With so many different products available, shopping for skincare can be a bit daunting. And if you don’t know what each product does or how to make the most of it, you might find yourself spending big bucks to little avail. Luckily, we’ve got the low-down on all five steps of a regular skincare routine, completed with recommendations!
Cleansing
Cleansing is the most basic step in a skincare routine. Cleansers remove any make-up, dirt and impurities that could lead to nasty breakouts if ignored. Using them twice a day, every day, is a must.
Khiel’s Ultra Facial Cleanser (£9.50 at Selfridges) removes tough make-up without completely stripping the skin, thanks to the added vitamin E and Avocado oils. The PH-balanced formula is also suitable for all skin types!
Toning
Toning may seem like a bit of an unnecessary step, but that’s far from the truth. Toners remove any residues of cleanser which would otherwise clog your pores. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you don’t want to skip this one.
The Botanics Rosewater Toning Spritz (£7.99 at Boots) is made up of 100% organic ingredients and smells really lovely. Since you can just spray it on, you won’t have to bother with cotton pads either!
Moisturizing
Moisturizing is probably the most important part of skincare. No matter how consistent you are with the other steps, failing to moisturize can seriously upset the balance of your skin. It’ll either become too dry or produce excess oils trying to combat this dryness. Bottom line is: get moisturizing!
The Body Shop’s Aloe Soothing Moisturizing Lotion (£14.00 at The Body Shop) is a lightweight formula that absorbs into the skin super easily. Not only is it suitable for sensitive skin, but the SPF 15 will be very useful for sunny months.
Exfoliation
While the previous three steps should be a daily affair, the next two should be kept to a maximum of twice or thrice a week, depending on your skin type. First off is exfoliation. Facial scrubs unclog your pores much more thoroughly than a regular cleanser, removing dead skin cells to reveal radiant new skin.
The Boots Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Charcoal Face Scrub (£4.99 at Boots) is a great product for the price. The activated charcoal works like a magnet in drawing out impurities, while the witch hazel simultaneously soothes the skin, reducing any swelling or redness.
Face Masks
Masks work most effectively when applied straight after exfoliating – this allows them to sink deeper into the skin. While scrubs provide a thorough cleansing, masks provide a thorough nourishing, which treats your skin to a rich moisture boost. You should usually leave them on for fifteen minutes.
There are loads of branded face masks on the market, but in my experience, plain Manuka honey (£16.99 at Holland & Barret) outdoes them all. Manuka honey is super moisturizing but also has anti-bacterial properties to keep those spots at bay. It smells delicious so you’ll have a hard time trying not to eat it!
Edited by Angelica Beier
Image Sources
Sources
http://www.selfridges.com/GB/en/cat/kiehls-ultra-facial-cleanser-150ml_372-2000636-80125200/
http://www.boots.com/Botanics-Organic-Rosewater-Toning-Spritz-10231448
http://www.boots.com/boots-tea-tree-and-witch-hazel-charcoal-facial-scrub-10175498
https://www.today.com/series/one-small-thing/6-reasons-why-you-should-use-facial-toner-t73941
https://burkewilliamsspa.com/2014/10/23/5-reasons-must-moisturize-skin-2/