Let’s face it, I think most of us are guilty of neglecting our skin at times and even when we do take the time to look after it, many of us are using the wrong products for our skin types. Both of these can lead to irritation or breakouts. Our skin deserves better, so why not join me in making a pledge to look after it. Let’s make 2020 the year of clearer, healthier skin with an improved skincare routine?

For a long time, I had no idea which order to use skincare products in, or that I was using the wrong ones for my dry and sensitive skin. With the help of Marie Claire and Allure, I was able to find the best order for my skincare routine. 

Daytime Skincare

Cleanser 

A high quality cleanser is a staple for all skin types as a clean face is the best foundation for a skincare routine. So you’ll have no regrets in investing in a good one. One of the best cleansers suggested by Marie Claire for all skin types is Elemis’ Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm.  

If you’re looking for a more affordable cleanser you could try Clinique’s Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm for dry skin, Kate Somerville’s Exfolikate Cleanser for combo skin, or Cetaphil Pro DermaControl Oil Removing Foam Wash for oily skin. 

Toner

Using toner works brilliantly for combination skin as it helps to balance out the pH of your skin, mattifying oily sections and nourishing the dry parts. For those of you with oily skin, a toner with AHA and BHAs (like Glycolic or Salicylic acid) works to prevent breakouts and clogged pores. However, using toner on dry or sensitive skin can cause more irritation so it’s better to use a hydrating mist to keep your skin supple, instead. 

Serums

For all skin types a fantastic serum to use is a Vitamin C or antioxidant-based serum to treat the skin. This, followed by your favourite moisturising serum if you wish. Be sure to use the treatment serums before the moisturising ones for the best results. 

Moisturiser

Marie Claire gave some fabulous moisturiser suggestions which are sure to keep your face feeling its best. Dry and sensitive skin loves a water-based moisturiser like Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Water Gel Moisturiser. But I’ve found that Nivea’s Face Cream Rich Moisturiser (Dry and Sensitive) works well for my sensitive skin, making it feel nourished and supple. For oily skin MC suggests La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+.  Or, if you fancy splurging a little more, Murad Oil Control Mattifier might be closer to what you’re looking for. Combination skin would benefit from a moisturiser like Aesop In Two Minds Facial Hydrator as it provides moisture where it’s dry and oil reduction where it’s not. 

SPF

One of the most important steps after your routine is to apply some sort of sun protection. You can use a moisturiser with SPF or sun cream, to defend your skin from premature ageing. 

Night-time Skincare

Your nightly routine should be very similar to your daily one with the additional step of using a facial mask once or twice a week after cleansing. You can also start double cleansing if you’ve been wearing makeup to make sure you really get all of it off.

Just be sure that you don’t use products containing acids alongside retinols as this can cause bad reactions and irritations. Always use SPF in your daily routine if you use retinols the night before as they can increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. 

Vegan and Plant-Based skincare Products

With more and more people turning to veganism and sustainable products, many companies have followed suit by creating vegan products. These are kinder to the planet, made of natural, plant-based substances, and against animal testing.  

You might be thinking that with all the extra effort and care taken to ensure that products are vegan-friendly, they must be so much more expensive? In some cases, yes. Such as the Cosmydor masks but it has still received tonnes of positive reviews and feedback. However, there are also more affordable, mid-range products that are still 100% vegan and/or cruelty free. For example Odacite Serums, which provides you with a list of the ingredients and many options for a variety of different skin types or issues. Holland & Barratt sell a CBD Day Cream which is suitable for all skin types! 

As for a high street option, Superdrug have an own-brand Sparkling Water Cleanser for just over a fiver! It’s received positive reviews from users so there’s no need for you to demolish your overdraft for good quality skin care.   

I don’t know about you guys but I’m pretty hyped about committing to a proper skin care routine and buying products that will actually give me good results.  

Have you used any of the suggested products? Do you have any recommendations for us? Let us know!