Skincare: Which Products to use and When
Thursday, 14th January 2021
Skincare products can be a little bit of a minefield – there are lots to choose from, but what do we need to use and when?
If you’re a little mystified about which products to use, how to use them even when to use them, we’ve put together this handy guide to help you refine your skin care routine.
Cleanser
What is it? Cleansers keep your face clean by removing make up, dead skin cells, dirt, sweat and oil. They unclog pores and keep your skin clean and clear.
Which type do I need? Cleansers come in different forms, such creams, gels and foams. They’re all designed to do the same job, so it’s up to you which you prefer. Look out for the right one for your skin type - there are cleansers to suit everything from oily skin to anti-aging, so choose the one that best suits you.
When do I use it? Morning and evening! Using a cleanser when you wash your face in the morning will remove any overnight build up of sweat and grime; while in the evening it’ll remove every bit of make up and wash away any dirt that’s accumulated during the day.
Toner
What is it? Toners remove any last traces of dirt, grime and impurities from your skin after cleansing. It balances the pH levels in your skin and it can improve the appearance of pores.
Which type do I need? There are lots of different types, from a liquid to a spray. Always use an alcohol-free toner as they’re not as harsh on your skin. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C are great for perking up normal to combination skin, while salicylic acid is often recommended for acne prone skin.
When do I use it? Use a toner in the morning and evening after cleansing. Not only does it remove dirt the cleanser may have missed, but it’ll close the pores your cleanser opened.
Serum
What is it? Serums are highly concentrated products with active ingredients designed to be absorbed quickly and deeply into your skin.
Which type do I need? Serums are a clear liquid or gel which aren’t as thick as moisturisers. Which one you use is down to your preference and skin type. They can really enhance your skin and there’s to choose from, including anti-aging, moisturising and brightening.
When do I use it? Use your serum before moisturising to give it chance to sink into the deeper layers of your skin first. Because they’re highly concentrated, a little goes a long way. When you use them depends on the serum, for example, use a brightening serum in the morning and an intense moisturising serum in the evening.
Moisturiser
What is it? A moisturiser is designed to protect your skin from the elements and keeps it hydrated and nourished so that it looks and feels healthy.
Which type do I need? From sensitive skin to anti-aging, there are a lot of moisturisers to choose from. Choose the one that is best suited to your skin type. Light lotions or gels are ideal for oily skin, while a heavier moisturiser is perfect for dry skin.
When do I use it? Use your moisturiser after your serum in the morning and evening. If you have oily or combination skin, try not to use a heavy moisturiser first thing as you may find your skin is shiny by lunch time. In the evening, an intense moisturiser before bedtime is ideal for feeding your skin the moisture it needs – it’ll work it’s magic overnight.
Exfoliator
What is it? An exfoliator is designed to revitalise your skin – it gently removes dead cells from pores and leaves your skin feeling fresh, bright and clean.
Which type do I need? There are two main types to choose from. Physical exfoliators remove dead skin by using tiny grains or granules, while chemical ones (often referred to as peels) have the same effect but use skin-friendly acids to do so. Both will give the desired effect of clearer, softer, smoother skin.
When do I use it? The best time to use an exfoliator is in the morning. Our skin repairs itself at night time, meaning the morning is the best time to scrub away those dead cells. You don’t need to do it daily, once or twice a week is fine.
Eye Cream
What is it? Eye cream treats the delicate, gentle skin around your eyes. It’s aim is to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well puffiness, dark circles, dryness and pigmentation.
Which type do I need? Serum, gel, cream… there are a few to choose from. You might find a gel is cooling and reduces puffiness, while a cream is more moisturising and improves dryness. It’s not an essential step in your routine, but if the skin around your eyes is a problem area, it could be worth investing.
When do I use it? There’s no strict time of day to use an eye cream. As with moisturisers, a brightening, vitamin-boosting cream is ideal for morninguse, while night creams are perfect for… well, your night time routine!