Top tips for the best skin care routine
I often get asked by clients what the best skin care routine is for them. I love being asked this because, in between facials, it’s what you are doing to your skin at home, every day, that is going to really influence how your skin looks and feels.
People often tell me that they don’t have a skin care routine because they haven’t got the time but I am not suggesting anything complicated or time consuming here.
Caring for your skin can be simple, straightforward, inexpensive and quick and easy if that’s what you want. Daily skin care can take less time than it takes to have a shower or brush and floss your teeth, but why rush it? Rather than viewing it as a chore, why not see it as a pleasurable daily ritual? It is a form of self care and self care has been clinically proven to enhance self esteem and well being. Take a little time for your self.
My 7 tips for creating a skin care routine
A routine is something you do every day. With skin care you want to be consistent, the body likes rhythms, so be realistic in the number of products you choose to use and keep it as simple as you need it to be.
Start with the basics and get them right first. This would be a cleanser, a moisturiser and an SPF suitable for your skin and the season. For the UK I would advise SPF15 or SPF30 in the winter and SPF50 in the summer.
You may wish to add in other products such as eye creams, serums, toners and face masks but the three products above are the starting point for good skin care. If you do want to add in another product my top pick would be a serum. Serums are a way of getting an added layer of nourishment into the skin with Actives that can target specific issues, for example, hydration (Hyaluronic Acid), Hyperpigmentation (Tranexemic Acid), dullness (Vitamin C), spots (Niacinimide/Vitamin B3). A well formulated serum will have a high concentration of Active ingredients and will be beneficial for the skin around the eyes too.
Once a week consider using an exfoliating Enzyme Mask. This can take 10 minutes or if you’re really short of time just pop it on while you clean your teeth or just before you shower. Exfoliating with Enzymes is far more gentle and yet effective than abrasive scrubs. Used regularly an Enzyme Mask will keep your pores clearer, your complexion brighter and your skin texture smoother. I mix a bespoke Enzyme Mask for clients to use at home. Please email me if you would like me to mix one for you.
You may want to take your skin care routine one step further by adding in the use of facial gua sha and/or facial cupping. This can be done daily or weekly and even a few minutes done regularly will make a difference. If you’d like to book a Bespoke Facial with me I can help you to get started. Get in touch with me here
Your skin is a living organ and constantly responding to the conditions that you give it to live in. As you care for your skin, think in terms of it talking to you. What is it telling you? If it could speak what do you think it would it ask for? As the seasons change you may want to think about changing your moisturiser to something lighter or thicker, to adding in another product at night time or increasing or decreasing your SPF.
My final top tip would be - first do no harm. Always be gentle and kind to your skin with the products your choose and the way that you care for it. Use a creamy cleanser, rather than a foaming one. Use warm rather than hot water water on your face. Use enzymes rather than scrubs. Don’t over use ingredients like salicylic acid or retinols and immediately reduce use if you notice any redness or flakiness. Keep it cleansed, hydrated, nourished and protected your skin will say thank you.
I am an official Ambassador for Dermaviduals skin care products and a recognised Centre of Excellence. I have been an advocate for Dermaviduals skin care products for many years, and use their products for all of my facial treatments at my clinics in Devon and Bristol.
If you're unsure which skin care products or treatments are right for you, please get in touch to book a free 20-minute consult.