Glowing, radiant skin is something most of us aspire to achieve, especially when it’s constantly in our face on social media. Fortunately, achieving that coveted luminosity doesn’t have to be an unattainable dream. With the right skincare routine, you can enhance your natural beauty and keep your skin looking its best. I’ve been fighting this battle for years, and each time I buy a new product I’m convinced it’s going to be the miracle formula that will give me youthful, smooth and supple skin. Sound familiar?
Recently I visited The Face Place where I actually had a skin assessment, showing the current state, and damage, of my skin. Looking deep into the layers provided insight to what I really needed. For me there was a lot of sun damage, probably from years of trying to brown my face *sigh* which makes me cringe now!
Two weeks into my skincare routine and I already saw a world of difference! I’m not one to hold on to a beauty secret, so I’m going to share the four essential steps, plus my top tips, so you can achieve glowing skin, which in my own personal experience, have worked!
1. Cleanse
Cleansing is the foundation of any effective skincare routine. It helps to remove dirt, makeup, excess oils and impurities that can clog your pores. I wash my face in the morning and before bed to keep my skin clean and fresh – or atleast that’s how it feels, but you might want to do it only once per day.
2. The Potent Magic
Serums and creams with active ingredients are like magic potions for your skin. They are concentrated with active ingredients designed to target specific skin concerns, such as fine lines, dark spots and uneven texture. If you can’t do a skin assessment first, look for a serum that suits your skin concerns and apply it after cleansing. Serums are formulated to penetrate deeply into your skin, delivering powerful results.
The two KEY ingredients you might want to look at (if not others) are Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Apply Vitamin C in the morning to help brighten skin and protect against sun damage and harmful toxins. Apply Vitamin A (retinol) in the evening to stimulate collagen and reduce fine lines and wrinkles – among many other things!
3. Moisturise
Moisturising is crucial for maintaining the skin’s moisture barrier. A good moisturiser keeps your skin hydrated, plump and protected. Apply it after your active ingredients to seal in the goodness and maintain proper skin hydration. I use The Ordinary – also available at Farmers in NZ.
4. SPF!!!
The final step to your skincare routine – and don’t you forget it! Sun protection is the true secret to protecting your skin – just make sure to find a natural one or one that is proven to work. UV rays from the sun can cause premature aging, sunspots and even skin cancer. Always finish your skincare routine with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Reapply throughout the day, especially if you spend time outdoors.
My top tips:
- When cleansing, lather up your face then use a warm flannel to remove the cleanser. Do this morning and night before your actives.
- There are plenty of affordable cleansers and moisturisers out there, but you might want to invest a little in quality active ingredients.
- Apply SPF in the morning and every two hours especially in summer. If you’re inside most of the day then just apply if you’re heading outdoors again, even for only a couple of minutes!
- Use a silk pillow case to lock in moisture and prevent fine lines and wrinkles.
Incorporate these steps into your daily routine and you’ll be well on your way to a healthier, more radiant complexion. You can, of course, use other products too, but these are four great foundation steps to take. Remember that consistency is key, so stick to your skincare regimen, and you’ll see the results you desire. Don’t forget to enjoy the process of self-care and feel confident in your own beautiful skin!