A Beginners Guide To An Essential Skincare Routine

Do you sometimes wish someone would just give you a simple, easy skincare routine to follow, without all the complicated jargon that you don’t understand?

With an endless amount of products and ingredients on the market and every media outlet telling you how you have to have certain products, or you must be using these ingredients to get great skin, it can be a little confusing as to what are the essentials for your every day routine.  We’re here to make this easier for you, by providing you with our essential, simple skincare routine.

Whilst adding ingredients to your regime to target specific concerns is great, if you’re new to the skincare game and just want to start slowly with the basics, then beginning with a simple routine using a small amount of products is key. We recommend starting with four key products that you can use every day and building up from there.

Let’s get started with product number 1: cleanser.

A cleanser is the number one must-have product in your regime, as it is this that will be removing all the dirt, grime and bacteria from your skin, whether you wear makeup or not. If your face is not cleansed thoroughly, then leaving the bacteria to clog your pores is what will cause breakouts, congested and blemished skin.

Your skin needs to be cleansed thoroughly day and night, and if you wear heavy makeup during the day it’s best to cleanse twice. Your skin type will determine which kind of cleanser you need, but as a basic rule, apply a gentle cleanser in the morning to re-hydrate and replenish your skin. In the evenings, a heavier first cleanser such as a balm or oil will easily remove any impurities, followed by a another gentle cleanser to wash away the excess.

We love these cleansers;

For skin brightening & balancing redness, the Image Iluma Intense Brightening Cleanser, £34. 

For impurities & blemish-prone skin, the Image Ageless Total Facial Cleanser, which includes glycolic acid for skin exfoliation.

Product number 2: Hydrating Serum 

There are a number of hydrating ingredients on the market so thankfully, there’s a lot to choose from. Your skin can easily become de-hydrated as it fights against external elements. Weather, central heating, diet and a lack of water in the skin can all affect your skin’s moisture levels, so it’s essential you’re replenishing the skin every single day.

When your skin lacks moisture, wrinkles and fine lines become more prevalent and your skin can become irritated, inflamed and sensitive. We suggest including an essential hydrating serum into your every day routine.

We love the Image Ageless Total Anti-Ageing Serum, which includes plant-derived stem cells and vitamin C to protect the skin and boost the skin’s barrier. This serum includes AHA’s to gently exfoliate the surface layers of skin, erasing signs of ageing and offering a brighter complexion.

We also love the Image Ormedic Balancing Anti Oxidant Serum, which includes a high concentration of Hyaluronic Acid to restore hydration.

Product number 3: hydrating moisturiser

Now although every skin type is different, one thing they all have in common is that they need hydration through moisturising. Yep, even if you’ve got oily skin, you still need to use a hydrating moisturiser. All moisturisers should be nourishing, however it’s the texture of the product that can be personalised to suit your skin type. Normal to dry skin needs a moisturiser that is creamy and on the thicker side for deep nourishment. If your skin tends to be more oily, you can still receive hydration from a moisturiser that is light-weight and breathable, so your pores remain clear from any clogging!

Our favourite moisturisers:

For oily skin that needs some shine control, we love the Image Daily Matte Oil Free Moisturiser. This also contains an SPF 32+ for added protection!  

For skin that needs to breathe, this lightweight Mattifying Moisturiser from Image contains Vitamin B6 for skin health. This product hydrates but also absorbs the skins’ oils on the surface, minimising shine and excess sebum production.

Product number 4: SPF

 This is one of the most important parts of your essential skin care routine. SPF protects you from all UVA rays, which can damage your skin’s barrier. You may be wondering what that means? 

A damaged skin barrier is when the surface layers of your skin have been compromised. Having a damaged barrier means your skin is more likely to let bacteria and congestion into the deeper layers of skin, causing it to breakout in lines or blemishes, and become dry and irritated. Your skin can also become extremely inflamed and sensitive. 

But don’t panic, there is good news in that this can be repaired over time. Wearing a high SPF every single day is vital for protecting the skin and preventing any more future damage. Even if it’s raining and even if you’re inside – SPF always!

Image Skincare have an incredible variety of SPF products for multiple skin types. This Daily Hydrating Moisturiser SPF is 30+, is lightweight and mineral-based, meaning it sits well under makeup and absorbs quickly into the skin.

Another gentle SPF is the Environ Alpha Day Lotion. This SPF contains AHA’S, meaning that it’s great for skin that already struggles with pigmentation or sun damage. This SPF is safe for problematic skin, as it soothes, smoothes and gently exfoliates.

So there you have it, your essential skincare routine that can be followed easily! Start with these four key products, and then you can build your regime up from there, adding in any additional ingredients you may need to combat your concerns on a deeper level.

For more expert advice on all things skin, you can get in touch with us for a consultation. Our skin therapists will be able to advise you on which products, ingredients and treatments you need to target your problem areas!

Get in touch with us by emailing info@rebecccajadebeauty.co.uk, or give us a call on 01582 280078.