The Most Basic Skincare

Over the past few weeks I wrote about the four main steps of skincare, which are:

1. Cleansers,

2. Exfoliators,

3. Toners,

4. Moisturisers.

This is the most basic skincare routine one could have. I do have extra step such a serums, eye creams and face masks, which I plan to go over in the next couple of weeks. As for now I was going to do a quick recap of the four steps and tell you what I’m currently using.

Cleansing

I’m currently using the Rituals Creamy Foam Cleanser and it is on its final uses so I have been looking into buying another cleanser but this time I’m going to go for a milk cleanser.

Cleansing is vital, as I have said before, because it cleans the pores and ‘strips’ your face of all the dirt and grime. Depending on the cleanser, natural oils may also be stripped off your face and this knocks the pH of your skin off balance but this is why step 3 (toners) is essential.

Exfoliating

I am still using the Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub – makes miracles happen. I lie, well it does work really well and especially for anyone with sensitive, dry or eczema prone skin. I recommended this for my cousin and she really likes it – she also has eczema and likes the microbeads, as it’s small and extremely gentle on the skin. I do have another exfoliator however that comes under face masks and you'll soon find out why.

The main purpose of exfoliating is to basically help the dead skin cells on the top layer of your skin to easily shred. Most people don’t actually do this step, it’s not essential but I notice on my skin that when I’m not using an exfoliator, it looks much more dull as opposed to when I am using one so now I regularly use one.

Toning

Toning is a step that I never really see a physical difference but I know it is there. The previous two steps have changed the pH of what the skin should be and your toner basically brings it back down to a neutral pH (I hope that makes sense).

I’m currently using the PIXI Glow Tonic which is also at it final drops – it has done me well but only lasted me around two - three months which is not as long as my last one. The advantage of this toner is that it is exceptionally good at keeping my skin from breaking out.

Moisturising

I think most people do this, whether or not they have a routine. Regardless, everyone should be moisturising. Moisturising provides a barrier between the polluted air and your skin as well as retaining water within your skin thus keeping it hydrated.

I use my Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion (with SPF) as in London the weather is getting much warmer and sunnier and I’ve just discovered that I burn really easily which is odd…but I do.

I hope this helps, again I’m not a professional but I can attempt to recommend something. On the other hand if you have really complex skin then its best to see a GP, dermatologist or the shop you’re buying it from, as they are the experts.

Thank you for Reading J

P.S. If you click on one of the four steps in the list at the top it will take you to a more detailed explanation and go through the other products I have used.