Creating a Skincare Routine

Knowing your Skin Type

A good skincare routine is the foundation for healthy skin. 

Firstly, and most importantly, you should get to know your skin type. We all have different skin types which can change with seasons, diet, hormones and enviroment. The skin is often changing its needs especially as we age, so the products that you used in your early 20’s may no longer suit your skin as you approach your 40’s. 

Generally, skin types are grouped into 4 catorgories:

 

Normal - no signs of tightness or excessive oilyness

Dry - skin feels tight and may have flakiness

Combonation - oily areas, especially around the T-zone, and normal to dry everywhere else.

Oily - excessive oil. 

 

This should be used as a guide and your products should be changed accordingly to skin changes. Check in with your skin regularly to see how it is feeling. Is it feeling dry? Have you got alot of texture to the skin? If you are unsure on your skin type, there is also the option of having a skin analysis with a skincare therapist like myself. 

 

The Core of Your Routine

I believe that the core of your routine should include 3 key ingredients - vitamin c, SPF and vitamin A.  These ingredients are the most credible, well-researched ingredients with the most evidence to show that they truly work on the skin.

Vitamin C 

By using a well formulated and stabilised form of vitamin C it will provide you with antioxidant protection as well as stimulating collagen production whilst blocking the development of pigment which can cause Melasma (pigmentation). For the best results you should use vitamin C in the morning for an all-day protection against everyday environmental factors which can cause skin ageing such as poloution. 

Sunscreen

It is estimated that 80% of skin ageing is caused by the sun. This doesnt mean just sunny days either! If there is daylight, then there is UV.  Wearing a high SPF (sun protection factor) every day is essential for a youthful complexion. (Read Faye's article on the importance of sunscreen here).

Vitamin A 

Vitamin A is quite simply the most important ingredient in skincare, especially for skin ageing. It has a wealth of skin benefits including speeding up cellular renewal and reducing sebum production. It is crucial that Vitamin A is stabilised to ensure maximum potency with minimal irritation. Please note, vitamin A should not be used whilst pregnant, but Bakuchiol is safe. This is a gentle, plant derived retinol alternative.

Alongside your core CSA (vitamin c, SPF and Vitamin A) routine, you should be cleansing and moisturising daily and using exfoliating acids weekly. 

Cleansing will always be the first step in your skincare routine. A good cleanser should be sulphate and fragrance free and should not leave skin feeling tight or dry after rinsing. A good way to see if your cleanser suits your skin type is to cleanse your face and then avoid applying any other products for 5 minutes. If your skin feels uncomfortable, like you want to apply moisturiser, then the cleanser is not right for you. My personal preferance is to go for a creamy cleanser. Anything that makes your skin feel squeaky clean is probably just stripping your precious skin barrier!  

So now we have discussed the key ingredients/products, your daily/weekly routine should look something like this:

 

Morning Routine

Cleanser (for your skin type)

Vitamin C 

Moisturiser 

SPF

 

Evening Routine 

Oil-Based Cleanser - this removes anything that is designed to stick to your face such as makeup and SPF. 

Cleanser (for your skin type)

Acid exfoliant (1-2x a week)

Vitamin A

Eyecream

Moisturiser

 

It takes around 6 weeks to see a difference in your skin when using new products, so don’t feel disheartend if you do not see changes straight away. Once your daily routine in place and you feel the products are working well for you, there are other ingredients that can be introduced such as peptides. I recommend introducing other products gradually to see how your skin reacts to them. If everything is introduced at the same time and something doesnt work for you, it makes it more difficult to know which product it is.

For skin consultations either online, or face-to-face don’t hesitate to send me a message. Explore Faye's website below for more information and to see her recommended products, available in her online shop!

 

Faye Marriott 

Faye Marriott is a skin therapist with over 10 years’ experience in the industry. After studying a 2-year BTEC National Diploma in Beauty therapy Sciences, Faye has continued to learn and gain a wealth of knowledge. At FM.beauty, Faye combines a holistic and scientific approach to take care of what the skin needs, as well as ensuring her clients can relax and unwind. 

Instagram: @fm.beautytherapy  |  Website: www.fmbeautyandskin.co.uk