How To Build A Skincare Routine That Works
From tried and tested top tips to the very best skincare products, let us help you…
There’s no denying the skincare market can be a bit of a minefield. With new brands, products, ingredients and trends popping up every week, it can be tricky to know where to start with building a skincare routine that actually works. Thankfully our super knowledgeable founders Dr Charlotte and Dr Victoria are here to share their tried and tested advice to help you achieve your best-ever skin…
“First things first, it’s a good idea to identify what type of skin you have. ADD IN ABOUT IDENTIFYING YOUR SKIN TYPE. Secondly, what type of lifestyle too. “There’s no point committing to a multi-step (and often expensive) regime if you’re really busy and know you won’t stick to it,” she adds. Which leads us nicely onto our first top tip…
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Keep It Simple
Skincare really doesn’t need to be complicated, so don’t get caught up in the often trending 10-step routines that flood Instagram and TikTok. Instead, look to have just a few simple steps which should look slightly different in the morning and evening.
“The best morning skincare routine is a quick cleanse followed by a serum or moisturiser and ALWAYS an SPF,” says Dr Charlotte. “The best evening skincare routine is a double cleanse (especially if you’ve been wearing makeup) followed by a targeted treatment and then a moisturiser or night cream. Essentially, you should be able to do both your morning and evening skincare in just three quick steps.”
2. Cleanse… Everyday
Cleansing your skin is a must for removing makeup, SPF and other traces of the day such as environmental pollutants. ‘Always look for gentle, kind-to-skin formulas which aren’t too harsh or abrasive,” says Dr Charlotte. “We’re big advocates of a double cleanse in the evening and whilst you can use the same cleanser twice, we like to keep two handy. I love a balm cleanser for my first cleanse of the evening, followed by a gel or cream-based cleanser,” she adds. The best cleasner? Depending on your skin type, Obagi’s Gentle Cleanser or ZO Skin Health’s Hydrating Cleanser. Both will leave your skin feeling cleansed, nourished and comfortable.
3. Use Antioxidants
Undeniably one of the best groups of ingredients, antioxidants (like vitamin A, C, E, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, ferulic acid and green tea to name just a few) are loved far and wide thanks to the many benefits they bring to the skin. Not only do they work wonders for protecting your skin against daily stress, but they help to boost hydration, reduce inflammation and keep your skin happy and healthy. “Our Super Defence Vitamin C Serum welcomes an antioxidant-rich formula of vitamin B5, C and E as well as hyaluronic acid, ferulic acid and chebula fruit extract to shield skin against pollution, blue light and UV exposure as well as helping to increase radiance,” says Dr Charlotte. What’s more, it’s also gentle enough for use on all skin types – even the most sensitive.
4. Use CBD & CBG
Alongside antioxidants, CBD and CBG are both great additions to your skincare routine. Both cannabinoids derived from cannabis, they are potent anti-inflammatories which means they are great for tackling inflammation within the skin. Each and every one of our Skin Bureaux products includes this powerhouse duo so try incorporating these into your new morning and evening routines. Shop our complete collection here. Want to know more about CBD and CBG? Have a read of this.
5. Always Wear SPF Every Day
If there’s one bit of advice that’s not to be ignored, it’s the importance of SPF. “This really should be a non-negotiable for everyone, every single day and all year round,” says Dr Victoria. The trick with this one is to again find one that suits your skin and one you like to wear. So many people are put off wearing SPF as they think they’re thick and leave a white cast, but SPF formulas have evolved so much these days and so many of them sink into the skin seamlessly and even pave the way for great makeup application too. “If you’re looking for the best SPF, I love Heliocare’s range – especially their Age Active Fluid, A-R Emulsion for those who suffer with redness or their Oil Free Gel for sensitive, acne-prone skin. When to apply sunscreen in your skincare routine? This should always be the last step of your morning routine, before makeup and always apply generously.
6. Use Retinol Wisely
Retinol is a fantastic ingredient for all skin types when used correctly. “We always advise our patients to build up a tolerance to retinol very slowly,” says Dr Victoria. “If you’re new to retinol or have sensitive skin, try using it just once or twice a week at first and buffer with a light layer of moisturiser first. You can then slowly increase to every other night if you’ve not noticed any increased sensitivity or redness,” she adds. Our Rest and Reset Night Cream welcomes an expert blend of retinol alongside niacinamide and resveratrol as well as milk thistle and lavender to help calm and soothe. You can read more about our dos and don’ts when it comes to retinol in our expert guide here.
7. Stick With It
Lastly, like with all good things, consistency and patience really is key. There is no such thing as a quick fix when it comes to healthy skin and results are best when you commit to a simple routine both morning and night.