Serums and SPF and acids, oh my! Start here when building your skincare routine
Skincare basics
To peel or not to peel? Hyaluronic acid, AHA’s, BHA’s? How do I use retinol, and when do I start? Skincare can be confusing, especially when you are just beginning to build your routine. With so many voices singing the praises of different skincare ingredients, it can be tempting to jump in and start using everything you have jotted down in your notes app. However, it is best to add new products into your routine gradually, and cover the basics first. Thankfully we have created the ultimate beginner’s skincare routine, consisting of five key products, to guide you in starting your skincare journey.
Melt the day away with a cleansing balm
An often forgotten, but crucial step when embarking on a new skincare routine, is a quality cleansing balm or oil. This Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm is a cult classic product. A soft balm, that melts into an oil when messaged into the skin, is the perfect addition to melt away any makeup or SPF from your day. Best used in the evening, as your first cleanse, this product will leave you with a clear base to go in with your second cleanse.
Hot tip: Cleansing balms and oils contain lipids, that will break down waterproof makeup and SPF that could otherwise lead to congestion in the skin.
Focus on a gentle cleanser when introducing active ingredients
When exploring new and exciting skincare ingredients, it can be tempting to look for a heavy-duty cleanser. It is important to remember that when you are adding new things into your routine, it is best to stick to a simple, gentle cleanser with minimal active ingredients that will support your skin through all the excitement. A wonderful option is the CeraVe Hydrating Cream To Foam Cleanser. A gentle formula with ceramides and amino acids to support your skin barrier, it is a fantastic affordable option to add into your routine.
Hot tip: Use a gentle cleanser in the AM and in the PM after your cleansing balm to prepare your skin for all of the wonderful new serums you are using.
PACK AN ANTIOXIDANT PUNCH WITH A VITAMIN C SERUM
Looking for radiance? Us too. Vitamin C will give it to you in spades.
Heralded for its antioxidant properties, Vitamin C is a key ingredient in any good skincare routine. Apply it in the morning after cleansing, before SPF, to add brightness and help manage any pigmentation in the skin. This La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C 12 Anti-Wrinkle Serum 30ml also has some salicylic acid in its formula, which is a fantastic ingredient to help in managing blemishes.
Hot tip: Always follow your Vitamin C with an SPF to maximise its benefits (there’s no point applying a product to fight pigmentation when you are adding more with sun exposure!).
Boost cell turnover with a Vitamin A (retinol or retinal serum)
Ah retinol! The much loved but often misunderstood powerhouse. Retinol (or Vitamin A) works by accelerating the cell turnover of the skin, leading to a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improved skin texture (Hello gorgeous!). When applied to the skin, retinol undergoes a process to convert it to its active form, Retinoic Acid. Sometimes this process can lead to some minor irritation (such as flaking, sensitivity), especially when you are new to retinol.
Thankfully Medik8 has developed their innovative Crystal Retinal Range, which delivers RetinAl (the acid it is converted to before it becomes retinoic acid)-effectively skipping a step in this process, minimising irritation. The Medik8 Crystal Retinal is available in a number of strengths. First time retinol users should begin with the Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 and gradually increase strength. It is vital that you only use this 1-2 times a week to start, to allow your skin to adjust. Use a pea sized amount in the evenings, after cleansing and before moisturiser.
Hot tip: Retinol should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, speak with a skincare professional to suggest alternatives during this time.
While retinol is used at night, it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun in the days after use, so it is crucial that you follow up with an SPF in the morning.
The most important step OF ALL is a good quality SPF 50+… seriously!
Ok. Listen up for this one, because its a cliche for a reason. You listening? Ok..
Including a good quality SPF 50+ is the single most important thing in your skincare routine. Not only are there years of scientific research backing its importance for anti-ageing and the prevention of skin cancer, which we’re sure you know by now, but a skincare routine without SPF is also pointless, and could even damage your skin barrier. Skin that has been exposed to active skincare ingredients is more susceptible to the effects of the sun, and how heart breaking is it to think that you could spend so much time perfecting a wonderful routine only to have sun damage negate its benefits?
The products on the SPF market these days are incredible, with something for every skin type and concern. A brand doing amazing things is Ultra Violette - their Queen Screen SPF50+ 50ml Luminising SKINSCREEN™ has a cult following for a reason! Cruelty free and packed with skin boosting ingredients such as Pentavitin to add hydration, it also works as a great base for your makeup, adding a luminous quality to the skin (Count us in!).
Hot tip: Make sure you apply at least 1 tbsp of product to your face, neck and ears 20 minutes before sun exposure, and protect the rest of your skin accordingly.
And there you have it folks, the ultimate beginner’s skincare routine! For more tailored advice, check out Adore Beauty’s Skin Care Finder on adorebeauty.com.au, or head into their flagship store in Melbourne to speak with a member of their store team to find the perfect routine for you!
