How to build your perfect skincare regimen

Building a successful skincare regimen is a bit like building a house: a solid foundation is the essential starting point. However, with so much information (and misinformation) out there, it can be difficult to know where to begin. While everyone’s complexion is different, there are some core principles to follow, whatever your age or skin type…

“Cleansing properly is vital for keeping skin healthy and functioning well,” advises expert facialist Sarah Chapman. Correct cleansing techniques remove the grime that can lead to breakouts and enables other products to penetrate effectively. “Insufficient cleansing is also one of the frequent culprits for dull skin, as a layer of dead cells and debris will absorb light and give the complexion a flat appearance.” For Chapman, double cleansing isn’t always an essential, but it is the best method to ensure skin is completely clean – particularly if you live in a busy, polluted city. “Your first cleanser removes any surface-level debris, while your second treats the skin on a deeper level.” A non-greasy, oil-based cleanser such as Sarah Chapman’s Skinesis Ultimate Cleanse is incredibly effective at breaking down dirt and makeup in the evening. Follow up with a water-based gel or foaming cleanser. For those with acne-prone skin, the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting Cleansing Gel with salicylic acid will work wonders for keeping pores free of bacteria.

Your skin goes through a lot, so using the correct ingredients and products to shield against damage will help to boost your complexion’s radiance and resilience. Lifestyle and environmental factors such as poor sleep, sugar, stress, sun and pollution can all cause signs of premature aging, including hyperpigmentation and collagen breakdown. Antioxidants are the first line of defense to protect the skin – and a must in your morning routine. Vitamin C is often touted as the most powerful and is known for its brightening effect. However, ingredients such as green tea, turmeric or resveratrol are also potent. The final step is always sun protection – even on cloudy days, as UV rays can still penetrate. And gone are the days of heavy SPF: now, clever formulas are completely weightless on the skin but still offer maximum protection.

Whether your skin is on the dry or oily side of the spectrum, adequate hydration is a non-negotiable for optimum health and radiance. Due to central heating, air conditioning and lifestyle choices, most of us have dehydrated skin that increasingly loses moisture as we age. Using a suitable moisturizer acts as a sealant to prevent moisture loss, and most are formulated with powerhouse ingredients, such as soothing ceramides or resurfacing acids. Texture is crucial: dry skin can use rich, buttery creams for ultimate comfort, whereas combination to oily skin will undoubtedly react well to lighter lotions and gels. Don’t neglect the area around your eyes, either – this is often the first place to show signs of aging. A dedicated eye cream will help to plump up fine lines without weighing this delicate skin down. It can also be layered over a hydrating serum, which works best when applied to slightly damp skin.

With the basics covered, anything supplementary takes your results to the next level. At-home acid peels are the most effective addition, addressing a plethora of concerns such as breakouts, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and large pores. Glycolic acid is often referred to as the gold standard, but there are gentler acids out there, too, including lactic, for those with sensitive skin. Masks are the other expert-approved upgrade, as the ingredients are often more concentrated, for instant results. “Masks are full of actives, so they’re a great way of nurturing your skin to decongest and hydrate,” says Sarah Brown, founder of Pai Skincare. “Not only do masks have a therapeutic, self-care element, they also help you create an at-home facial experience.” Adding a few extra steps before applying your mask can help yield better results, too, according to Brown, who recommends cleansing, then using a gentle exfoliator to remove any dead cells before application. To go one step further, invest in an electronic facial device to sculpt and leave skin with a glow.

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