One of the questions that we get asked most regularly is “What is the perfect skincare routine?”
Unfortunately, we have a bit of bad news…
There is no perfect skincare routine that will work for everyone. SORRY!
Every person has a different skin type, different concerns, different requirements, and even different time constraints that will impact what products they should use.
However, there are some key products and simple steps that are the foundation of a great skincare routine. This one is for those of you who are new to the world of skincare!
Let’s begin with the basics.
1. Get yourself some facecloths.
2. Never use products that include mineral oil.
3. Do not use any foaming products.
4. Get your face wipes and throw them in the bin (seriously… in the bin!)
Morning Routine
In the morning, you’re looking to prepare your skin for the day ahead whilst also thoroughly removing any bacteria that may have found its way onto your face during the night.
Especially in the summer months, you have most likely spent the night “glowing” profusely and perhaps even dribbling a little (no shade - we all do it!)
On top of that, pillowcases are harbingers of bacteria and you may even have been sleeping with your hands resting on your face.
Now, understand why its a no-go to miss this step in the AM?! Grab your favourite cleanser and a clean facecloth and get to work, people!
CLEANSE: Nothing aggressive or stripping. Avoid anything that foams like the plague. Please don’t wash your face in the shower. Please! (If you don’t believe us on this one, ask Caroline Hirons. She will back us up.)
Always wash your face after showering (especially if you have been washing your hair, as surfactants from your shampoo are NOT great for your skin).
Massage your cleanser of choice into your skin and then use a warm, damp and CLEAN facecloth to gently buff away. You should be using a new facecloth every day.
HYDRATING MIST/TONE: At 33Dowanhill, we LOVE hydrating mists. One of the simplest but most luxurious steps which offers an added boost of hydration in the morning. They have the added benefit of “waking” you up, both in the morning and throughout the day. Look for a mist that has hyaluronic acid, rose water or glycerin included, and NO drying alcohols. Lightly mist all over your face and neck, allow to absorb and enjoy!
SERUM: This is where you should spend your money when it comes to your skincare products - always look for good quality serum that addresses your particular skin needs. Are you dehydrated? Choose something hydrating. Are you concerned about fine lines? Choose something with slip that you can massage into your skin to help stimulate your muscles.
OIL: Many people look at us in horror when we suggest oil in the mornings. This step isn’t for everyone, but trust us when we say that this boost of moisture in its purest form will deliver some huge results for your skin. Choose something rich in fatty acids and massage all over - our blend46 or Signature Blend33 oils are a great choice, of course!
SPF: To put it simply, if the sun is out cover yourself up with a good quality, high factor formulation that is right for your skin type. Check out the blog posts on different skin types to find out which formulation we’d recommend for your skin type.
Evening Routine
The evenings are when many of us tend to have a little bit more time. You may have spent the day at work, travelling, at the gym, chasing children around, walking the dog or all of the above. Once the kids are in bed and the dog is fed, it’s the perfect time to remove the grime!
DOUBLE CLEANSE:
First Cleanse - Remove make up, dirt and other impurities that have landed on your face throughout the day. Use a great cleanser, but don’t use your most luxurious/expensive product. You are literally going to watch it wash down the sink.
Second cleanse – This time, choose your favourite, most luxurious cleanser (and make sure it is nourishing!) Spend some time working it into your face, concentrating around your nose, chin and between your eyes. Use a warm facecloth to lightly buff off the cleanser - using a facecloth has the added benefit of light exfoliation.
ACID TONE/EXFOLIATE: We are not exaggerating when we say that this step will make a massive difference to your complexion. Acid toners or chemical exfoliators change the PH balance of your skin and help to penetrate deep into your pores to clear congestion. Read more about the benefits of acid toners here.
If you are new to the world of acids, make sure to start off light and only use a few times a week to monitor progress, before building up to every evening if required.
TREATMENT: This can mean different things for different skin types - think a hydrating serum, a retinoid product, a leave-on acid treatment or a very luxurious oil. These products should be your ‘game changers’ in terms of skin improvement. If you feel you need it, or time allows, try to have 2 or 3 different treatments that you can mix up throughout the weeks/months.
MOISTURISER: Whether you use a moisturiser after your treatment is dependent on the type of treatment that you are using. However, our approach at 33Dowanhill is to go with many light layers. It is very rare that a thick layer of one product will offer you significant change, however it is a lovely way for product companies to get you to continue to buy their products!
MASSAGE: Facial massage can be incorporated into your skincare routine a few times a week to help increase blood flow and plump up the skin. You don’t need to be a professional facialist to practice great facial massage at home. Whether you spend 2 minutes each day or 20mins twice a week, this will undoubtedly help to improve the texture and tone of your skin. Check out our instagram page @33dowanhill for videos on how to massage your face at home!
We love nothing more than devising skin-specific routines for our clients but we hope this quick guide has offered some guidance on where to start. If you’d like to discuss your skincare routine in more detail, please get in touch with us at info@33dowanhill.com or click the button below to book a Signature facial and skincare consultation.
Love,
33Dowanhill
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