Are you brand new to the world of skincare and looking to build a routine from scratch? Or, are you striving to elevate the same old regimen that’s just not doing it for your skin anymore? Either way, you’re in the right place!
Here at Diso, we’re passionate about your complexion and believe every one of us deserves the dewy skin of our dreams! So, from tips for gentle exfoliation to knowing which cleanser ingredients to look out for, we’re going to show you how to build the best skincare routine for your skin type. And yes, it’s one that you can actually stick to!
Why Your Skin Needs a Routine (Yes, Even Yours)
Contrary to popular belief, your skin doesn’t need to be problematic to require a skincare routine. Even those genetically blessed with poreless complexions eternally free of pimples will benefit from adding a few simple skincare products into their bathroom lineup.
Now, we’re not suggesting you apply fifteen different serums, creams, and oils every morning, noon, and night. But, you should at least be applying a high factor SPF every day, and treating your skin with a high-quality moisturiser after washing your face. These two simple steps alone can protect your skin from dryness, premature ageing, pollution, environmental exposure, and sun damage.
Of course, we’re all for adding more steps to get the dewiest complexion possible!
How To Choose The Right Cleanser For Your Skin Type
Stuck on which cleanser should you use? That all depends on your skin type…
For normal skin: Lookout for mild cleansers with simple, hydrating ingredients such as Vitamin E, and Aloe Vera. Sulphate-free formulas will also stop your skin from drying out and instead help to maintain its already healthy balance.
For Dry Skin: If your skin feels flaky or tight from dryness, choose a cream-based cleanser for a hydrating boost. Those containing ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid will promote and lock in moisture, preventing further dryness from occurring.
For Oily Skin: Oily skin loves cleansers with a gel or foaming base. The gentle lathering action works to remove excess oil and recalibrate your complexion whilst ingredients like salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and glycolic acid, will gently exfoliate. This is vital since you don’t want to over-exfoliate and cause your skin to overcompensate and produce even more oil.
For Combination Skin: Opt for a foam or gel-based cleanser with ingredients such as niacinamide, green tea extract, and lactic acid. These ingredients will work in harmony to gently cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate without overpowering one another.
For Sensitive Skin: If you’re simply looking for a cleanser that doesn’t irritate your skin, we hear you. Sensitivities can be tricky when it comes to nailing down an effective skincare routine. Our advice? Keep it simple. Favour products with minimal ingredients designed to gently cleanse and hydrate, and always go fragrance-free. Additionally, soothing ingredients like Aloe Vera, chamomile, and Vitamin E, and even oat milk can reduce redness, puffiness, and improve the overall texture of your skin.
Introducing…Your New, Go-To Skincare Routine
Step 1 – Prioritise A Gentle Daily Cleanse
The simplest, yet most vital step in your skincare routine? Cleansing your face. Water alone can’t rid your skin of daily dirt and grime. Air pollution, oil from your fingertips, products in your hair, makeup, sweat, sunscreen, it all adds up - and it ends up in your pores!
Be sure to wash it all off before making contact with your pillow at night. In the morning, cleanse your face to remove oil, dead skin cells, and sweat which can build up and disturb the balance of your skin whilst you sleep.
Step 2 - Exfoliate (But Not Every Day)
Everyone’s skin is different, but in general, you should only be exfoliating your skin, once or twice a week. More than that, and you run the risk of drying it out which can lead to uneven tone and areas of flakiness.
That said, you know your skin best. If it’s oil prone and regular exfoliation is the only way to keep it under control, aim for twice or three times a week. Additionally, those with dry or sensitive skin will want to limit their exfoliation days to once a week.
A mild exfoliating cleanser, lukewarm (never hot!) water, and your finger tips is truly all you need for a great cleanse and exfoliation. However, if you want to use an exfoliating brush or other tool, choose one with silicone bristles. Traditional bristle brushes can be a little too abrasive on facial skin, they’re also known to harbour bacteria and other nasties. Silicone brushes, however, are easier to keep clean and are much softer and kinder on your face.
Whatever you use to exfoliate, be sure to wet your face before applying any product, use gentle circular motions, and avoid your delicate eye area for brighter, more balanced skin.
Step 3 - Hydrate with a Targeted Moisturiser
Knowing how to find the right moisturiser for your skin is just like finding the right cleanser. Analyse your skin's texture, how it behaves throughout the year, and adjust your products to suit its needs with the ever-changing weather.
For Normal Skin: Think lightweight, balanced formulas with mild, hydrating ingredients to protect your skin's natural barrier. We personally love shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and Aloe Vera.
For Dry Skin: Opt for heavier creams, especially during the winter months. Your skin will happily drink in formulas rich in shea butter, cocoa butter, and jojoba and almond oils. It’ll also be all the softer for it!
For Oily Skin: It might sound obvious, but those with oily skin should always opt for oil-free moisturisers to prevent their pores from becoming clogged. Gel-based moisturisers will be great for your skin, as will water-based ones. As for the ingredients, niacinamide and salicylic acid will balance out your skin whilst serving up just the right amount of moisture.
For Combination Skin: Similarly to normal skin, your skincare routine will benefit from lightweight creams and lotions, or gel-based products.
For Sensitive Skin: Just as with your cleanser, look out for fragrance-free moisturisers with soothing ingredients chosen to calm and gently hydrate your skin. We recommend moisturisers with oat-based ingredients, Aloe Vera, and chamomile.
Step 4 – Protect Your Skin with SPF (Even on Cloudy Days)
If we could, we would shout it from the rooftops. No matter your age, your sex, or your skin type, SPF is an absolute must - every single day!
Come rain or come shine, the sun doesn’t quit and whilst those harmful UVA and UVB rays might be stronger on cloud-free days, even very low levels of sun exposure can, over time, wreak havoc on your skin. How? With sun spots, skin wrinkling, loss of elasticity, hyperpigmentation, discolouration, and in rare cases, skin cancers.
Your skin deserves better, nay! It deserves the best. Make high factor sunscreen (we’re talking between 30-50 SPF)an every day, non negotiable and guarantee your best chance at long term skin health.
Step 5 - Get Glowy Skin From Within
You could apply all the best moisturisers in the world, but if you don’t nourish your skin from the inside out, you’ll never get the healthy skin glow up you deserve!
Firstly, make sure to stay hydrated at all times. Replenish lost fluid after sleeping with a fresh glass of cold water, and keep sipping on hydrating liquids throughout the day. This will help remove toxins, keep your skin cells hydrated, and therefore reduce wrinkles and improve elasticity.
Secondly, get your skin supplements in! Our Derma, dissolvable vitamin strips with high-absorption technology are designed to give not only your skin, but also your hair and nails, the TLC they need to stay strong and healthy. They’re also packed with vitamins which can directly benefit your dermis.
If it’s a natural biotin or collagen supplement you’ve been looking for, our collagen strips are also a great choice! Made with Grape Seed, Melon Extract, and Vitamin C (the building block of collagen production), they can help your skin defy the signs of premature aging and boost elasticity.
Extra Skincare Routine Tips: For Men, Women, and All Skin Types
Now the big question. Should a men’s skincare routine really differ that much from a skincare routine for women? The answer is, yes and no.
Taking both biological and lifestyle factors into consideration, men have typically thicker skin on their face than women. Also, male skin can tend to be oilier, have larger pores, and generally has more (and much thicker)hair growth to consider.
With that in mind, men can follow similar skincare routines to women, but will benefit from making some adjustments. Men may want to consider:
- Stronger facial cleansers: to combat oiliness
- Lightweight moisturisers: to prevent heavy creams from clogging pores
- More frequent exfoliation: to prevent ingrown hairs from forming
All this said, everyone’s skincare needs are different. Monitor your skin for a week or so before committing to any specific products. See how it behaves and what you feel you need to improve your complexion overall.
Now that you’re fully armed with knowledge on skincare routines, ingredients, and techniques, we hope you’re feeling ready to elevate your regimen and achieve the complexion of your dreams. And remember, taking care of your skin doesn’t need to be complicated, just consistent! Also if we can be frank, even if all else fails - never give up on the sunscreen!
Keep up to date with our latest tips and tricks for all things skincare and health-related right here in our wellness hub!