What products do I really need?

There are many different 'steps' that you can incorporate into your skincare routine, but which ones are actually non-negotiable?

One of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to skin, is what skincare products should I REALLY be using?

We all know having a basic skin care routine is a necessity but what is the point of having one if we are not incorporating the right products?

With so many different skin care products out there, how do we know which one is best and are we getting value for money? Yes, everyone has a different skin type so not everyone will use the same skin care products.

But three products that are a must: Cleanser, Toner and a daily Moisturiser

Cleansing should always be done twice a day, in the morning and night.

This will ensure you remove all makeup, toxins and dirt on the skin leaving it ready to absorb the moisturiser to rejuvenate and replenish your skin.

Toners can make a huge difference to how your skin looks and feels after cleansing. Their purpose is to remove everything that the cleanser leaves behind nourish and replenish your skin and visibly improves the appearance of your skin.

Moisturiser is a must day and night but they must be different! Your day moisturiser should always have SPF coverage to protect the skin from sun damage and reduce premature ageing.

Whether you like to wear a BB cream or just a hydrating cream, always ensure there is sun protection in it or you put some over the top. There are so many options for night creams – Overnight treatments, masks, creams, oils and the list goes on. It comes down to personal preference and what your skin professional has recommended for your skin type.

You should definitely be using one with healing, rejuvenating and replenishing properties. As our skin does a lot of work while we sleep. These 3 products are considered NON-NEGOTIABLE but there's one more so keep reading.

Here are two ingredients I would recommend to look out for:

Vitamins A & C Serums. Vitamins A & C are crucial to a healthy, vibrant skin. Vitamin A encourages cell production in the skin by stimulating the “fibroblasts” cells. These cells keep the skin firm and plump by increasing the blood flow in the face which in turn reduces the appearance of wrinkles.

Although it is amazing, it is a NIGHT TIME ONLY serum. Retinol can be found in Vitamin A making your skin sun sensitive. In other words, if you wear it during the day, you will burn a lot quicker and do more harm than good.

As an overnight treatment, it does the work while you sleep. Ensure that you cleanse it thoroughly from your face, neck and décolletage in the morning.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a potent antioxidant for the skin. It protects the skin from sun damage (UVA/UVB Rays) and the ageing process by neutralizing free radicals that cause damage to the skin.

It has proven results in evening out skin tone and lightening dark spots on the skin as it plays a role in the skin exfoliation process by accelerating skin cell turnover and helping lift dead skin cells off the skin to allow for new healthy, fresh skin.

This is one of the most beneficial Vitamins as it is a necessity for collagen production, creating firmer feeling skin, healing damage and healthy skin maintenance. Best applied in the morning on clean skin, wait for the skin to absorb and apply moisturising sun protection over the top. Exfoliation is not an everyday essential (unless you have acne and a skin professional has recommended it to clear it).

Generally, exfoliating every 2-3 days is enough, if you're using an exfoliating face scrub. The best time for this is in the morning to remove dead skin cells and encourage circulation. Overnight, our skin regenerates and heals itself pushing out impurities that need to be removed.

There are numerous types of exfoliators available, find one that is suitable to your skin. We are big fans of konjac sponges, which can be used daily together with your cleanser.

Over-exfoliation can create damage to the skin – drying it out, capillary damage and worst of all redness. And konjac sponges make it super easy, because you can't actually over-exfoliate because they are so gentle.

There are so many different steps that can be taken into creating the ultimate skin care routine for yourself. When you start incorporating the non-negotiable products into your daily routine, you start to see your skin become vibrant and glow, making maintenance convenient and cost effective.

Check out our Go to Glow Skincare Set, a value pack that includes all your basic skincare essentials.