The benefits of a good skincare routine are endless. Whether you have dry, oily, sensitive or combination skin, a regular routine can completely transform your skin, whilst using only a few key products.  

Toner 

Toners are often used to treat acne prone skin; however, they can also be used to prep and prime the skin for additional products. Toners which include glycolic or lactic acid help to further unclog the pores after cleansing, preventing further breakouts and blackheads. 

If your skin is lacking moisture or needs a little additional moisture, you can also use hydrating toners that help to replenish the skins barrier. 

Cleanser 

A cleanser is vital in creating the perfect skin routine, as it helps to remove any dirt or excess oils on the surface of your skin. You should ideally cleanse your skin both before applying makeup and when removing it, to prevent a build-up of product in your pores. 

If you have dry, flaky or sensitive skin, an oil or cream-based cleanser is more suitable for you because of its gentle moisturising effects. However, if you have slightly more oily skin, then a soap-based cleanser that foams is the best option, helping to remove excess oils. 

Eye cream 

Eye creams should be one of the lightest products in a skin routine and should be applied before you seal the skin with much heavier products.  

Ideally, an eye cream in rollerball packaging used in the morning is great, as the cold applicator can help with water retention in the face and reducing puffy and dark eyes; with the help of caffeine as a key ingredient.  

A hydrating eye cream can be used in the evening to help rebuild and repair the delicate skin around the eyes and should be gently tapped on the face using your ring finger to avoid damage. 

Serum 

Serums are one of the most important steps in a skincare routine as they allow you to target specific skin concerns and provide an extra boost of vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants to the skin.  

A Vitamin C serum is one of the most popular for mornings, as it holds an abundance of benefits for the skin both short and long-term. It helps to hydrate, brighten, reduce redness, rosacea and hyperpigmentation, as well as encouraging the production of collagen in the skin to prevent wrinkles. 

Another popular serum is a hyaluronic acid based one. Ideally used at night, hyaluronic acid is a humectant and helps to draw in moisture from the air into your skin, keeping it plump throughout the night. They can also be used to nourish and prep the skin for any harsh acne or anti-ageing products. 

Moisturiser 

Moisturiser is the holy grail product that everyone – and I mean everyone – should be using daily in their skincare routines. It doesn’t matter if your skin is oily, dry or sensitive, you should be moisturising.  

Not only does a moisturiser keep the surface of your skin happy, but it will help to infuse moisture into the skin and seal in all the other products you’ve applied, acting as a barrier.  

It’s recommended to use a light and non-greasy moisturiser throughout the day, but to increase the consistency at night-time and use a thick and heavy-duty moisturiser to repair and soothe your skin overnight.  

SPF 

Normally you would only think to use sun cream or SPF products in the Summer when it’s hot and sunny, but realistically your skin can be affected by UV rays from the sun all year round and SPF should be an everyday thing.  

People often assume that the SPF in their foundation or tinted moisturiser is enough to protect their skin, but the maximum level that they go to is around 15 when you should be using SPF 30 on a daily basis. 

Incorporating an SPF into your daily skincare routine not only will help prevent premature ageing of the skin and wrinkles, but it will also protect you from the risk of cancer. 

And there you have it, a little beginners guide to the essential products everyone needs to include in their skincare routine…