Your step-by-step guide to a skincare routine
In our 2023 State of Skin survey, we discovered that 78% of Australians lack knowledge about the correct order for applying skincare products, 81% are unfamiliar with how active ingredients in their routine work, and 70% lack confidence that their skincare addresses their concerns.
Navigating a skincare routine can be confusing, but our mission is to simplify without overwhelming. We provide enough information for you to feel educated and empowered.
What is a skin care routine?
Addressing the question of a skincare routine may seem simple, yet many people feel overwhelmed, recalling elaborate 10-step regimens seen online. However, it doesn't have to be complicated. Many discover better results with fewer steps, a perspective supported by most dermatologists. Essentially, a skincare routine is a daily ritual tailored to your skin type and needs, often requiring only 3-5 steps for visible results.
Is there a specific order to your skincare routine?
Achieving an effective skincare routine doesn't require complexity; consistency is key. It's crucial to get the order of your routine right; randomly applying products leads to unnecessary money expenditure and time. The specific sequence aims to enhance the efficacy of your skincare products.
What are the steps in the morning routine?
Begin your daytime skincare routine by cleansing to remove overnight sweat and grime, followed by applying a moisturiser. For oily skin, opt for an oil-free formula, while those with dry skin may prefer a thicker option. Finish with a generous application of sunscreen to safeguard your skin.
1. Cleanser
Washing your face with a cleanser in the morning can help keep clogged pores at bay. In addition to eliminating sunscreen, makeup, excess sebum, and accumulated residues throughout the day, cleansing also primes the skin for toning, moisturising, and any additional treatments you may want to apply.
2. Toner
Toning is often underestimated in skincare routines. Yet, adding daily facial toning is a valuable step, bridging cleansing and hydrating stages. It provides an opportunity for extra hydration and skin-supporting benefits, completing the cleansing routine. Toning balances and invigorates the skin, enhancing its overall appearance and preparing it for hydration.
3. Moisturiser
Use a lightweight moisturiser to seal in hydration for the day. Apply the desired amount based on your needs.
4. Sun Protection
It's essential, regardless of the weather, to apply sunscreen daily with a minimum SPF 30 (higher is preferable). The Cancer Council of Australia emphasizes sunscreen as a crucial measure for reducing the risk of skin cancer. Ensure you apply an adequate amount, around 1 teaspoon (equivalent to 5ml), to cover your face and neck.
*Advanced additional steps to your basic morning routine
In addition to your basic routine, consider incorporating a few steps to elevate it. Despite being labeled as advanced, it is quite simple.
Serum
When applied in the morning, it partners with your sunscreen to defend against free radicals, the culprits that damage skin cells due to UV rays and environmental stressors like air pollution.
Eye Cream
Eye cream is applied before moisturiser and sunscreen, allowing potent ingredients to penetrate before applying a heavier moisturiser. Eye cream typically addresses dark circles, puffiness, fine lines, and wrinkles while firming and smoothing skin texture. Apply a pea-sized amount to under the eye, and gently message. Eye cream provides a hydration boost, aiding in premature aging prevention.
What are the steps in the night routine?
Similar to the morning, an uncomplicated evening skincare routine order doesn't need to be lengthy. The basic evening skincare routine maintains a consistent format for all skin types.
1. Cleanser
Similar process to the morning routine where you will be washing off any dirt, makeup or contaminants on your face from the outside exposure. You may want to repeat this process called double cleansing to ensure all makeup has been removed.
2. Serum
This is where your effective active ingredients play a role. The choice of serum depends entirely on your targeted treatment.
In addressing aging concerns, retinoids is a stand out. Retinoids accelerate cell turnover, offering benefits for premature aging, pigmentation, acne, skin texture, and more.
If your primary goal is to hydrate your skin, seek ingredients that focus on hydration and repairing the skin barrier, such as hyaluronic acid.
Niacinamide is an excellent choice for a versatile ingredient. It aids in reducing inflammation, minimising the appearance of pores, and maintaining skin hydration.
3. Moisturiser
Regardless of your skin type, it's essential to lock in these benefits with a moisturiser.
*Advanced additional steps to your basic night routine
Eye Cream
Ensure you apply it prior to your other serum and moisturiser, gently massaging it into the skin.
Chemical Exfoliation
Exfoliation requires caution to avoid overdoing it. Chemical exfoliants, like glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids, are gentler and more effective than physical exfoliants. Start sparingly, gradually increasing frequency based on your skin's response—beginning with once every few weeks and progressing to once a week if needed. These ingredients help remove dead cells, reduce breakouts, blackheads, pigmentation, and unveil brighter skin.
Spot Treatment
If your serum falls short on breakouts, use a benzoyl peroxide spot treatment directly on blemishes to reduce them and calm inflammation.
REFRENCES
1. https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/about-sunscreen
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0965206X16300031
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583892/