How to build a great skincare regimen in 6 simple steps.
No matter if you are a beginner or in need of a refresher course, our how-to guide get's you up to speed on the rudiments of good skincare.
A winning skincare routine is one guided by skin type and concerns, the use of particular ingredients and the time of day. But importantly, products must properly penetrate skin to do any good.
Whilst investing in great skincare is one thing, it's no good if you use products in the wrong order, you could be hampering your own efforts - and your skin’s chance to glow!
As a general rule, you should apply skincare in order of texture, from thinnest to thickest. Why?
Because a thin product such as a serum cannot penetrate a thick one, such as sunscreen.
So here's the the correct order to apply your skincare products . . .
1. CLEANSE
Cleansing is the crucial first step in any routine. Skin comes into contact with environmental pollutants, airborne bacteria and dirt each day, so cleansing before bed is essential to avoid clogged pores, dull skin and breakouts.
If you wear makeup, a double-cleanse (that’s washing your face twice with your cleanser) will deep-clean pores and ensure leave-on products such as serums and moisturisers can work their magic overnight.
A morning cleanse will brighten skin and remove excess oil that skin secretes overnight, preparing skin so serums and moisturisers can effectively do their job.
2. EXFOLIATE
Any time of day will work when it comes to exfoliating but morning is ideal, right after cleansing, because the skin repairs itself at night, leaving a layer of dead skin cells on the surface.
Experts generally recommend a weekly exfoliation to slough away dead cells, reduce dullness and even skin tone.
3. APPLY SERUM/S
Morning is a marvellous time to apply an antioxidant-packed serum.
Start with a hydrating Vitamin B serum to strengthen the skin barrier, followed by a brightening Vitamin C serum to protect skin from free radicals you’ll encounter during the day.
Night time is the right time to maximise the skin renewal benefits of a Vitamin A serum, formulated to treat fine lines and pigmentation.
A facial oil can be applied over serums, morning and night, as a supplementary skin boosting treatment.
4. MOISTURISE
Moisturiser hydrates and locks in all the other layers you have applied.
Look for a lightweight lotion to apply in the morning, a thicker cream to nourish at night, or a day/night formula such as Mx Cosmeceutical Moisture+ that draws on powerful active ingredients to hydrate, protect and recharge.
Adding a drop of facial oil to your moisturiser can add further hydration to your day or night routine, particularly during the cooler months when skin is prone to dryness.
5. APPLY EYE CREAM
Support the delicate skin around the eye by applying a dedicated eye cream morning and night.
The eye area needs extra attention as this skin contains no oil glands and is thinner than the rest of the face.
Mx Skincare Cosmeceutical Eye Cream+ is formulated for use after applying serums and moisturiser.
6. USE SUNSCREEN
You made it...almost!
Sunscreen is largely viewed as the final step in any morning routine. This suit of armour that sits on top of skin, protects against damaging UVA and UVB rays that cause premature ageing, pigmentation and even skin cancer.
The trick is to let all the previous layers soak in and fully absorb before you apply your SPF, and do not apply skincare products on top of it, as this can dilute the sunscreen.