Skincare can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. I know there are so many brands out there on the market, with all these ingredients, and they all claim to do this, that and whatever, and you just want something simple, and something that will work for you.
My best advice that I can give to someone who is looking to start their skincare journey is, if they can, go and speak to a professional. At our salon in Lichfield, we offer complementary 15 minute consultations with our Therapists regarding skincare and treatments. So if you can, go and see a Therapist who is able to look at and feel your skin, and listen to your particular concerns. Sometimes, not always, clients might also not realise they have a certain skin type or condition, on the other hand, they might think they have something, whereas in reality they don’t. So having a quick chat is always best.
I always say it is best to start simple. If you have a non-existent skincare routine, then it is best to start with just three products, as not to overwhelm your skin, and so you ensure you are using everything you have brought. It is a lot to go from nothing, to doing everything. So I always say to Cleanse, Tone and Moisturise. Cleaning cleans the make-up, dirt and debris off your skin. Toning will help to treat issues such as oil overproduction, dehydration or sensitivity. Moisturising keeps the skin supple and hydrated, and this is very important for anti-ageing.
Once those three steps have been mastered, then you can go onto products that are designed to specifically treat an issue. So for example, a serum to rehydrate, or an essence that calms that skin if you suffer when eczema. An eye cream or serum to help with dark circles, puffiness and fine lines. An exfoliator is amazing to get those old, dead skin cells off to make way for new ones to regenerate and come through. A facial mask will give a strong boost to the skin, by using this once or twice a week, clay ones can mattify the skin, and Hyaluronic Acid based masks will rehydrate and plump.
If all of these sound very confusing, just introduce one at a time after those first three products. My personal product for someone with dry skin would be a serum, as it can easily rehydrate. For someone with oily, problematic skin, I would suggest a facial mask. For someone who suffers with texture issues, such as little bumps like Milia, I would say an exfoliator.
Once you have easily integrated another product into your routine, if you wish to add more, then keep doing so. You can easily keep building on your skincare routine until you are using every product you can. However, just remember that your skin does not always need 30 different products to keep it happy. But, if you are trying to treat a certain problem that is proving a little difficult, such as acne scarring, then be persistent with your skincare, and speak to a Beauty Therapist for their advice.
Last but not least, my best top tip. Always wear SPF! At least a 30, if not a 50. Even during Autumn and Winter, as those UVA and UVB rays still come through the clouds. SPF protects against premature ageing, dark spots and sensitivity, it is a skincare must have!