Your skin is the foundation of your appearance. It’s one of the first things people see when they meet you, and it can make or break an impression. And more importantly, your skin is a reflection of your health. Throughout your life, your skin will go through a lot of changes. It’s constantly growing, shedding, and regenerating itself. That’s why it’s so important to take care of your skin—and not just with a basic skincare routine of cleansing and moisturizing.
To help you take your skincare game up a notch, we’ve rounded up seven of the most useful—and often overlooked—skincare products that are incredibly useful for keeping your skin healthy and happy:
Chapter Overview
Moisturiser
Moisturiser is an essential step in any skincare routine, yet so many people skip it. If you have dry skin, moisturizer is a must-have to prevent your skin from becoming irritated, inflamed and cracked. And even if you have oily or combination skin, moisturiser is still important to help keep your skin’s natural barrier intact protecting it from harmful environmental irritants.
If you live in Australia, you need to be extra careful about choosing the right moisturiser. The harsh sun and dry climate can wreak havoc on your skin, so it’s important to find a moisturiser that’s specifically designed for these specific conditions. If you’re looking for a natural option for young skin, try a moisturiser with Shea butter or Macadamia oil, which are both natural emollients that help to lock in moisture. You can find this moisturiser for teenage skin selling in Australia in any good pharmacy or even online. Just be sure to read the ingredients list carefully to make sure it doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals.
Sunscreen
No matter what time of year it is, sunscreen should be a staple in your skincare routine. The sun emits harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays that can damage your skin, causing premature aging, wrinkles, and even skin cancer. So, it’s important to always use sunscreen—even on cloudy days or when you’re indoors. Look for a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher that provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. And be sure to reapply every two hours, or more often if you’re sweating or swimming.
Keep in mind that not all sunscreens are created equal. Some contain harmful chemicals that can damage your skin, so it’s important to choose a sunscreen that’s natural and safe for your skin. Avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone, avobenzone, or octinoxate, which have been linked to skin irritation and hormone disruption. Instead, look for sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which provide natural sun protection.
Exfoliating cleanser
An exfoliating cleanser is a useful tool for keeping your skin healthy and happy. The process of exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells, dirt, and oil from the surface of your skin. This can help to unclog pores, prevent breakouts, and leave your skin looking and feeling refreshed. Exfoliating also provides a deeper cleanse than regular cleansing alone. And, it can help to prep your skin for the better absorption of other skincare products, like serums and moisturizers.
When choosing an exfoliating cleanser, look for one that contains natural exfoliants, like jojoba beads or ground walnut shells. Avoid cleansers with harsh chemicals or abrasive ingredients, which can damage your skin. And be sure to use a gentle, circular motion when you exfoliate—don’t scrub too hard!
Antioxidant Serum
Antioxidant serums are another essential step in any skincare routine. Antioxidants help to protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals—unstable molecules that can cause cellular damage, leading to premature aging and wrinkles. Free radicals are produced by environmental factors like UV exposure, pollution, and cigarette smoke. So, it’s important to use an antioxidant serum to help combat these damaging effects.
While there are many different types of antioxidant serums available, one of the best is vitamin C serum. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help to brighten your skin, improve collagen production, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Just be sure to choose a vitamin C serum that’s specifically formulated for your skin type—if you have sensitive skin, look for a serum with L-ascorbic acid, which is a gentle form of vitamin C.
Eye Cream
If you’re not using an eye cream as part of your skincare routine, now is the time to start! The delicate skin around your eyes is more susceptible to damage and wrinkling than the rest of your face. And, as we age, the loss of collagen and elastin in this area can lead to sagging and puffiness.
An eye cream can help to combat these signs of aging by hydrating and plumping the skin around your eyes. Look for an eye cream that contains natural ingredients like cucumber extract or green tea, which can help to reduce inflammation. And be sure to apply your eye cream gently, using your ring finger to tap it into the skin around your eyes.
Face Oil
Despite what you may have been told, face oils are not just for people with dry skin! Face oils can be beneficial for all skin types—even oily skin. The reason? Face oils help to balance the skin’s natural oil production, which can help to control breakouts. In addition, face oils are packed with antioxidants and other nutrients that can help to improve the overall health of your skin.
When choosing a face oil, look for one that’s formulated for your specific skin type. If you have dry skin, try an oil with hydrating ingredients like jojoba or rosehip oil. For oily skin, opt for oil with mattifying ingredients like tea tree or lavender oil. And if you have sensitive skin, choose a gentle oil like chamomile or neroli oil. You should also look for an oil that’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores. The best time to apply face oil is after you’ve applied your serum—just massage a few drops into your skin and let it absorb.
Even though there are countless skincare products on the market, these six are essential for any skincare routine. So whether you’re just starting or you’ve been using skincare products for years, be sure to include these six products in your routine. Just remember to tailor your routine to your specific skin type—and always consult with a dermatologist if you have any concerns and you will be on your way to healthy, beautiful skin in no time!