We might be living in the age of the shelfie, but that doesn’t mean your skincare regimen has to be complicated. After all, few of us have time to practise Chrissy Teigen’s eight-step beauty routine (which would incidentally set you back around AU $2,000). In fact, applying too many products on your face at once can have an adverse effect, and despite the myriad of choices on the market these days, all you really need is a few clever multi-tasking go-tos to get your skin looking its best. Here, we outline how to build a skincare routine that’s low maintenance but still boasts results.
1. Choose a gentle cleanser that won’t strip your skin
Most dermatologists recommend steering away from harsh, foaming cleansers, because they strip the skin’s delicate barrier. Instead, consider cleansing morning and night with every French girl’s secret weapon: micellar water. This hard-working product is comprised of “micelles”, or lipid molecules, which act as tiny magnets to help draw out impurities with a few quick wipes of a cotton pad. Our pick? Garnier’s new Micellar Rose Cleansing Water, which is infused with brightening (and beautifully scented) rose water to leave skin glowing. It removes makeup, dirt and oil without rubbing, making it perfect for sensitive skin types. And at just $13.99 for 400ml, it’s an absolute steal.
2. Use one active ingredient every 12 hours
Actives are an important part of any good skincare routine, but buyer beware: they can react adversely if mixed, and some are better used during the day vs. the nighttime. If you want to brighten your complexion and treat pigmentation, vitamin c is considered the Holy Grail in the a.m. This potent ingredient works to neutralise free radicals and assists in the formation and production of collagen. At night, you can switch to a retinol to target fine lines and wrinkles. Make sure you patch test both products beforehand, and be aware that you may need to start using them slowly before building up to regular use.
3. Moisture matters
There’s no doubt every good skincare routine needs a powerful moisturiser, but how do you choose the right one with so many on the market? This is where your skin type comes into play. If you have dry skin, opt for a rich cream. If you have oily skin, opt for a lighter lotion, and if you have combination skin, you may want to use a mixture of both. Regardless, you should always check the ingredient list: if it’s long, give it a miss, because the more ingredients it has, the more likely your skin is to react. It’s best applied on top of your actives, after you’ve cleansed with a product such as Garnier’s new Micellar Rose Cleansing Water.
4. Don’t forget the sunscreen
Yes, we keep harping on it about it, but for good reason. There’s basically no other product that works as hard to protect the skin and slow the signs of premature ageing. And if you think you can stop wearing it during winter, we’re sorry to say it’s still paramount: according to the Cancer Council, UV rays above level 3 can affect skin – and much of Australia reaches this level during the middle of the day, even in August. Plus, blue light from your phone also wreaks havoc with your complexion, and we’re willing to bet you’d rather apply sunscreen than physically distance from your device. Make things easier by applying a multipurpose cream with built-in SPF such as Garnier’s BB Cream, which is available in a range of shades and for multiple skin types. Top tip? Garnier’s Micellar Rose Cleansing Water is perfect for removing sunscreen at the end of a long day.
Brought to you by Garnier.
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