Understanding the basics of skincare products – and knowing how to use them – is the first step in implementing an effective skincare regimen.
cleanse. exfoliate.
Cleansers are an essential part of a basic skincare routine. They wash off makeup, dirt and oil, unclog pores and leave your skin feeling clean and smooth. Your skin should be cleansed twice a day – in the morning and in the evening.
When it comes to cleansers, there is no ‘one type fits all’. Gel cleansers are typically recommended for oily, blemish-prone skin; cream cleansers for dry, sensitive skin; foam, charcoal or clay cleansers for oily, combination skin; and oil-based or micellar water cleansers are suitable for most skin types.
To up your cleansing game, apply a toner afterwards. Today’s toners are very different to the some of the harsh ones of the past and are packed with skin-repairing ingredients such as antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, amino acids and ceramides, depending on what skin concern you’re targeting.
Exfoliants should be included at least weekly to your skincare routine. Exfoliation removes the dead surface cells which contribute both to dryness and oiliness and can cause blocked pores and problems like acne. Exfoliation also improves circulation and stimulates blood flow – and improved blood ow means improved collagen production, vis-à- vis plumper, smoother, tighter skin.
In addition to long-term benefits, by removing surface cell debris, your trusty exfoliator will also leave your skin looking instantly fresher, rosier and brighter.
moisturise.
While you can use a single face moisturiser for day and night, it’s advisable to use a richer moisturiser at night as the skin absorbs products more effectively while you sleep, undisturbed by environmental factors such as the sun and wind. During the day, it is imperative to also apply a broad- spectrum sunscreen.
Which type of moisturiser suits you is personal – it’s worth getting samples to try them out. Your skin therapist can help you establish if you have dry, normal, combination or oily skin. If your skin is dry, you want humectants and ingredients such as plumping lipids.
For sensitive skin, look for anti-inflammatories. For combination or oily skin, you also want anti-inflammatories as well as ingredients that prevent oil slicks from breaking out. There are also forming moisturisers to help with sagging tissues.
Formulations vary from emulsions (water-based and better for oily skin) to dense creams (oil-based, better for dry skin).
serums.masks.
Serums are the multi-tasking heroes of skincare. These lightweight moisturise-binding products can be targeted to address a myriad of skin concerns, including pigmentation, sun damage and premature ageing. A quality serum penetrates deep into the skin to deliver a concentrated dose of active ingredients. Depending on the ingredients, serums can be applied in the morning, at night or both, and are worn under your moisturiser.
Traditional serums are water-based, but many now come in oil form. Anti- ageing serums deal primarily with ne lines, wrinkles and dehydration, but also tone, texture and dark spots. The ingredients to look out for in a serum are similar to those of day and night creams (vitamin c, retinol and hyaluronic acid to name a few).
Masks also have a place in a quality skincare regimen. Using a facial mask can soothe and nourish skin, oxygenate, hydrate, improve skin circulation, help clear up blemishes and even reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Generally, a mask should be used weekly after exfoliating.
extra care. eyes. lips.
Our eyes and lips are our most expressive features and they deserve some extra attention with when it comes to keeping them looking their best.
With fewer oil glands and less subcutaneous tissue, not only is the skin around the eyes thinner but it is also naturally less hydrated, leaving the eye region prone to premature ageing. Using an eye-specific product can help strenghthen the delicate skin around the eyes, keeping it smooth and firm.
The lips also benefit from a lip-specific product. In our harsh Aussie climate, our lips are quick to fall prey to dehydration and sun damage.
Many lip products today are formulated with SPF and come packed with highly moisturising and collagen-boosting ingredients. A nourishing lip serum or balm can keep lips smooth and soft, while the added hydration can give the appearance of a fuller pout.
