Want to know the secret to youthful, glowing skin? Simple! It all comes down to building and maintaining an effective skincare routine. Don’t let the dizzying array of options in the beauty aisle overwhelm you. Here’s a quick guide to help you build an anti-ageing regimen that will have you looking fresh from day to night.
What Makes a Good Skincare Routine?
A good skincare routine involves keeping your face clean and well-moisturised. Beyond the basics, you can add steps to your regimen to help you address specific concerns. For example, the simple practice of applying sunscreen regularly can help ward off wrinkles and fine lines. Or, if your primary concern is anti-ageing, look for products without potentially harmful ingredients that can cause irritation or dryness.
Building a Morning Skincare Regimen
Are you the type to rush out the door after your coffee? Or maybe you prefer getting up earlier for a slow, peaceful morning. Whatever the case, your first order of business should be your skin. Here are essential steps to rejuvenate and protect it all day.
Choose a gentle cleanser with anti-ageing benefits.
Research from Skin Research and Technology revealed that, during sleep, skin hydration decreases and sebum production increases. As such, you want to wash your face first thing in the morning with a mild cleanser that won’t further dry it out. A clean face also provides a better canvas for your skin to absorb various products effectively.
Moisturise like there’s no tomorrow.
Moisturising is crucial for maintaining healthy skin, regardless of age and skin type. A study from the Journal of Clinical Investigation suggested that, as you age, your skin may experience reduced sebum production. Yes, this can result in fewer acne breakouts. But it will also require you to be more selective about your moisturiser and the amount to apply to keep your skin well-hydrated.
Remember: you only need a pea-sized amount of moisturiser for your entire face. And make sure not to neglect your neck! During winter or drier months, keep a hydrating facial spray in your purse for whenever you need the extra boost of moisture.
Also, look out for ingredients that bind moisture to your skin. Hyaluronic acid and glycerine are hydration heroes that act like humectants or substances that draw moisture further into the skin.
Don’t skip the SPF.
Along with age, gender, ethnicity, air pollution, nutrition, and smoking, sun exposure is a significant factor contributing to your skin’s ageing. So don’t skip your day cream with SPF! This product can double as your moisturiser, or you can layer it over your regular moisturiser for added sun protection.
Creating an Evening Skincare Regimen
As skin ages, it becomes more fragile. So, apart from using products to protect it from damage during the day, having a solid nighttime skincare routine is essential to provide maximum nourishment. Beyond cleansing and moisturising, you might want to consider incorporating additional steps to target a specific concern.
Use an oil-based cleanser or makeup remover.
The worst thing you can do for your skin is to hit the sack with your makeup still intact. Avoid this by using oil-based cleansers that work their way through glittery grime and layers of thick foundation. Even on no-makeup days, your skin can benefit from a cleanser that won’t dry it out.
Consider using a serum.
Never tried a serum before? Now might be a good time to consider adding one to your skincare routine. You can use serums, a.k.a essences, both in the morning and at night, depending on the active ingredients. During the day, choose a vitamin C serum rich in antioxidants to protect your skin from free radicals and repair sun exposure. At night, you can benefit from a serum containing retinol or retinoids, which aid in skin repair while you sleep.
When applying your serum, be gentle and avoid rubbing it in like you would with your moisturiser. Instead, gently pat it onto your face right after cleansing. Unsure which products to use first? The rule of thumb is to apply them from lightest to thickest consistency.
Invest in a night cream or sleep mask.
Maintaining a youthful glow doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. But if you want to indulge in a night cream or sleep mask, don’t let anyone hold you back. Your skin will thank you for it, too! These products can promote cell repair and lock in moisture while you sleep, leaving your skin refreshed and rejuvenated in the morning.
But don’t stop at a good skincare routine alone! You can try other strategies to help you radiate a youthful aura. Why not work on your confidence to exude an age-defying self-image? Find ways to feel good about yourself, like wearing your favourite red stilettos or flashing a huge grin more often. For the latter, undergoing aligner therapy with ClearCorrect might help. These invisible aligners straighten teeth effectively and allow you to smile more confidently.
Looking forward to your #wokeuplikethis moment? Get started on an anti-ageing skincare routine stat! And remember: it doesn’t have to be complicated or ultra-fancy. Keep your face clean, moisturise, and pull everything off with a dazzling smile.
References:
Farage, M. A., Miller, K. W., Elsner, P., & Maibach, H. I. (2013b). Characteristics of the aging skin. Advances in Wound Care, 2(1), 5–10.
Jang, S., Han, J., Lee, M., Seo, J., Kim, B. J., & Kim, E. (2019). A study of skin characteristics according to humidity during sleep. Skin Research and Technology, 25(4), 456–460.
Wong, Q. Y. A., & Chew, F. T. (2021). Defining skin aging and its risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Scientific Reports, 11(1).
