There are so many different skincare tips out there that it can get too overwhelming sometimes. Tips for dry, oily and normal skin, advice for summer and winter, recommendations for city and countryside, and how-tos for different ages and lifestyles. We’re thrilled that natural Australian skincare has come a long way, and now you can easily find incredible products at affordable prices.
Is it really so complicated? Yes and no. Every person’s skin is different and so are living conditions, so there is nuance to skincare. However, we often overthink things, and skincare can also be brought down to some universal guidelines.
Here are 5 skincare tips for any skin type.
Be patient and consistent
While a proper skincare routine will definitely deliver results, one of the most important things to remember is that it might take some time.
Too often, people start a new routine just to stop it and move on to something else when they don’t see any results in a week or two.
As a general rule, you should give your skincare products at least six to eight weeks to deliver results with twice-a-day usage.
Another thing is to give it time to find the right products for you. The highest price doesn’t necessarily mean the best product, but choosing natural and organic will more often than not does.
Tip #1: use a serum
Almost anyone will benefit from peptide serum as it protects the skin from free radicals, premature ageing and nourishes the skin. Use it in the morning after washing your face and before your moisturiser. Mature skin will benefit from peptides, retinol and vitamin B3 that stimulate collagen and elastin production and slow down signs of ageing.
Whether you have oily, dry or sensitive skin, a well-chosen serum can transform your skin.
Serums have highly concentrated active ingredients that target specific skin issues and deliver results quicker than most other products.
Other serums that can help most skin types contain hyaluronic acid for hydration, vitamin C for brightening the skin, fighting dark spots, and niacinamide to calm redness and irritation.
You can use different serums at once, but we recommend consulting a dermatologist to avoid possible adverse reactions. Make sure you talk about the best times to use different serums, e.g. antioxidants and vitamin C serums are best in the morning and retinol is recommended at night.
Plenty of natural Australian skincare brands have great serum choices, so you won’t have much trouble finding the best one for you.
Tip #2: wash your face
Any good skincare routine starts with washing and cleansing your face. During the day, our skin is exposed to various pollutants, makeup and other grime. All this needs to get washed off at the end of the day, so it doesn’t clog our pores and cause breakouts, allergies, skin irritations and even rashes.
Cleansing the skin properly also gives it a chance to regenerate and better absorb skincare products and their ingredients.
Wash your face twice a day, using a gentle cleanser that won’t strip your skin of natural oils or harm its protective barriers. Skip or reduce the usage of harsh exfoliating scrubs that might bring more harm than benefits.
Be more diligent in the evenings and double cleanse to remove all the makeup and residue.
Tip #3: find your moisturiser
Finding a moisturiser that works for your skin is almost like finding a treasure. It may take some time and patience, but you will see a massive difference in your skin once you succeed.
Your skin loses water just doing daily activities (e.g. working out), and the moisture levels drop even more with age – moisturiser hydrates, softens and protects your skin.
You can use one moisturiser day and night, or you can choose a lighter moisturiser to apply in the morning and a richer one for the evening.
You want your day product to protect your skin from free radicals and pollution, so choose one with antioxidants. The best night cream is enriched with ceramides, emollients, hyaluronic acid and even retinol for aging skin to help replenish moisture levels.
Do you need an eye cream? Ah, that’s the eternal battle of opinions, and our recommendation is to do what’s best for you. Eye creams can help target specific issues like dryness, fine wrinkles or puffiness and are excellent if you have very sensitive undereye skin.
Tip # 4: incorporate a face oil into your routine
One of the best ways to complement your skincare routine and to hydrate and nourish your skin is by incorporating face oil into your routine.
Many people worry that putting oil will clog the pores and get the face shining like a lamp, but that’s just not true. Oils are rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, and polyphenols that help reduce inflammation, eliminate redness, and even fight acne.
Using the right face oil can transform your skin and make it plumper and dewier. Which oil to choose? You can never go wrong with rosehip, jojoba or avocado oil, but your best course of action is to consult with a dermatologist and choose an oil for your specific skin needs.
Tip # 5: ALWAYS use sunscreen
Everyone from your mum to your dermatologist preaches about the importance of sunscreen, but it never hurts to stress it even more.
Use sunscreen every day to protect your skin from premature aging, fine lines, imperfections and, of course – skin cancer.
When choosing a sunscreen, always opt for a broad-spectrum SPF of a minimum 30 (but 50 and up is even better).
And when it comes to mineral or chemical sunscreen, choose based on what works best for you. Chemical sunscreens are lightweight and transparent but can cause irritations.
Mineral sunscreen contains such ingredients as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that literally stop UV rays from entering your skin, but they can get a little heavy and leave a visible residue.
Apply your sunscreen 20-30 minutes before leaving the house (yes, even on overcast days) and reapply every two hours for the best protection.
Sunscreen goes last in your skincare routine, right before applying your makeup.