Our resident skin-care expert, Steph, provides us with twelve key tips for changing our routine (for the better) this week. Whether this is a simple routine change, or an additive step, check out these tips in order to switch it up!
We all dream of your glowing radiant skin, however with the internet bombarding you with the large amount of skincare products, it’ ‘s hard to find a concrete skincare routine that works best for your skin. But when you do find products or advice that works for your skin, you can finally feel in control. To help you feel in control, I have come up with twelve simple skincare tips to help your skin look smooth and blemish-free.
Don’t overdo it with products.
Sometimes the simplest of routines are the best! Layering on lots of products can be too harsh on your skin and clog up your pores, sometimes even causing breakouts. I recommend finding a cleanser and a moisturiser you know works as the core of your skincare routine and then bringing in a serum and exfoliate once a week.
Moisturise twice a day.
Keeping your face moisturised is crucial for glowing skin! Moisturising twice a day will make sure your skin stays silky and smooth. In particular, the best times are just after your morning shower and before you go to bed.
Try not to touch your face.
I know it’s tempting but keep your hands away from your face! It spreads bacteria and causes breakouts, but even worse, it can cause scarring and wrinkles.
Use sunscreen daily.
It’s common that most people only believe they should wear sun creams on hot, sunny days. In fact, you should wear it every day, no matter the weather! This is because it’s the UV actually contributes to wrinkles and signs of ageing. This step is extra important for those who use chemical exfoliants; without sun cream, the exfoliants can have an opposite effect.
Exfoliate once or twice a week.
Exfoliation is crucial to keeping your pores unclogged and your skin healthy. Sebum can build up on the face and cause these pores to clog up and cause breakouts. To avoid this, I recommend using a chemical exfoliant once a week and then building it up to twice a week once your skin becomes used to these chemicals. But make sure not to exceed twice a week as this can cause more harm than good!
Clean your brushes.
A dirty makeup brush can hold lots of bacteria which can be transferred onto your face. Try to wash your brushes at least twice a month to avoid the nasty bacteria seeping into your pores. To clean, simply use some shampoo and place it on your hand. Next, wet your brushes with warm water and massage the product into them. Once this is done, make sure to rinse out the shampoo fully.
buy a Silk pillowcase.
Silk is naturally a lot smoother than fabrics such as cotton and, therefore, can benefit sensitive skin. It reduces the friction between your skin and the pillowcase, making your skin flare-up.
Resist the urge to try every new product.
Nowadays, social media feeds into us and convinces us we need to try all these different products which are being shoved on our feed. As intriguing as these products can be, it’s crucial to figure out what works for you and stick to it. Feel free to try new products every now and then but make sure you don’t fall into the trend trap!
Educate yourself on key ingredients.
It’s tempting to get drawn to the products with pretty packaging, but the label is the most important aspect! If you don’t recognise any ingredients, then google them to ensure they are good for your skin! It sounds like a lot of effort, but once you know your stuff, I promise it’ll be a game-changer!
Follow the instructions on your product.
Instructions are there for a reason! For example, when a face-mask tells you to use it for 15 minutes, make sure to do that! Although good for you, some products can become damaging if left on your skin for too long. Additionally, some ingredients, such as AHA’s and BHA’s, need to be used a certain number of times before you see results, so make sure not to give up too early!
Don’t force something that is ‘supposed’ to work for your skin.
Not every product is going to work for you. With the number of influencers nowadays expressing what products they use and creating the newest skincare trends, it’s hard to see out of this. This can leave many of us confused when a product everyone seems to love doesn’t work for you. Make sure to go with what your skin is telling you and what works best for your skin.
Routines are trial and error.
Skincare is mainly trial and error, but sometimes this can be confusing. It’s hard to know which product is working and which isn’t. To crack what works best for you, make sure you only add one new product to your routine at a time and don’t completely switch it up overnight. It may take a while, but eventually, your skin will thank you for it!
Sources:
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/anti-aging/a34301/best-skin-care-tips/