How To Build The Perfect Skincare Routine
I’m going to call it; complexity is over-rated and certainly not the path to great skin.
My goal with any skincare routine is a healthy natural complexion, so it’s feeling and looking at its best during the changing seasons and to address any areas you may want to work on. It should also aim to prevent any longer term damage and irritation to our skin.
I have always preferred streamlined skincare routines and multi-use products that can be used consistently everyday, anywhere and correctly within a busy lifestyle. Something you can almost do with your eyes closed, caused one morning or night you may have too!
My message; think you need a complex 10-step daily routine and 25 expensive products in order to achieve great skin? Think again!
Sometimes less is more and simplicity is certainly easier to commit to and be patient with.
In fact, too many products and steps in your skincare routine may actually be detrimental for the skin and lead to conditions such as dermatitis, rosacea and dry itchiness due to ‘cosmetic overload’.
Before you create your three-step routine
Just relax and think for a moment about a few things.
No matter what adjustments you will need for your skin type, think of your skincare routine as consisting of three main steps taken in the right order:
- Cleansing — Washing your face.
- Apply Actives — Balancing the skin.
- Moisturizing — Hydrating and softening the skin.
And hey, while SCOUT utilises both pure natural ingredients and some of the latest scientific innovations to create products, there’s still no such thing as an overnight instant fix. A little bit of time and consistent use are required to reap the benefits and I always aim to use a product over at least six weeks, once or twice daily.
With any skin-care product, apply in order of consistency — from thinnest to thickest. For example, cleanser, serum, and then moisturizer. This ensures that each product is getting time to absorb into your skin.
One overlooked point is to simply apply products in the right order. It may be a scary thought that your most expensive products may not be working as well as hoped simply because you're not layering them over each other in the proper order. Seriously, the order that you apply skincare makes a significant difference to your skin.
Three Main Steps
Taking your individual skin needs and concerns into account, you should start with a clean, balanced base, then apply concentrated active ingredients, and finally seal with a moisturizer and sun protection in the daytime.
Here are my steps for an effective doable skincare regimen:
1. Cleanse your face both morning and night by rinsing your face water and blend a small amount of cleanser between clean palms.
Massage cleanser all over your face using gentle pressure.
Rinse your hands and massage your face with water to rinse your face until you’ve removed the cleanser and grime.
Gently pat your face dry with a soft towel.
If you wear makeup, gently double cleanse at night with special care around your eyes and continue up with a full-face gentle cleanse.
The cleanse will remove oil, dirt, and other unwanted pollutants on our face, unblock pores and boost hydration. Importantly, it helps remove inflammation and acne causing bacteria.
Remember too, the cleanse is not a treatment and the goal is to clean our skin by removing makeup, dirt and pollution from the skin. You will work out quickly how long the cleanse should take because your skin should feel fresh, smooth and relaxed, not dry or tight.
By the same token, don’t be tempted to skip the cleanse and just rinse your face with water. Your skin will not be clean and hydrated with just a splash of water.
Daily Revitalise Cleansing Crème with Lemon Myrtle, Papaya and Coconut
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2. Apply actives sparingly and in the right order to promote the healthy function and repair of the skin.
I generally do not recommend a dedicated toner as a proper cleanse should clear and open pores to be receptive to the absorption of actives.
A few drops of serum into your palms and gently press onto your clear skin ensuring coverage of your entire face. Wait a moment for your skin to absorb and rest before layering additional active products.
Morning is a great time to use a serum with antioxidants, like a vitamin C brightening serum—because they protect your skin from free radical pollutants you may encounter during the day.
Vitamin C will also smooth the skin's texture and prevent signs of ageing.
Before bed is a good time to use a moisturizing serum with hyaluronic acid and peptides to rehydrate, especially if you’re using anti-ageing or acne treatments that can dry and inflame the skin. As a rule, remember aloe-vera or water-based serums should be applied before moisturizer.
Remember a serum penetrates deeper into the skin layers and has the ability to deliver beneficial ingredients directly to the skin. They are therefore a great tool for treating specific skin concerns.
Vitamin C Skin Perfection Kit
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3. Applying moisturizer both hydrates skin and locks in all the other layers of actives just applied.
I recommend a light moisturizer in the morning and a more nourishing, hydrating moisturiser before bed, unless you have dry skin and may use a hydrating creme morning and night.
The main purpose of moisturizer is to hydrate the skin and leave your skin feeling soft to the touch, balanced, hydrated and plump.
Use fingers to pat moisturizer in key areas on the face such as forehead, nose, chin, cheeks and neck. I then start spreading the moisturizer into the skin using a swirling motion until the moisturizer is absorbed. Wait for the moisturizer to fully absorb before applying makeup.
I am a big fan of eye creams under the eye area which I pat around the eyes after I have applied my moisturizer.
It’s common to have fine lines and wrinkles under the eyes due to sun damage, lack of sleep, dehydration and the natural ageing process. Remember to avoid applying product to the eyelids which are delicate and prone to irritation.
An antioxidant rich eye crème should help moisturize, hydrate and firm.
I am also a great fan of face oils. If you use a face oil apply it over your serums and under your moisturiser.
It’s also a good idea to use acne spot treatments at night but be careful of layering acne-treating ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acids with actives, which can cause irritation. It is important to make sure you’re doing the most to keep skin calm and hydrated.
Finally apply sunscreen in the morning as sun protection is the most important step for lifelong skin health.
It will protect your skin from UV rays and help prevent skin cancer, discoloration, fine lines and wrinkles.
Balance & Replenish Light Moisturiser with Calendula, Red Mandarin & Pumpkin
Learn about Balance & Replenish Light Moisturiser with Calendula, Red Mandarin & Pumpkin
A final thought or two
So there you have it, my simple approach to building a perfect skincare routine.
A couple of final thoughts:
Your routine should also accommodate the need for regular exfoliation and mask treatments. Everyone is different and the timing of these essential added steps will vary.
Most importantly, don’t stress out. A good night's sleep can be the best aid to healthy skin. If you do not get good sleep long term, it will not matter much what you put on your face.
Sylvie xx
