Why a facial every now and then won’t save your skin...

Like diet and exercise, when it comes to your skin the old 80-20 rule applies here too. Having facials or in-clinic treatments won’t replace having to look after your skin at home. One will not function properly without the other. 

Did you know not removing your makeup at night can age you up to SEVEN times faster? A simple cleanse can remove makeup, daily dirt and impurities that can cause breakouts, and free radical damage that can break down our most loved collagen. For those who wear makeup we recommend a double cleanse – that could be cleansing twice with the same face wash or wiping over with a cleansing water to remove makeup and then following with your favourite cleanser. The first cleanse or wipe over removes makeup and the second cleanse actually cleans your skin to make sure it is ready to absorb your night-time products that can help improve hydration and general skin health. Plus, you spend a lot of money on these products, you want to ensure they work to their maximum potential!

We recommend keeping your routine simple so it doesn’t feel like a chore. The simpler it is the more likely you are to keep it up consistently!

Here’s an example of a basic routine: 

MORNING

Cleanse: In the shower or over the bathroom sink to remove oil and freshen your skin (this is my wake-me-up!)

Protect: Depending on skin type but I generally use an antioxidant serum such as Active C or Multi B from Aspect Dr, or an antioxidant blend such as Affirm or Pepoxide from Cosmedix. These serums are not only hydrating, but they will help protect your skin from environmental damage such as UV, pollutants and hydration sucking air-conditioning.

Moisturise: Again, this depends on skin type. I often get enough hydration from my serums, sun protection and makeup that I don’t need an extra layer (plus the simpler the better for my skin). But if you want some extra moisture, go for it! 

SPF: It’s estimated around 90% of aging is caused by the sun. I can’t stress enough about the importance of sun protection! It is our number one anti-ager and should be in everyone’s morning routine no matter the skin type. If you don’t like sunscreen or don’t wear it because you react, you just haven’t found the right one for you. There are so many different options out there. At Complete skin we have eight or more different options and are bound to have the perfect fit for you.

Makeup or no makeup, good skin never goes out of style! 

NIGHT

Cleanse: Twice (or three times if you are wearing a colour stay makeup). There are so many cleanser options out there: micellar/ cleansing water, gel cleansers, oil cleansers, cream cleansers and the list goes on! Cleansing wipes may be convenient as they are a quick way to remove makeup or sweat after a gym session, but they shouldn’t be used as a stand-alone cleanser as they are not as effective at removing all traces of makeup and daily buildup as traditional cleanser and water routines.

Repair: Night-time is where all of the magic happens. When we are at rest, our bodies recharge and our skin is free from makeup to absorb nutrients from the products we apply. Behind sun protection, the next best anti-aging product is Retinol. Retinol (or vitamin A) comes in so many different forms and delivery systems, you can generally find one suitable to most skin types excluding pregnant or breastfeeding women. Retinol is an amazing anti-ager due to its ability to increase collagen production and improve cell turn over.

Moisturise: Now it’s time to lock in all of that goodness. Moisturisers generally don’t penetrate deeply into the skin like ads claim they do, mostly because the molecular/Dalton size is too large to penetrate the skin cells. A moisturiser can hydrate but its main function is to stop any further epidermal water loss (fancy wording for stopping your skin from drying out!)

If you do all of this daily, you’re 80% of the way to getting the glow that comes from good skin health. 

For the other 20%, give the team at Complete Skin a call!