Building your skincare routine is often not an overnight job. You will find there are times of trial and error where you find what works for you and your skin. Once you find that magical mix of products, you’ll find the results are not too far away too. However, building a skincare routine is not a one-and-done job either. Our skin’s needs change seasonally, and so should our skincare. Caci’s National Skincare Educator, Linda Sharrem takes us through the ins and outs of building a skincare routine that fits into your daily habits, and makes it attainable to know what works for you, when you should see an expert, and how to make sure you’re making the most of your skincare routine.
There is no one-size-fits-all routine to share, but Linda, shares some tips and tricks below about how to build a good skincare routine for YOU.
We first asked Linda the basics – What are the non-negotiables to healthy skincare habits?
Be specific with your skincare choices. It is important to identify your skin goals first, then build your skincare routine. Rather than purchasing a trending product or brand, or something you heard a friend was using, that may not necessarily be what your skin needs too.
More is not always better. Layering serums or more ingredients does not always produce more results – it can often cause irritation or dilute the treatment. You are better to keep it simple, stick with what your skin needs most, and focus on the ingredients working together, rather than fighting each other for the best results.
Consistency is they key – having a daily routine, morning and evening gets you results, and allows your skin to reap the benefits of the ingredients and frequency of the product application.
Your morning routine and evening routine have different functions to the skin. Your routine should reflect. Some products can be used across both AM and PM routines, but certain products can only be used at either time (e.g. retinol should not be used in the morning due to the photosensitivity against the sun).
Work out the best times for YOU to do your skincare routine (e.g straight after the shower, when you brush your teeth) and have your skincare readily accessible. Adding on skincare habits to your existing daily habits will keep you consistent, and will feel like everyday tasks, rather than a chore to fit somewhere in the day! Additionally, have your skincare accessible and readily available. Having to hunt around and find a particular serum or moisturiser each time can lead to resentment toward the routine, and a lack of desire to commit to the full routine each day.
So, we’ve got the breakdown on what is the basis of a good skincare routine, but what about some specifics? What are some product guidelines you’d recommend to those building their skincare routine?
Always prep your skin by cleansing and exfoliating appropriately (once a week), for good absorption of the rest of your skincare otherwise it will just sit on the skin surface and not reach the layers of the skin we are targeting. Additionally, having a hydrating element (e.g. moisturiser) to your routine is important as it seals in the ingredients of your serums and treatments and elevates their efficacy.
We don’t want to get too technical here – but we do feel as though it's important to note what type of cleanser, serum, moisturiser, or any kind of skincare product you should be using for your skin type and concerns. We recommend consulting with an expert in-person to discuss your skincare needs, but as a rule of thumb we think you should know:
- Choose your cleanser and moisturiser based on your skin type e.g. oily, normal, combination, dry etc.
- Choose your serums based on your skin goal / concern e.g. pigmentation, acne, scarring, uneven skin tone etc.
As you build and refine your skincare routine, remember that consistency and is key to achieving long-term results. It’s also important to stay mindful of how your skin's needs evolve throughout the year. Linda shares her expert tips Linda offers helpful tips here on how to adjust your skincare routine throughout the year, ensuring your skin stays balanced and glowing in every season.
To help you stay on track and ensure your routine is always aligned with your skin’s current needs, don't forget to download the FREE skincare checklist.
