THE 'BARE' NECESSITY

With reference to the wise words of 'Violet Grey' - a good skin care routine is a NECESSITY! Do not think makeup is going to cover bad or dull skin because makeup will only do so much.

Every woman has undergone the erratic attempts of getting into a good basic skin care regimen.

Coming from a girl with combination skin, I cannot tell you enough of how hard it has been to find the best routine for myself. There are so many factors that come into play when it comes to skin care such as your skin type, age, gender, season and country you reside in - I promise to cover in another post so don't you fret!

But for now lets cover the basic definitions to build an understanding....

                                                                                                   

Purify

Cleanser

They clear our pores, balance the PH levels and remove impurities.

Requirement - Morning and night. AND always once you are back home from a long day to wash the stresses of the day.

Apply in circular motions on the skin and also for at least a good 20-30 seconds to ensure you cleanse your skin properly to remove any oil build up or makeup.

Exfoliant

Whether you decide to use facial brushes, manual or electric, or you could choose to use acids and enzymes - it is essential to exfoliate in order to help keep your skin radiant by removing dead skin cells, dirt and boost cell turnover.

Requirement - Twice to three times a week! Unless you have sensitive skin then I would advise to use an exfoliant at least once.

Apply, as you would like a cleanser in 20-30 seconds to ensure your skin is thoroughly taken care of.

                                                                                                   

Shield

Serum 

Usually light, fast absorbing and packed with active ingredients, antioxidants and vitamins, for repair and anti-ageing.

Requirement – Always, after using a cleanser and a toner (if you choose to use a toner) but always before applying a moisturiser. Some serums work well as a night cream when cell turnover occurs most and can replace night creams.

Apply all over the face, neck and chest, including the eye area.

Sunscreen

An essential barrier we all need to wear against the sun's harmful ultraviolet A radiation (which causes cellular level damage) and ultraviolet B radiation (which causes surface layer sunburns and pigmentation changes). We all know the sun is the number-one ageing element in the world - so, it is best to invest in a good SPF 30 level sunscreen to protect yourself.

Requirement - 30 minutes before heading out of the house and re-apply accordingly depending on how often the instructions on the back on your sunscreen products states to do so.

Apply ALL OVER! Every inch of skin exposed to the sun!

Moisturiser

Your necessary protective barrier for your skin. A good moisturiser for your skin will smooth out your complexion, soften your skin and also depending on what your skin needs it could be helpful with anti-ageing, pigmentation fixing and acne clearing. 

Requirement - Every morning and every night. Whenever you cleanse, tone and apply a serum on your skin you should always moisturise after.

Apply on your skin in circular motions and avoid the eye area as the ingredients could counteract the ingredients within your eye cream.

Eye Cream

Our under eye area is so sensitive that an eye cream IS essential. Our eyes are the first place to show signs of fine lines and wrinkles so it is essential that you find a hydrating and brightening eye cream. Depending on the needs of your eyes if that is dealing with under eye bags, anti-ageing and/or de-puffing. 

Requirement - Every morning and night - no questions.

Apply by tapping lightly around the eye area.

                                                                                                   

Add-Ons

Toner

A water-based lotion or spritz, that easily absorbs into the skin with hydrating and PH balancing properties. Depending on what type of toner you invest in for your skin type it can help in removing dirt, act as an exfoliate with acid or enzyme properties or even as an antiseptic. 

Requirement - After cleansing and before applying a serum and a moisturiser.

Apply with a cotton pad or if it is in spray form then when you spritz it on your face wait for it to air-dry. 

Facial Oil

Usually consisting of plant oils and are of a thick oil consistency. 

Requirement - best used at night like a night cream as it hydrates and repairs the skin. There is a perception that facial oils are bad for oily skin but this form of oil is beneficial to your skin as even oily skin needs hydrating, but yes, it is not meant to be worn during the day - so keep that in mind.

Apply all over the face, avoiding the eye area.

Day Cream/Night cream

Day creams usually have SPF within them to protect your skin during the day, while night creams increase collagen production at night while your body rests.

Requirement - Day creams before you head out to conquer the day - DAH! While you apply night creams at night as the last step at night. But using these in your skin care are entirely up to your preference. 

Apply all over the face, neck and chest.

                                                                                                   

As Required

Mask

Clay-based to detoxify your skin,, draw out impurities and boost your skins radiance! With masks you can apply as a quick fix to help hydrate or revive your skin from a tough week/night before. 

Requirement - Once a week depending on your skin type OR before heading out to an important event.

Apply after cleansing but before moisturising. (Serums are usually skipped if a mask has been used)

Blemish Treatment

Spot treatments that are concentrated with boast sulphur or benzyl-peroxide to dry out acne.

Requirement - Only when you see a pimple pop up AND on top of the pimple itself. Blemish treatments could dry out the skin to the point of burning your skin so it is important to only use this once a day.

Apply after cleansing but before applying a moisturiser (apply your moisturiser around the blemish so you do not mix the two and create dry patches on your skin - no one wants that!)

Makeup Remover

Water-based or oil-based. Water-based usually comes in the form of 'micellar water' while oil-based makeup removers are the only thing that works for removing waterproof makeup. You can use wipes as a way of taking your makeup off but it all depends on your preference. 

Requirement - Before cleansing it is best to remove most of the makeup off by using a makeup remover or a makeup wipe remover.

Apply with a cotton pad or makeup remover wipes using gentle circular motions.

                                                                                                   

I know you may feel like all these steps could be too much for your skin but this is just a way for you to understand what can or should be done with your skin to help you identify them when you are out buying products for your skin.

Hope you find this helpful my lovelies!

Xx