We all know the importance of a good basic skincare routine: cleanse, tone, and moisturise. But what if you’re looking to take your skin health to the next level? Sometimes, our skin needs a little more love and attention to truly glow. Moving beyond the basics involves understanding your skin’s specific needs and incorporating targeted treatments that can make a real difference.
Elevating your skincare isn’t about adding countless products; it’s about choosing the right products and understanding when and how to use them for optimal results.
Key Steps to Upgrade Your Routine
Exfoliation is Crucial (But Don’t Overdo It!): Regular exfoliation removes dead skin cells, revealing brighter, smoother skin and allowing your other products to penetrate more effectively.
Chemical exfoliants (AHAs like glycolic or lactic acid, or BHAs like salicylic acid) are often gentler than physical scrubs and work wonders for different concerns.
Frequency: Start with once or twice a week and adjust based on your skin’s tolerance.
Embrace Serums: Serums are potent formulations packed with concentrated active ingredients designed to target specific concerns.
Vitamin C serum: A powerhouse antioxidant that brightens skin, reduces hyperpigmentation, and protects against environmental damage. Ideal for morning use.
Hyaluronic Acid serum: A hydration hero that draws moisture into the skin, plumping it up and reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Retinol/Retinoids: These are gold standard ingredients for anti-ageing, promoting cell turnover and stimulating collagen production. Introduce slowly at night.
Invest in an Eye Cream: The skin around your eyes is much thinner and more delicate, making it prone to fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles. A dedicated eye cream can provide targeted hydration and ingredients to address these concerns.
Never Skip SPF: This isn’t just a “basic”; it’s the most important step for preventing premature ageing and protecting against skin cancer. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can cause damage. Look for a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.
Listen to Your Skin: Pay attention to how your skin reacts to new products. Some redness, tingling, or purging (initial breakouts) can be normal when introducing actives like retinoids, but persistent irritation means you should stop or reduce usage.
By strategically incorporating these elements into your routine, you can move beyond the basics and unlock a new level of skin health, leading to a complexion that not only looks great but feels amazing too.
