5 Skincare Essentials That Are Worth It

Whilst it can be great to treat ourselves to luxurious products or fun spa days, ultimately, the most budget-friendly option is to stick to a regular routine that includes only the essentials. Here are our top picks for the types of products that are worth the hype (and they’re dermatologist approved!):

1.Double-cleansing is underrated!

Double-cleansing is definitely one of the biggest breakthroughs in Western skincare nowadays, but it actually originates in Korea and Japan. It is the process by which you wash your face by using an oil-based cleanser first, followed by a water-based product.

The premise of this method is that the so-called first cleansers are able to remove impurities, such as sunscreen, sebum and pollutants – which are oil-based – whereas, second cleansers get rid of water-based impurities, such as sweat. Knowing how environmentally unfriendly cleansing wipes are – and the fact that many dermatologists advise against them as they can be really harsh and irritating on the skin – double-cleansing has become a really popular option. Furthermore, oil-cleansers are excellent and gentle at removing makeup.

Now, double-cleansing is not necessary; there are plenty of people who use a single cleanser and it works wonders for them. However, if you are someone that struggles with breakouts or you wear a lot of makeup, trying out the double-cleansing method can be really beneficial – and there’s many types, including oils, balms and lotions.

2. A good moisturizer is key.

This is one that many people underestimate, but a good moisturizer can solve a whole bunch of skin issues and even prevent some. Contrary to popular belief, both dry and oily skin require a good moisturizer to balance out the sebum levels. On top of this, the skin on our face and neck is often exposed to environmental stressors, including sun damage and harsh weather conditions. Using a moisturizer daily can help to protect this area of skin.

Another common misconception is that we need to spend a fortune on moisturizers. In fact, most dermatologists often recommend very simple and affordable options. Expensive moisturizers are also often basic ingredients with shiny packaging. So, if you choose to spend a little more on a face cream, make sure you read the ingredients and ensure they are worth the money. If not, go for more affordable options. Look for ingredients, such as glycerine, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, ceramides and fatty acids. On the other hand, avoid products that are filled with fragrances, alcohols and other similar ingredients that will end up stripping your skin of its moisture and damaging its barrier.

3. Exfoliation can work wonders.  

Exfoliation is a controversial topic. Some people prefer physical exfoliants, others chemical ones. Some prefer a mixture of both. Ultimately, it’s down to personal choice. This is why it’s vital to get to know your skin –  remember, no two skincare routines will ever be alike (hardly ever!).

In terms of physical exfoliation, this is a very tricky topic. I think we’ve all gone through the stage of mixing sugar and oil and rubbing it harshly straight onto our faces. And whilst that may work great for some people, others quickly discovered that this did more damage in the long term. The reason why many argue against homemade exfoliants is because products created in a lab – if they are created properly – are able to use correct concentrations of the ingredients in order to create a gentle but effective product. Natural doesn’t always mean what people think it does, so be careful not to use this term loosely and incorrectly.

If you are a fan of physical exfoliants, start with a gentle one – many brands have enzyme powders that are said to work great. On the topic of chemical exfoliants, choose acids that suit your skin type. Go for gentle ones if you have sensitive skin, and once you start to tolerate them more, you can move onto more powerful products.

4. Actives are powerful.

Onto the topic of actives, it is absolutely not necessary to own every single product out there on the market. For anti-aging, we have retinols, vitamin C; for acne, there is azelaic acid, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, and for dryness, we have hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and more.

Sometimes, less is more. Especially if you are young, try to go for these specialized products only if you feel that they will target a specific issue. For example, I use a retinol treatment twice a week and a vitamin C serum daily. Others may choose to use these in combination with a concentrated hyaluronic solution that helps their dehydrated skin. Whichever combination of actives you choose, make sure you don’t use too many and choose ones that you know will benefit you. Also, a useful tip when introducing these into your skincare routine is to start slowly and introduce them one by one.

For example, I spent more than a year using a low concentration retinol serum once to twice a week, before I moved onto anything stronger. Additionally, in the first few months, I stuck to a very minimal amount. Better to do things gradually and safely so as to avoid potential sensitivities and other issues.

5. Sunscreen is your best friend!  

The classic statement – none of your fancy and luxurious products will work if you don’t wear sunscreen daily. UV radiation absolutely penetrates the clouds, and on sunny days, car windows don’t block harmful sun rays. In essence, daily use of sunscreen is vital.

For instance, if you are exfoliating your skin, you should know that this process makes it very susceptible to sun damage. Why do you think that aestheticians and dermatologists advise against going out in the sun if their patient has done a chemical peel? Using strong active ingredients, be they acids, retinols or even vitamin C, makes your skin more vulnerable and sensitive to the sun. This is why it is a waste of money to invest in such products if you are not sticking to sunscreen every single day.

If you are worried about the white cast, don’t worry. With our modern technology today, there are plenty of great sunscreens that completely disappear on the skin and you wouldn’t even know you are wearing one. It may require a little research to find the best one, but it’s worth it in the end.

Sun is vital for our wellbeing, both mentally and physically. We require our daily dose of vitamin D for our bones, blood pressure and skin health. All you need to do is apply a generous amount before you leave the house, and you’ll be ready to enjoy the sunshine!

Love the skin that you’re in and take care of it – every skin is beautiful!