While it’s great to build a skincare routine, there is a proper way to know what works and what doesn’t.

Your skin is the first thing people see when you walk into the room. While it may be genetics, many of us have to work hard to get our skin to look as good as it does!

That process is never an easy process. It’s a lot of hard work and dedication! You should consider your skincare in three main steps:

1. Cleaning

2. Toning

3. Moisturize

You want your face to be radiant. No blemishes, no wrinkles. Who wants a zit on their face when they go out for drinks? It is best to find a balance between all your products, but it is best to stick to these main three practices. As you age and your skin begins to shift, you’ll need to make adjustments to what products you use.

It is always best to give it time. No skincare routine is going to be perfect overnight! Skin takes a while to absorb. While it won’t work overnight, it is best to give it at least 6 weeks for the regime to properly work itself.

Cleansing

Everyone should be washing their face. Whether it’s in the shower or on its own, washing your face is necessary for radiant skin. Your skin comes into contact with so many different pollutants and dirt that it needs to be cleaned thoroughly.

It is best recommended to wash your skin twice a day; once in the morning and once at night. This helps your skin be free of clogs. Although you’re not moving at night, you still sweat and that can clog up your pores!

For cleansing, you should be using a facial cleanser that is best for your skin. Every skin type is different and using the wrong formula can damage your skin worse. Some skin types, like oily or acne-prone skin, are best paired with a foaming liquid. This will help break down the dirt easily.

If you have dry, red, or eczema-prone skin, you will want to use a cream or a lotion, This will take away the impurities while also hydrating the skin.

For older and more mature skin, a melting balm would work best. This will almost melt into a liquid when it is applied to the skin. It will soothe the skin and can be used best without water. It will also help to dissolve makeup from the skin.

Toning

Toners were originally alcohol-based and were thought to be used to dry up oily skin and help remove dirt that the cleansing process didn’t remove. These actually had the opposite effect and would end up damaging the skin.

Thankfully, we have evolved.

Toners now act as a supplement for the skin. They help your skin absorb better, helping the skin take in nutrients better. It will also help balance your complexion. You should look for some ingredients that will help boost your skin.

Alpha and Beta hydroxy acids help to remove dead skin cells that clog your pores and will help sun-damaged skin.

Hyaluronic acids help with hydration boosting. It will also make your skin look more plump to help treat fine lines.

Vitamin E and C will both help you fight exposure to the sun. This will help your skin age slower.

Toner is used after your cleanser and before everything else. It helps seal in the later products you will be using.

Moisturizing

A moisturizer will help your skin with hydration. It will also help soften your skin. The main function of a moisturizer is to help prevent water loss. Doctors recommend using a moisturizer year-round, regardless of your skin type.

Your skin is going to naturally lose moisture as you get older. Depending on what you do daily, you can strip that hydration from your face

Like with cleansers, moisturizers also are dependent on your skin type. If you have oily skin, it is best to use a gel moisturizer. This is because the water-based options help it stay light and absorb quickly into the skin.

For a normal or combination type skin, it is best to use a lotion. This classic moisturizer helps it absorb into the skin and make it feel less like a gel.

For dry skin, use a soft cream to moisturize. This has slightly more oil in it and will be heavier than a lotion.

There are day-time creams and night-time creams that help protect your face during the day and the night. The daytime creamers contain antioxidants and sunscreen to help protect your face from pollutants and from ultraviolet radiation. These day-time creams will feel lighter. Night-time creams will help repair any damage you picked up from your other products. The night-time facial moisturizer will also help with restoring moisture levels.

Protect your skin with M&S

When shopping for skincare products, it may be hard to tell what products are good for you, and which are going to damage your skin. M&S skincare leaves the guesswork out of helping you build your perfect skincare routine! Our all-natural products are packed with only the healthiest ingredients to help make you and your skin feel as perfect as they should. Shop with M&S skincare today!