How to Build a Skincare Routine

Not sure where to begin with a skincare routine? Well I’m here to tell you that it doesn’t need to be as complicated as it may appear. Finding and sticking to a skincare routine can seem overwhelming, and it may just feel easier to skip it entirely. Honestly, that’s what I did for the first 25 years of my life. Now, I’ve done a complete 180 and am dedicated to maintaining a consistent skincare routine - this gal ain’t getting any younger!

Your Routine 
Put together a routine that you will be able to consistently stick to. This whole ‘consistency’ part is key, and a bucket of patience is a must – your skin won’t change overnight and will take a while to adapt to the new products and routine. You can use as many or as little products as you like, but most successful skincare regimes are based on the classic 3 – cleansing, toning and sun protection.

Cleansing
Cleansing is one of the most important steps in maintaining a consistent skincare routine. The general rule of thumb is to cleanse your face twice a day – when you wake up and before you go to bed. Make sure to use the correct type of cleanser for your skin. If you’re not sure what skin type you are, there are a whole bunch of online quizzes (like this one) that can help you figure it out.

Don’t Skip the Sunscreen
We now know that the sun causes vast acceleration of the ageing processes in our skin, so we should be wearing sunscreen every single day, even when it’s cloudy or cold. Because of this, sunscreen is the #1 anti-ageing product. It easily trumps all other skincare serums and even retinol treatments when it comes to ageing. If you want to find out more, take a look at this article. When purchasing a sunscreen, it’s important to choose one that is broad spectrum, meaning it protects you from both UVA and UVB rays. Also be sure to select one that is SPF30 or higher, as well as one that is water resistant. Finally, opt for a sunscreen that is reef-safe to make sure it isn’t harming our beautiful ecosystems.

Choosing Your Products
The golden rule is to use high quality products – ALWAYS. If you want to achieve great results with your skincare, then using high quality products is a must. This rule stands for every single product you put on your skin, be it makeup, sunscreen or night creams. Choose your products wisely and make sure they don’t have too many ingredients. Don’t forget to  opt for products that are fragrance free – manufacturers can hide many nasty toxins behind the label of ‘fragrance’, and you don’t want to be putting these chemicals on your skin each day!

Don’t Forget the Basics
Without sounding patronising, I can’t over-emphasise the power of the basics. Drink plenty of water each day, make sure you’re getting 8 hours of good quality sleep, and fuel your body with a rainbow of plant-based wholefoods. These 3 simple lifestyle habits are truly the foundation of good skin, and should never be overlooked when creating a skincare routine.