One category in the beauty space that seems to confuse and overwhelm more than any other is skincare.
And it’s understandable. A good skincare routine does a lot of heavy lifting – not just in how our skin looks and feels, and how it behaves over time – but how it makes us feel about ourselves. In recent years, it’s also become a category that has completely exploded. There are more products, more ingredients, more steps and more “game-changing” launches than ever before.
With that comes a constant promise: that the next product will be the one. The quick fix. The thing that will finally make your skin clearer, brighter, smoother, better – whatever.
Skincare is something I love more than any other aspect of the beauty industry – using it, and writing about it.While I’m always happy to talk about products, ingredients and affordable options that genuinely work, every now and then it’s worth coming back to basics. And I really mean the basics.
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Because some of the most effective things you can do for your skin don’t actually involve buying anything new at all. They’re simple, immediate and completely free – and they can be implemented tonight, standing in front of your bathroom sink, with the products you already own.
The first – and it may sound like a no-brainer – is to wash your hands before you wash your face.
Most of us go into the bathroom, pick up our cleanser, pump it into our hands or scoop it from a jar and go straight in. But by doing this, we’re putting everything from our hands – oil, dirt, bacteria from the day – directly on to our face. If you’re dealing with congestion or breakouts, this small step alone can make a noticeable difference.
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The second is just as simple: brush your teeth before you wash your face.
Toothpaste – regardless of the brand or ingredients – can cause irritation, blocked pores and pimples around the mouth and chin. If you regularly experiences spots in that area, this could be the reason why. Brush your teeth first, then wash your face. By doing this you remove any remnants of toothpaste or residue, and reduce the chances of congestion occurring. It’s a small shift in order, but it makes a difference.
Next, and it has nothing to do with products, is your bedding – specifically your pillowcases.
Pillowcases are magnets for oil, sweat and bacteria. Most of us don’t wash them nearly as often as we should. Think about it: you go to bed with freshly cleansed skin, having applied your skincare, and then put your lovely clean face on fabric that may not have been washed in days.
If you’re noticing breakouts, particularly on one side of your face (probably the side you sleep on most) – your pillowcase could be the culprit. Washing it more frequently is one of the simplest ways to support your skin, and it requires no change to your skincare routine.
Back to cleansing – and this is one of the most effective habits on the list – make sure you’re washing your face for long enough.
If you were to time yourself, the chances are you’re actually spending about 10 to 15 seconds cleansing your skin. A proper cleanse should take at least a minute – sufficient time to actually break down make-up, sunscreen, oil and everything else. And, if you can, spend a few extra seconds on problem areas – like the nose, chin and temples – or any areas where you’re noticing breakouts or general congestion. Properly cleansing your skin can make the biggest difference of all.
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And finally, although it’s often easier said than done: try not to overcomplicate things when it comes to skincare. Consistency will always win. You’re far better off using a gentle cleanser, a simple moisturiser and a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, and doing so consistently, than constantly chasing the next new product.
Too often, we introduce multiple actives, use them incorrectly, or switch products too quickly, and end up doing more harm than good. Simple, done well and done regularly, as boring as it may sound, is actually what delivers results.
This week I’m loving ... La Bougie Body and Haircare Collection
Beloved for their beautiful candles, west Cork perfumer La Bougie has now branched into body and haircare. Many of the scents the brand is known for, including Mission Fig, Tuscan Bergamot, Coconut and Hibiscus, Pomelo 1830, Honeysuckle and Sea Salt, and Sage and Bitter Orange, are now available as body wash and hand and body lotion, with Mission Fig also available as shampoo and conditioner. The new collection is affordable too, with prices starting at €25 from labougie.com.
