Whether you’re new to skincare and looking for guidance on how to craft the perfect morning routine, or you’re a seasoned skintellectual seeking ways to elevate your AM ritual, we’re here to help.
In a world where the beauty halls are bursting with creams, concentrates, and all manner of concoctions, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by what’s on offer. That’s where we come in. Our aim is to take the trial and error out of finding the perfect products and empower you with the knowledge to shop with confidence and build a routine that suits your skin type. So, without further ado, let’s get started...
Identify Your Skin Type
Before we dive into any actual skincare, it’s important to take a moment to work out what your skin type is. Understanding this will immediately narrow your focus and help you pinpoint the products that will and won’t work for you. You’ll be able to pick out the textures and actives that are best suited to your skin’s needs, allowing you to craft the perfect routine with ease.
Use the brief guide below to diagnose your skin type…
NORMAL SKIN |
Think of normal skin as the Goldilocks of skin types. It isn't too oily or dry and exhibits minimal complexion irregularities. Maintenance involves gentle cleansing and light moisturizing, using actives that will sustain the skin’s natural balance. |
OILY SKIN |
Characterised by excess sebum production and visible pores, oily skin tends to be shiny all over and prone to breakouts. If this sounds like you, opt for lightly textured, non-comedogenic products powered by oil-regulating actives to avoid exacerbating these concerns. |
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DRY SKIN |
Dry skin lacks sufficient hydration, so it often appears flaky and rough and might feel tight after cleansing. This skin type requires products rich in emollients and humectants to restore moisture and improve texture. |
SENSITIVE SKIN |
Prone to reactions and inflammation, sensitive skin is easily irritated by environmental factors and certain ingredients. If you experience redness, itching, or burning sensations when using aggressive skincare products, choosing formulas with gentle, soothing ingredients is essential to prevent adverse reactions. |
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COMBINATION SKIN |
Combination skin features different characteristics in different areas of the face. Typically, the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) is oilier, while the cheeks are drier. A balanced approach is needed to address both oily and dry areas. |
BLEMISH-PRONE SKIN |
We all get spots every now and then, but if you experience frequent breakouts (beyond the occasional hormonal pimple up or sugar-induced flare up) then you most likely have blemish-prone skin. Look for gentle yet effective products that balance bacteria and target spots without causing excessive dryness or irritation. |
MATURE SKIN
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Age affects our skin in multiple ways, so if your skin is showing signs of aging (such as fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity) your routine should include products powered by rejuvenating anti-aging actives that will help support collagen production, boost hydration, and target wrinkles. |
STEP ONE: Cleanse away impurities
The foundation of any effective skincare routine is cleansing. This initial step refreshes and resets your complexion by removing impurities, excess oils, and debris from the skin’s surface. In addition to keeping your skin clear and healthy, a thorough cleanse sets the stage for the rest of your routine, ensuring that products absorb effectively and that actives work as intended.
The key to a successful cleanse is using a product that works for your skin type. If you have dry or sensitive skin, opt for a gentle cleanser with a balmy texture to avoid stripping your skin. Alternatively, if your skin is oily or blemish-prone, a formula with a mild exfoliating action will help to break down excess sebum and clear your pores. Mature skin also benefits from emollient-rich cleansers as our skin tends to dry out as we age. Our Vitamin C Brightening Cleanser is rich in texture and packed with potent pigmentation-reducing actives to target age spots.
STEP TWO: Prep your skin with an essence
Essences are to skincare what primers are to makeup. By soothing your skin and replenishing its hydration levels after cleansing, they help to optimise the absorption of any actives layered on top. So, while essences are not an essential like serums and moisturisers, they’re an excellent way to power up your routine and ensure you’re getting the most out of your products.
This extra step is also a chance to layer in targeted actives to suit your skin type and concerns. If you have dry, sensitive, or combination skin, soothing botanicals are the way to go. More mature skin will benefit from a brightening formula with wrinkle-reducing actives. For those of you with oily or blemish-prone skin, reach for our Hydrolat Anti Blemish Tonic. You’ll get the same rehydrating effect with a hit of blemish-fighting actives such as Salicylic Acid and Rosemary Hydrolat.
STEP THREE: Target your concerns with boosters
Packed with concentrated levels of potent actives, boosters are another effective way to enhance your routine. They are targeted treatments that allow you to tailor your skincare to suit your concerns. For optimum benefits, apply 2-4 drops directly to skin. Alternatively, you can mix the same amount into your serum or moisturiser to supercharge your favourite skincare.
Normal, dry, sensitive, or combination skin types can benefit from boosters that bolster hydration. If you have oily or blemish-prone skin, you can use a rebalancing booster as a targeted treatment for breakouts. More mature skin is prone to pigmentation irregularities, so a brightening booster rich in Vitamin C can help target age spots and even out your complexion.
STEP FOUR: Don’t skip eye care
The skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate, making it prone to damage or irritation. Using products that are specifically formulated for the eye area helps ensure the best results. We recommend applying eye products before serums or creams as they work to protect the fragile skin in this area from any actives that might be too potent.
Suitable for most skin types, our Eye Lift Gel NAC Y2TM is a lightweight formula that’s been designed to remedy a range of common concerns. Powered by NAC Y2TM, Caffeine, and Hexapeptide, it helps to de-puff and lift skin around the eyes while reducing the appearance of fine lines and minimising dark circles.
STEP FIVE: Always apply serum
Serums are the heavy lifters of any skincare routine so it’s important to make sure they’re a cornerstone of your daily ritual. Enriched with high concentrations of potent, low molecular weight actives, serums penetrate deep into the epidermis to rejuvenate your skin from the inside out.
Our iconic Repair Serum is a must-have for anyone with normal, sensitive, dry, or combination skin. Powered by NAC Y2TM, our innovative reparative complex, this formula triggers the production of glutathione – the human body’s master antioxidant. This combats the effects of free radical damage and helps you press pause on the ageing process. The result? Smoother, healthier, more even-toned skin that boasts a natural glow.
STEP SIX: Lock it all in with moisturiser
Seal the deal with a hydrating, active-packed moisturiser. Finishing your routine with a skin-fortifying cream helps to enhance the epidermal barrier which simultaneously locks in all the actives you’ve applied while keeping any external aggressors at bay.
Like serums, pay attention to the texture of the product and its key actives in order choose the one which best suits your skin type. Sensitive, dry, or combination skin tends to need a little more hydration than normal, oily, or blemish-prone skin so richer, thicker textures can help add moisture.
If you have more mature skin that’s showing signs of ageing, pick a product that’s specifically formulated to target wrinkles, laxity, and age spots like our Black Diamond Emulsion.
Final thought…
Constructing a skincare routine can feel daunting at first, but it becomes a lot easier with a little know-how. We hope these simple steps and product recommendations help you confidently craft a routine that’s tailored to suit your skin and its needs.
Remember to take your skin type into account when choosing products and follow the steps outlined above. Consistency is key with any skincare routine, so be sure to follow your chosen regimen diligently for optimal results.
