Mastering skincare: Build your routine for radiant, healthy skin

Building your skincare routine: A step-by-step guide

You can decide how extensive you would like your skincare routine to be. For many, simple cleansing and moisturising (and don’t forget SPF) is enough to cover the basics. However, there’s no doubt that a carefully curated skincare process can make a huge difference to your skin. You can tailor your regime to achieve specific results, whether that be hydrating, reducing oil, minimizing pores or minimising hyperpigmentation.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to building an effective skincare routine:

1. Cleansing

Cleansing forms the foundation of any skincare routine. It’s all about removing dirt, oils, make-up and other impurities from the surface of your skin. A good cleanse helps to prevent clogged pores, which can lead to acne and other skin issues. If you have sensitive skin, we recommend trying out our E45 Face Foaming Cleanser.

Find out more about effective cleansing in our guide to facial cleansing.

2. Toning

Toning is the second step in your routine. It helps to balance your skin’s pH levels and prepares it for the rest of your skincare regimen. Toners can also provide your skin with essential ingredients to address specific skin concerns.

To tone, pour a small amount of toner onto a cotton pad or directly onto your hands and gently swipe it across your cleansed face, neck and décolletage. Avoid the eye area. Wait for the toner to absorb before moving on to the next step.

3. Treatment

This step involves applying products that are designed to address specific skin concerns, such as targeted serums or spot treatments. These are potent formulas that deliver active ingredients deep into your skin.

Depending on your treatment product, you might apply it to your entire face or just to certain areas. Always refer to the product’s instructions for the best application method.

Some examples of serums, and their different active ingredients, include:

• Hyaluronic acid serum: This serum is for hydration. It helps to draw moisture into the skin, making it appear plumper and more radiant.
• Vitamin C serum: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps to brighten the skin and reduce signs of ageing. It can also help to protect the skin from environmental damage (think pollution and UV rays).
• Retinol serum: Retinol is a form of Vitamin A that helps accelerate skin renewal and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and age spots for firmer, smoother and more evenly-toned skin.
• Niacinamide serum: Niacinamide can help to reduce inflammation and redness, regulates oil production and improves overall skin texture. It’s great for those with acne-prone or sensitive skin.
• Peptide serum: Peptide serums can help to boost collagen production, improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Salicylic acid serum: Ideal for those with oily or acne-prone skin, salicylic acid can help to unclog pores, whilst also exfoliating the skin and reducing inflammation.

If you’re after a fragrance-free serum suitablef for dry and sensitive skin, E45 Face Hydrating Serum contain Hyaluronic Acid and could be a good option.

4. Moisturising

Moisturising helps to hydrate your skin and lock in its natural moisture. It also creates a protective barrier on your skin to protect it from environmental aggressors. A lightweight moisturiser like the E45 Face Moisturiser can hydrate your skin without leaving a greasy residue.

Apply a five pence sized amount of moisturiser to your face, spreading it evenly across your skin. Make sure to extend it down to your neck and décolletage.

5. Sun protection

Sunscreen is your skin’s best defence against the damaging effects of UV rays, which can lead to premature ageing, hyperpigmentation and skin cancer (WHO). Even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate the skin, so it’s important to wear sunscreen every day.

Apply a generous amount of sunscreen to all areas of exposed skin. You should use ¼ teaspoon to cover your face, neck and decolletage. An easy way to measure the correct amount is to apply the cream along your index and middle finger before you spread it onto your face. This should be the last step in your morning skincare routine.

You could also choose to use a moisturiser which contain SPF such as E45 Face Daily Protect.

Optional additional steps

Eye cream

The skin around your eyes is delicate and often shows signs of ageing first. Eye creams are designed to hydrate and address issues like puffiness, dark circles or crow’s feet. Apply a small amount of eye cream using your ring finger and dab gently around the entire orbital bone, avoiding the lash line.

Exfoliation

Exfoliation involves removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. This can help to unclog pores, prevent acne and keep your skin looking radiant. However, exfoliation should be done sparingly, no more than 1-2 times per week, to prevent skin irritation. If you have Eczema, exfoliating could potentially make your symptoms worse so make sure you are using products that are suitable for your skin.

Each step in this routine has a specific purpose, and together, they work to keep your skin healthy.