LifecanbetoffIs it ever too late to start establishing a skincare routine? Maybe, I don’t know. I’m not a dermatologist. I know, I know, I probably should’ve started with a skincare routine in my teens but I’ve never ever been able to stick to one. Now, as I rapidly approach 40, I’m starting to think that perhaps establishing a skincare routine would be a good idea!
But I have no idea where to start and how to keep it simple enough that I’m actually able to stick to it? Here I set out what I’m doing already (not much) and what I should be doing to help build a simple, maintainable skincare routine which will protect my skin for years to come.
This post contains gifted products, all thoughts and opinions are my own! I am by no means an expert (as you’ll establish) but purely using my own experiences and research to talk about a skincare routine that works for me.
Despite best efforts, one product won’t do it all!
I’ll admit to it, I’ve never ever taken skincare seriously. I know I should if I wanted to keep my ever-youthful glow. It might be too late for that now, but what I can do is begin to take better care of my skin and no single product is going to do it all. No matter how much I hope it will.
Skincare is an absolute minefield, with the different types of skin; daytime or nighttime products, winter, spring and summer changes and then add in the requirements for reducing wrinkles and sun damage to clogged pores, brightening dull skin, rehydrating dehydrated skin, handling breakouts, redness and so on. It’s no wonder whenever I’ve tried to establish a skincare routine I’ve given up! But, having done some research on skincare basics, there’s a handful of areas needed to be able to create your skincare routine – and then you can delve into the products within!
You’ll know if you are using the right routine, as your skin will show it. And usually, you’ll start to see those differences in about 2-3 weeks. About the time it takes to build up a habit. (noted as habit building is my weakness!)
When establishing a skincare routine keep it simple!
Choosing products that complement each other and your skin is quite possibly the hardest part. I’ve tried several different products over the years and have suffered breakouts as the result of a moisturiser that’s too greasy, or have experienced dried-out spots caused by a toner that’s too harsh.
Regardless of your skin type, choosing some core products and building up the habit of using them will build up the basic needs for your skin. You want a cleanser, toner, serum and moisturiser – now isn’t that simple? Once you have these basics, you can add in your eye creams and SPF products.
Cleanser
I am guilty as charged for not taking care of my skin. I’m not as bad as just washing my face with the average bar of soap, I do at least cleanse daily. But ideally, you want to cleanse twice per day and is the first step in any skincare routine.
Cleansing clears away impurities and excess oil that can clog pores and dull skin, these build up throughout the day and even at night.
I have two cleansers I use. My morning cleanser is Superdrug me+ Salicylic Acid & Ceramides Cleanser and for the night I use the Bobbi Brown soothing cleansing oil – this one was a birthday gift from my brother and honestly leaves my face so silky and smooth after use that it’s worth the money!
Toner
A toner’s job is to gently refresh your skin without stripping it of its natural moisture. It’s used after cleansing but before moisturising, serums or other skin care products like eye creams.
They also help to remove any dirt your cleanser couldn’t quite get to. This is where I fall down a bit, as I’ve never found a toner that I either like the feel of or can consistently use.
I’ve recently purchased NIP+FAB Retinol Fix Tonic which with its retinol anti-ageing I hope will help slow down some of the signs of ageing. Something I perhaps should have started a long time ago!
Serum
A serum can both treat and protect, serums contain a combination of powerful ingredients that can treat a whole host of complexion issues, from redness, dark spots to wrinkles. And you can have different serums for different concerns. However, bear in mind some are better used at night and some in the morning. according to many websites I’ve browsed, serums are where you want to spend that little more on a good product.
A good starting point is a serum containing Vitamin C which can help reverse some of the signs of damage caused by sun and pollution. Or you might focus on a particular area like the eyes, which is where I’ve started.
I was sent the *GIFTED PRODUCT* Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum which promises a youthful complexion, smoothing out wrinkles around the eyes. I use it twice daily and feel the effects of it working immediately, it doesn’t tingle but leaves my eyes feeling brightened and awake. A little product goes a long way and feels amazing to use.
Next, I’ll be exploring facial serums that can help with redness and smoothing of the complexion!
Moisturisers
Moisturiser keeps your skin soft and hydrated. This is where I’ve always struggled, I’m quite particular in how a lotion feels on my face as much as what it does to my skin. I have tried several moisturisers in the past and always prefer something lighter that doesn’t leave my skin feeling greasy.
For a while, I used Dr Botanical’s Moroccan Rose facial moisturiser it was light, absorbed quickly and left my skin feeling soft and hydrated. But then I started to get breakouts so stopped using it.
As it’s summer, I’m now exploring lighter moisturisers and am tempted by the Benefit Weightless Moisture which contains SPF 15 and is an ultra-light moisturiser offering sun protection and hydration. Obviously, come winter, I’ll be exploring products which offer the extra hydration your skin needs no thanks to central heating and the damage caused by freezing temperatures, harsh winds and little daylight!
The extras
This is where you add in the additional products which help build a skincare routine and add extra layers to protect and enhance your skin. This step you’d add after your cleansing and toning but before moisturising. Of course, with so many products on the market now, you may find a moisturiser that contains SPF 30 or has the powerful benefits of collagen or retinol.
Then there’s the facial rollers, the exfoliants, the primers and the rabbit hole that is make-up!
There you have it!
Establishing a skincare routine needn’t be daunting so I don’t know why I’ve put it off for so long! Finding the products that suit your skin type is the first challenge, from there the possibilities are endless in building your skincare routine.
Help build your skincare habit by keeping your products in one place, keeping your dressing area tidy and putting your cotton pads, wipes and buds into easily accessible containers will all help. You might also set yourself reminders on your phone to prompt you or why not treat it like a daily spa session?
Have you always had a skincare routine or are you like me and a bit late to the game?
Peace out!
Jangles x
