Skincare is essential to overall health and well-being, and it’s never too early to start thinking about it. Unlike hair loss, wrinkles and skin damage are nearly impossible to reverse, making prevention the key to maintaining a youthful and healthy complexion.
But don’t be daunted – skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few key steps, you can significantly enhance your skin’s health and appearance. Let’s dive into these simple yet effective strategies for skincare.
Your Daily Skincare Routine
We’ll start with the actual daily routine– it’s straightforward, science based and effective:
- In the morning
- Start your day by washing your face with a high-quality cleanser.
- Apply a moisturiser containing SPF 30+ for daily protection against UV damage.
- During the day
- If you spend a lot of time outside, reapply sunscreen as needed. If you’re in full sun, use something with SPF 50+.
- If you shower during the day (e.g. post-gym), wash your face again and reapply your moisturiser and SPF 30+.
- In the evening,
- Wash your face again with your cleanser.
- Apply a retinol treatment and let it dry while you brush your teeth.
- Apply a lightweight moisturiser without the SPF– yes, you’ll need 2 moisturisers.
And that’s it, nice and simple. If you’d like to dig in further, I’ll explain some of the thinking below.
Skincare Principals
Use a Cleanser not Soap
A quality cleanser is the cornerstone of any good skincare routine. It’s important to note that a cleanser is not just regular soap. Soaps can often strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. On the other hand, a high-quality cleanser is specifically formulated to maintain the skin’s natural balance while effectively removing dirt, sweat, excess oils, and dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to breakouts.
Used twice a day, a cleanser not only keeps your skin clean but also prepares it for the next steps in your skincare regimen. It’s an essential tool in your arsenal for maintaining a clear and healthy complexion.
Moisturise Twice a day
Moisturising is not just about avoiding dry skin. Regular use of a good moisturiser helps maintain your skin’s natural protective barrier, promotes hydration, and can even help control oil production. It also keeps the skin plump, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
But don’t worry, moisturising doesn’t have to be a fuss. You can use a simple, no-frills product that gets the job done. The best moisturisers feel lightweight on the skin, and once they dry, you won’t even notice they’re there. So, make moisturising a non-negotiable part of your skincare routine – your skin will thank you.
Use SPF Daily
When it comes to skincare, protecting your skin from sun damage is crucial, especially in Australia where UV levels are often high. But we’re not talking about the regular sunscreen from the Cancer Council, although that still has its place for beach days.
What we’re referring to here is a facial SPF, typically contained within a moisturiser. This kind of product is designed to be lightweight, meaning you’ll barely notice it’s on your skin. A good SPF moisturiser is easy to apply and rubs in easily, offering you protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays without any fuss. Incorporating this into your mourning routine not only shields your skin from sun damage but can also help prevent premature aging.
Bonus Step: Retinol or Retinoids
Retinol or Retinoids are among the few skincare ingredients proven to effectively combat wrinkles. They speed up cell turnover, boost collagen production, and unclog pores, resulting in fresher, smoother skin with fewer blemishes and wrinkles. This is the one extra skincare step we’d recommend adding that actually has some clinical backing.
While you should aim to apply a retinol or retinoid product each night, don’t worry if you miss a night or two each week – you’ll still reap the benefits in the long run. However, it’s crucial to note that if you decide to incorporate retinol into your skincare routine, you must commit to using SPF as well. Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, so without SPF protection, you could end up doing more harm than good.
Choosing the Right Skincare Products
When it comes to skincare products, resist the temptation to buy flashy, Instagram-worthy items or supermarket brands. High-quality skincare often requires a higher budget, but that’s due to the effective ingredients within, not the marketing and packaging.
Look for dermatologically tested products at your local pharmacy. Brands such as Cerave or Cetaphil, known for their unpretentious packaging, are a great starting point. They may not have the allure of some so-called ‘masculine’ brands, but they’re formulated to prioritise what’s inside the bottle.
With this guide, you’re now well-equipped to care for your skin in a way that will help keep it looking its best, not just now, but well into the future. Remember, consistency is key in skincare. Stick with your routine, and you’ll see the benefits.
