes and a cream with brighteners will benefit someone with dark circles.
A serum is an important step in your skincare routine.
It is lighter than a lotion or a cream and contains more concentrated active ingredients. So, while a moisturiser can give your skin the hydration it needs, a serum is better for providing treatment benefits. Serums absorb quickly into your skin, making them an excellent next step after cleansing. There are different types of serums, and each has a unique purpose with different ingredients. Some serums help to brighten your skin or reduce blemishes, while others focus on boosting hydration and also help fight the signs of ageing.
A moisturiser will help you achieve a younger looking skin by preventing dryness.
Choose a moisturiser based on your skin type or even for the climate where you live. If it’s a drier climate and you have dry skin, look for a heavier moisturiser. If your skin is prone to breakouts, look for a non-comedogenic formula that won’t clog your pores. A noncomedogenic substance is one that does not have the potential to clog pores in the skin. Products with “noncomedogenic” on the label claim not to cause blocked pores. Substances that can cause comedones, or blocked pores, are known as “comedogenic.”
Sunscreen is often the forgotten step in many skin regimens.
If you live in a very sunny hot climate, then you need to apply a sunscreen daily, particularly if you are going to be in the sun for more than 20 minutes. Sunscreen is your most important weapon in keeping wrinkles and pigmentation at bay. You should be applying a sunscreen on your face with an SPF30+.