Skincare is an investment: what you need to know.
Your skin represents you. It is a map of your health, the protector of your internal organs and the outermost reflection of you. Your skin works hard every day of its life, even if you are dealing with dreadful pimples and cystic acne.
It's your skin, and if you want it to look and operate at its best, you will want to take care of it – nourish it and provide it with the best nutrients through quality skincare products and a regular skincare routine. So in this blog, we want to provide you with what you need to look for and think about when investing in any type of skincare.
Understand your skin type and its condition
The first step is to uncover your unique skin type and skin condition; this will help you purchase the correct products that will best target your individual needs and get you the results you are looking for.
Before buying any skincare product, identify whether your skin is oily, dry, combination or normal. Even if this might seem obvious, you should always have the most beneficial skincare investment of all, a skin analysis consultation, to accurately answer the question, “which skincare is best for me?” This can’t be done via an internet quiz, only by an in-person consultation.
Don’t get us wrong; skin quizzes have their place to help you determine the condition of your skin and what might be going on with it, but they should never be in place of a professional skin consultation. Within the consultation, you can then discuss any other problem areas you have, such as wrinkles, redness, age spots or acne, because… SECRET TIP: a lot of clinical-grade skin (products sold exclusively in salons and clinics) can have multiple benefits and can correct a broad range of skin problems. For example, skincare for acne scars can also be beneficial for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, therefore saving you from buying two different products. You won't get this kind of expertise from a chemist or department store sales assistant. In addition to this, over-the-counter products will only have limited strength and potency which means you might not achieve the results you are after.
By understanding these factors before you start filling your cart with skincare, you can make the best selection for your investment and gain the greatest benefits for your skin.
Always invest in quality ingredients and formulations
To give your skin the best chance at becoming its best self, quality ingredients and formulations are the key. Make sure you follow this advice when purchasing makeup too.
Expensive brands don't always guarantee the best results, so do your research and investigate the scientific evidence behind each product. It is as simple as pulling out your phone, typing the name into Google and finding out what that fancy word really means and does for your skin.
Smart marketing and packaging can be nice houses for “fancy-named filler products” that can have no real effect on your skin but cost you a lot of $$$, while some inexpensive products with “real ingredients” can achieve remarkable, long-term results with continual use over time.
But you don’t know what you don’t know, right? So do your research, talk to a professional skin therapist and always select products with active ingredients that have proven antioxidant properties to give your skin lasting benefits.
We are not saying don’t spend money at your favourite beauty stores; we are saying know your skin and what it needs and doesn’t, and the only way to do this is through an in-depth skin analysis with a professional skin therapist. That way, if you want to use that new matte foundation from your favourite beauty brand, you can be sure it will still be good for you and not flare up any acne.
Don’t neglect preventative measures for achieving perfect skin
Skincare is a holistic (whole of lifestyle) endeavour. While some skincare products have immediate effects and others can take some time, none will have a lasting effect if you don’t include preventive measures in your pursuit of beautiful skin. A few examples of preventative measures include staying hydrated, taking supplements such as Omega 3’s, eating a balanced diet, removing makeup every day, and protecting your skin from the sun. Taking these steps will help you achieve your ultimate skin goals, not only temporarily but long term.
Stick to a skincare routine and be consistent
Skincare is a lot like brushing and flossing your teeth; it requires consistency for the results to really show. Dedicate time each day to ensure that you have a proper routine down — whether it includes washing, exfoliating, toning, moisturising or any other combination of products that work best for your skin type. Doing this daily will be what provides you with dramatic results!
Monitor the effects
Knowing what works best for your skin is key to maintaining optimal health, so if you come across a product that yields great results, stick to it! On the other hand, if something doesn’t appear to be working after continued use, stop using it and replace it with something that may better benefit your individual skin type.
Monitor the effects of each individual skincare product on your skin health over time. A great way to start any new skincare routine is by taking some before and after photos, continue documenting your progress with additional weekly photos to help you keep track of which products work well with your skin type and observing the changes they make. It is also important to get regular skin check ups, both with your skin therapist to maximise your skin health and homecare routine, and a skin doctor to ensure your skin is cancer-free.
Uncovering the perfect routine for your skin type can be a maze - but it's worth navigating. Like a maze, you can have fun along the way. Whether you are at the beginning of your journey, learning what is essential for your skin or mid-way through your skin journey starting to see progress, with the correct information and active-based products you can achieve a beautiful complexion that lasts.
We would love to be your #1 go-to healthy-skin advice-giving friend. Schedule a skin analysis for your skin today.