A good skincare routine creates a solid foundation for healthy skin. I find many of us getting overwhelmed by the amount of products on the shelf, what to use, how to use it and when to use it.
For some of us, we may already have a skincare routine down packed, it's good to check back now and then and take some time to really listen and see what our skin is telling us and how it is doing. If you are starting to see changes in your skin, it may be the first sign to change up your skin products.
As seasons change, this may be a good time to also look at your routine and see if it's still working for you. Our skin can have a tendency to become dry in winter and an extra boost of hydration and moisture could be just what you need. For those of us about to take the step to create our own skincare routine, I've put together below my skincare must-have products, benefits and the steps in which to use them.
I have also added in my product recommendations for all of those different skin types!
I hope this will help a few of you out there that are battling with how to begin! Skincare routine problems are #real!
#1 SUNSCREEN
The best way to care for your skin is prevention,
the most damage we acquire in our skin is from UV damage, so prevention and protection is key! Great sunscreens offer protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen should be a fundamental part of ANY daily skincare regimen and that 1/4 t (which is the amount you should be using on your face and neck), can also help shield your skin from irreversible sun-induced skin damage.
No matter what type of skin you have, sunscreen will cater to any skin types!
We are hoping to create a sun gel at some stage so keep your eyes peeled :)
I would highly recommend using Solimara SPF50 Mineral Sunscreen, my family and I have been using this product for a couple of years and it is a reliable and trusted brand.
#2 CLEANSER
A good cleanser that is suitable for your skin type will work wonders. A cleanser is designed to wash away daily grime like makeup, dead skin cells, excess oil, and pollutants. Cleansing also prepares the skin to receive skincare products to be absorbed well.
Cleansing your face each day can help prevent clogged pores as well as helping maintain PH levels of the skin; enabling sufficient hydration and product retention.
After cleansing, rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel.
We have some beautiful cleansers in our Mia Belle Range that cater to all skin types!
See below!
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Dry / Sensitive Skin | ✔ | ✔ | - | ✔ | - | - | - | ✔ | - |
Normal - Combination Skin | - | - | ✔ | ✔ | - | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | - |
Oily Skin | - | - | - | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | - | ✔ | ✔ |
#3 HYDROSOL TONER
Consider our hydrosol toners as an extra step in the cleansing process or just apply as a hydrating mist before your next step. Using a toner can give your skin an extra-deep clean whilst gently refreshing your skin without stripping it of it's natural moisture. Our hydrosol toners won't irritate sensitive skin, in fact you may find it soothing, calming and helps to reduce redness or inflammation.
Our toners we offer at Mia Belle act as both a toner and a hydrating mist. The hydrosol bases
we use are from steam distillation of essential oils rose and neroli so have a delicate scent suitable for sensitive skin. Hydrating the face with these hydrosols after cleansing helps to balance the pH as well as prepare the skin to receive any of our serums.
Using our toner, assists one of the actives in our serums; Hyaluronic acid into locking hydration in the skin better as it draws the moisture from the hydrosol into your skin. Once the serum is absorbed, follow with a face cream or additional serum, depending on your routine.
Check out our toners below!
Dry / Sensitive Skin | ✔ | ✔ |
Normal - Combination Skin | ✔ | ✔ |
Oily Skin | ✔ | ✔ |
#4 FACE CREAM
A good face cream will have a good blend of emollients, oils and humectants! In other words, the combination of these ingredients will help keep the moisture and elasticity in your skin.
Keeping your skin moisturised and hydrated efficiently will keep the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles at bay and will also provide that protective barrier from transepidermal water loss (TWL) in your skin. Face creams should be applied to clean skin after your cleanser, toner, serum. Remember, apply your products from lightest to heaviest texture to ensure efficient absorption in the skin.
Check out our range of face creams below! Here are out recommendations:
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Dry skin | ✔ | - | - |
Normal - Combination Skin | - | ✔ | ✔ |
Oily Skin | - | - | ✔ |
#5 SERUM
Serums aren't a must have but are simply an added step for those that are looking to go the extra mile in their skincare routines! Serums have the ability to boost actives into your skin, due to the higher % of active content in them and also the viscosity. You will find serums are generally lighter in viscosity (gel, milky, lighter creamier runnier texture) as the lighter viscosity can help deliver the actives into your skin better.
Some examples below at what boost our serums can give your skin.
Moisture (for drier or skin barrier damaged skin)
Antioxidant (for sun damage or free radical damage)
Balance oil production on the skin
Support the repair of damaged or compromised skin barrier
Brighten, renew and refresh complexion
Fight signs of premature aging in the skin
Apply serums gently by patting them into the skin for efficient absorption!
For those wanting to up their skincare routine see our serums below.
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Dry skin | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Normal - Combination Skin | ✔ | - | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Oily Skin | - | - | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
#6 EXFOLIANT
Whether this is a natural exfoliant which requires you to gently rub on the product or a chemical exfoliant like aha's or bha's (Alpha hydroxy or Beta Hydroxy acids), your skin can contain stubborn dead skin cells that just hang on to each other due to strong protein bonds and can give our skin a dull look.
Exfoliation will help remove these dead skin cells efficiently, whilst giving the skin a chance to breathe and renew itself for a brighter complexion. Don't forget- your skin needs moisture, especially after you exfoliate!
Our cream clay cleansers with or without an exfoliant are a great option for natural exfoliation in your routine. We have vegan konjac sponges for a gentler exfoliation suitable for sensitive skin.
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Dry Skin | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Normal - Combination Skin | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Oily Skin | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
STEPS
Remember the rule of thumb is to apply products from lightest to heaviest which allows time for actives to absorb or work on the skin. My current evening routine steps are:
Cleansers, Toner, Serums, Face Oil or Face Cream.
Here are some suggested simple and minimal skincare routines for those who are time challenged and just prefer a simple skinimilistic (my made up word!) skincare routine! :)
We have a small skincare range launching this year suitable for sensitive skin! We are very excited to share it with you!
We hope this has been of some help to you, don't forget please feel free to get in touch if you ever have any questions around our products for your skincare routine! You can book a free no obligation video call or phone chat with Cath on our Facebook page if you need any help with navigating your choice of products for your skin care needs.
Cath xx