A Beginners Guide to a Skincare Routine

Skin care doesn't have to be complicated if you don't want it to be. The three basic steps of a skin-care routine are cleansing, moisturizing and sunscreen.  And if that’s all you do then that’s great!  But if you want to know a little more - carry on reading…

Lets just start with WHY, why is a skincare routine important? The simplest answer is this: you're shedding skin cells throughout the day, so it's important to keep your skin glowing and in good condition. An effective routine can help prevent acne, treat wrinkles, and help keep your skin looking its best.

Cleansing:  Daily facial cleansing removes every last trace of dirt, excess oil, pollution and unwanted skin cells off of your face. ... If not cleansed properly, dirt and pollution accumulate at the surface of your skin and could potentially contribute to breakouts, dehydration and ageing.

Moisturizing:  Moisturizing your face helps to protect the skin's barrier from irritation. It also helps to reduce the development of dryness or helps you to revive your skin from dryness.  Moisturizer also creates a barrier between your skin and the climate, including cold, dry air that can further dry out skin.

Sunscreen:  Wearing sunscreen is one of the best — and easiest — ways to protect your skin's appearance and health at any age. Used daily, sunscreen helps prevent sunburn, skin cancer and premature aging.

When should I use these products?

Cleansing and Moisturizing should be done morning and night.  Appy Sunscreen after your moisturizer has sunk in. Approx. 5 mins.

Feel like you could add a few more things?  Good I was hoping you could! 

Eye Cream:  Squinting and constant movement of the eyes also hasten the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and fluids collect under the eyes and cause puffiness and dark circles. Eye creams can address some of these issues. Fine lines and wrinkles come from both sun damage and your skin making less collagen as you age.  When to use:  Morning and night along the eye and brow bones.  The skin around this area is super thin so its easily sucked inwards.  Using to much and to close to the eye can cause Milla - so go easy.

Exfoliation:    Your skin naturally sheds dead skin cells to make room for new cells every 30 days or so. Sometimes, dead cells don't shed completely. This can result in dry, flaky patches and clogged pores. Exfoliating can help prevent this. 

When should I do this:  Once a week is perfectly fine, be sure to pick a gentle exfoliant. No Apricot Kernels around here!

I hope this guide has given you a basic rundown on a simple skincare routine.  Of course, there are many other components of a routine to explore but let’s do that other day.

So until then, check out NZ best in green beauty for product ideas:  https://www.healthpost.co.nz/best-of-natural-awards  or book yourself in for a skin analysis with a Beauty Therapist.

Mel x