3 essential skincare products for your regimen – plus 2 to take it to the next level
Everyone has their own way when it comes to skincare. Some of us have cupboards overflowing with lotions and potions that smooth skin, minimise pores and eliminate laugh lines, while others are satisfied with simple soap and water.
Regardless of which of these camps you find yourself in, no skincare regimen should be without an effective cleanser, moisturiser and sunblock. These are the basic building blocks for a happy, healthy dermis. If you’re looking to expand your routine, you might want to think about adding an exfoliator and a toner, too.
Here’s a little more about each of these five products – set out in the order they should be used – that will give you glowing skin:
1. Cleanser
Likely the first product that you’re introduced to, cleanser is also the first step in a good skincare routine. As the name suggests, cleanser washes away impurities, dead skin cells, excess oil (also known as sebum) and anything else that might clog your pores. A build-up of impurities on the skin can block follicles, prevent sebum from reaching the skin’s surface and lead to acne.
Proper cleansing clears the skin surface and allows sebum to reach the surface of your skin. This helps to prevent enlarged pores and prevents the production of excess oils. It’s also an important factor in helping your skin stay hydrated – cleansing helps to balance the pH levels of your skin, aiding water and product retention.
Status: Essential
What it’s for: Removing impurities, hydration
When to use it: Every morning and evening
2. Exfoliator
Our outermost layer of skin (also known as the epidermis) completely renews itself every 28 days. Most of the dead skin cells fall off as we move around but some stay fixed to our faces, which can make skin look dry and dull, and lead to clogged pores and blemishes.
While cleansers do remove dead skin cells, it’s important to use an exfoliator at least once a week to remove older, more stubborn cells. Exfoliating also stimulates collagen synthesis and lymphatic drainage, which will improve your skin’s texture and keep it looking radiant. Plus, the fresh new cells it uncovers will absorb your other products better, making them more effective.
Status: Good to have
What it’s for: Removing dead cells
When to use it: Once a week in the evening
3. Toner
A product that was often skipped by even the most passionate skincare fanatics because of its drying effect, toner is no longer the astringent liquid it used to be. Today, toners are formulated to bring the skin’s pH back to normal while removing any lingering impurities and cleanser residue to help your skin absorb the rest of your skincare products.
As with moisturisers and serums, toners are often formulated to target specific skin conditions, like acne, dryness or ageing. For example, ethanol is good for oil control, while dry skin will be helped by lactic or alpha-hydroxy acid. That said, all toners are great for hydrating your skin and will reduce pores and improve smoothness.
Status: Good to have
What it’s for: Balancing pH, shrinking pores
When to use it: At least once daily
4. Moisturiser
After reading about the hydrating effects of cleansers and toners, it might be surprising to find that moisturisers don’t necessarily hydrate your skin. Their primary purpose is to supplement the fatty acids and ceramides found in the stratum corneum – the outermost layer of the epidermis – which protects your skin from environmental irritants and inflammation.
Non-comedogenic moisturisers (one formulated not to block your pores) create a barrier on your skin that allows it to retain moisture while repelling impurities. They’re best applied to slightly damp skin, which will absorb the product more readily.
Status: Essential
What it’s for: Protection, hydration
When to use it: Mornings and evenings
5. Sunscreen
If you use only one product on this list, make it sunscreen. Aside from preventing cosmetic issues like fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots, it’s your best defence against skin cancer. There are three golden rules when it comes to sunscreen: wear it every day, use SPF 30 or higher, and ensure you use a broad-spectrum (which protects against both UVA and UVB rays) product.
Unfortunately, sunscreen can be one of the most difficult products to match to your skin type. Oily skin types often struggle the most, as sun protection tends to be thick and greasy, while sensitive skin can be easily irritated by chemical lotions. The only way to find what works best for you is by testing different products.
Status: Essential
What it’s for: Protection
When to use it: Every morning
