How To Create A Skincare Routine

The key to maintaining healthy skin that is hydrated and kept at a normal state, is having a skincare routine that is filled with products that suit your skin type and work on treating and improving any skin problems or skin concerns. Having the right products is one of the most important steps but knowing which you should be using and what order to use them in, is just as vital a step and incredibly important when creating the right skincare routine for your skin. Knowing your skin is such an important part of your lifestyle, you need to know how to look after it in the Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter and know what ingredients it likes and doesn't like. I'm going to be talking you through each step of a skincare routine and what each does and what products are right for each skin type.

CLEANSER

Cleaning your skin is the most essential part of a routine and if you're not into using lots of products and want to keep it simple, this is the one step I encourage doing each day. Using a cleanser will break down all the makeup and dirt on your skin, removing any nasties it's picked up throughout the day. There are so many different types of cleansers out there it can be over whelming when it comes to picking the right one for you but if you think about how your skin looks, feels and changes throughout the day, that will guide you in finding the perfect cleanser. I avoid using any products in my routine that have parabens or any other nasty ingredients in as they simply dry out my skin and cause problems in the long run, sticking to natural skincare has boosted my glow and helps keep my skin normal.

NORMAL SKIN / Cleansing powders are great for boosting a glow but to maintain a normal complexion, you could use creams, oils and balms as these will all help keep your skin hydrated and moisturised.

Pai Cream Cleanser* | Aromatherapy Associates Rose Cleanser | Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Oil | Kielh's Ultra Facial Cleanser

DRY SKIN / Cream, oil and balm cleansers are ideal as they moisturise, hydrate and soften the skin whilst removing all makeup.

Pai Cream Cleanser* | Oskia Renaissance Gel | Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish | Rodial Bee Venom Cleansing Balm* |

OILY SKIN / To avoid stripping your skin of oils and drying it out, avoid foaming cleansers and try using something milky or clay cleanser.

Ren Clay Cleanser | Elemis Balancing Cleanser | First Aid Beauty Red Clay Cleanser | Elemental Herbology Cool & Clear |

SENSITIVE SKIN / Calming cleansers are ideal for sensitive skin types and stick to natural and organic skincare if you can as these will avoid irritating your skin and help reduce redness.

Elemis Soothing Camomile Cleanser | Nuxe Cleansing Milk | Pai Cream Cleanser*

TONER

Once all makeup is removed with cleanser, using a toner or a face mist helps to re balance your skins pH levels and will take off any excess product that's been left on the face. There are so many different types of toners available on the market; Astringents which are typically alcoholic and should be avoided as they can cause damage and strip your skin, making it difficult to repair. Fresheners are moisturising and refreshing and tonics usually have alpha hydroxy acids in so are good for most skin types. Using a toner on a daily basis helps to soothe, re hydrate, re balance and boost your skin, making it appear brighter and more youthful.

DRY / SENSITIVE SKIN / Use a moisturising toner or a rose water face mist to hydrate and refresh.

Jurlique RoseWater Face Mist* | Kiehl's Ultra Facial Toner | Caudalie Moisturising Toner | Elemis Apricot Toner

OILY / COMBINATION SKIN / If you have oily skin then avoid using a toner that contains alcohol, witch hazel or menthol as they slow the skins healing process and stimulate excess oil production. Try using a toner that contains ingredients which will repair the skins surface.

Elemis Balancing Toner | Ole Henriksen Pick Me Up Toning Mist | Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Toner |

EXFOLIANTS

Exfoliators are amazing products for buffing away at any dead skin cells and revealing new, radiant skin. It's important to exfoliate regularly to keep your skin looking polished but over exfoliation can cause dry patches and a dull looking complexion. There are two different types of exfoliators; physical and chemical. Physical exfoliators contain beads (it's important they have rounded edges as anything with a rough edge will tear away at your skin tissue) which polish your skin and remove any dead skin cells whereas chemical exfoliators contain different chemicals; fruit enzymes, vitamin A, alpha and beta hydroxy acids and these break the bonds between skin cells to allow the dead skin to be removed easily. Which exfoliator you use is down to personal preference but different ingredients can help target a skin concern so it's best to do some research before buying.

Pai Jojoba & Kukui Bead Exfoliator | Kiehl's Skin Brightening Exfoliator | Elemis Skin Buff | Grown Alchemist Polishing Facial Exfoliant | Caudalie Deep Cleansing Exfoliator

SERUM

Serums are incredible products and using one in your morning and evening routine can transform your skin in the long run. Used alongside your everyday moisturiser, serums work on boosting your skin in the long term and giving amazing anti ageing results. Finding the right serum for you is all down to what your skin likes and feels comfortable with but you can also use serums to target certain skin concerns which could be dark spots, scars, fine lines, hydration levels or lack of radiance.

Kiehl's Hydo Plumping Serum | Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair | Clarins Double Serum | Rodial Bee Venom Super Serum | Antipodes Hosanna H20 Serum*

OIL

Face oils are a revolutionising product in the world of skincare, they've transformed my routine and can transform yours. Some people are afraid of using oils on their skin as they believe they will simply clog pores and produce excess oil but this is not what oils do. Face oils are suitable for all skin types whether it's dry, oily or sensitive and are amazing skin treats for boosting a glow and helping your skin appear more youthful and radiant. Using face oils with pure essential oils in is very important to ensure you are getting the best skin benefits and there are so many amazing oils available to use today, from some of the most recognised skincare brands.

MOISTURISER

With cleanser being the most important step in your skincare routine, moisturiser is also a vital part. Adding the moisture back into your skin with rich balms, creams or moisturising gels is essential for maintaining moisturised skin that is well balanced and soft, making makeup application a lot easier and your skin will look a lot better. There are different types of moisturisers for different skin types, for example, someone with oily skin will be using something a lot different to someone with a dry complexion but overall, moisturisers are used to put back in the moisture and water. Again, using a natural moisturiser and one that doesn't contain parabens will help keep your skin in a much better condition. You can use a different moisturiser for day and night depending on your skin and how it takes to different creams some people use a lighter moisturiser with SPF in for the day and switch to a more intense, rich cream for over night to really replenish your skin.

DRY SKIN / For those with dry skin, it's important to use a moisturiser both day and night that will give your skin enough hydration and moisture to keep it look supple and glowy. Stick to thick creams in the Winter and lighter creams and gels in the Summer.

PM | Clarins Multi Active Night | Kiehl's Ultra Facial Balm* | Origins Overnight Hyrating Repair

OILY SKIN / If you've got oily skin then you'll also want to be using a moisturiser both day and night but nothing that is going to be too rich and heavy on the skin. Try oil free moisturisers and creams that are designed for oilier complexions.

PM | Clarins Multi Active Night | Kiehl's Facial Oil Free Lotion |

What is your skincare routine and what products do you love?