A Daily Skincare Routine - Is it necessary to have one?

A Daily Skincare Routine – Is it necessary to have one?

I love giving my skin a good pamper. My morning and evening skincare routines are a non-negotiable part of my day and for anyone who is serious about good skin health and anti-ageing it is an important part of the process.

Why do we need to have a skincare routine?

Using good skincare has many benefits, it helps to remove dirt and oil that builds up on the skin, it naturally exfoliates the skin to leave it brighter and more youthful looking, it helps to improve skin tone, increases circulation and cell production, and it adds much needed hydration that leaves the skin glowing and looking healthy.

What does a good skincare routine look like:

These days there is a plethora of products available with a multitude of active ingredients that can treat any skin concern and a full skincare routine could include some or all of the following:

Cleansing

The aim of cleansing is to remove surface dirt and make-up. It removes dead skin cells and unblocks congested pores. It stimulates the skin tissues and circulation improving skin tone and cell production and prepares the skin for any products that follow. I recommended doing a double cleanse to ensure the skin is squeaky clean.

My favourites:

· Moringa Balm – Emma Hardie

· Smoothing Cleanser – Tropic

· Pure Micellar Oil Cleanser – Marks & Spencer

Exfoliation

This is the process of removing the dead skin cells on the very top layer of the skin. Removing these cells leaves the skin looking fresher and brighter and allows the treatment products that follow to penetrate deeper. It is recommended to exfoliate once or twice a week and it can either be your second cleanse or as an additional step depending on what your skin needs.

You can buy exfoliators in a scrub form or use a product that contains fruit or glycolic acids.

My favourites:

· Glow Tonic – Pixi

· Juicy Greens – Tropic

· Formula Glow Microdermabrasion – Marks & Spencer

Toner

A necessary part of a skincare regime, toners remove any excess cleanser and close pores after the cleansing process.

Toners come in different forms; astringents for oily skins and tonics when something gentler is needed.

My favourites:

· Retinol Tonic – Pixi

· Morning Mist Toning Essence – Tropic

· Pure Super Hydrating Toner – Marks & Spencer

Face Mask

A face mask can be used once a week to give the skin a boost. They are deep cleansing, help to desquamate (exfoliate) the skin and depending on what you choose they can stimulate, refine, nourish, or soothe.

My favourites:

· Youthmud – Glamglow

· Electric Bloom Brightening Mask – Tropic

· Apothecary Revive Clarifying Mask – Marks & Spencer

Serum/Overnight oil

Serums and oils add an additional dose of active ingredients into your regime. You can use a serum/oil based on any specific conditions you want to treat, e.g., anti-aging, dryness, redness etc. Serums can be used morning or evening; oils are better used and night.

My favourites:

Super Greens Face Oil – Tropic

Retinol Youth Renewal Serum – Murad

Ultimate Reviving Overnight Oil – Marks & Spencer

Moisturisers (Day/Night)

Day Cream is the final step, replacing moisture that the skin loses naturally. They also have active ingredients to support specific skin issues. It puts a barrier between the skin and any external aggressors e.g., make-up, air conditioning, heating etc.

My favourites:

· Skin Feast – Tropic

· Formula Absolute Day Cream – Marks & Spencer

· Apothecary Revive Barrier repairing cream – Marks & Spencer

Night creams are often richer with additional active ingredients to feed and help repair the skin while we are sleeping.

My favourites:

· REN V-Cense Revitalising Night Cream – Marks & Spencer

· Sleep & Replenish Ultimate Sleep Cream – Marks & Spencer

· Skin Dream Firming Night Cream – Tropic

Beneficial Additions

Eye creams are specifically designed for the delicate/thinner skin around the eyes. They are usually a lighter consistency than moisturisers. They contain active ingredients that reduce puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines.

My favourites:

· Filorga Optim-Eyes – Marks & Spencer

· Formula Anti-Fatigue Eye Cream – Marks & Spencer

Neck and Decolletage Creams are of a richer consistency as the skin on the neck and chest can be drier than that on the face. It is also one of the first places on the body to show the signs of ageing.

My favourites:

· Prai Neck & Decolletage Serum – Marks & Spencer

· Prai Neck & Decolletage Cream – Marks & Spencer

Make it easy on yourself…

For a dedicated skincare user, using all of these products can be a piece of cake but for anyone who is starting out it can be a little overwhelming.

My advice here would be to keep it simple.

Start by investing in a good cleanser, toner, and day cream (and if your budget allows a night cream). When you would normally wash your face (morning and evening) use your new products. You will find it takes no more time than washing your face with soap and water, but your skin will feel so much better.

As you get used to your new routine you can start adding additional products, a mask once a week for example.

One final thing to consider is that it takes between 30 days (younger skins) and 60 days (mature skins) for your skin to complete a total cellular renewal so if you don’t see results instantly keep going, with patience and consistency you will start to see the benefits of a daily regimen.

What does this have to do with Face Yoga?

Face Yoga isn’t just about exercising the face, it is a system that incorporates five key principles that promote good health and glowing skin. Skincare sits in the ‘wellness’ element of the practice that looks at the everyday things we do and experience that impact on the health of our skin and body.

If you are interested in learning more about Face Yoga and Facial Gua Sha, I have several resources available to you: