mens skincare

Now I’m not trying to teach you to suck eggs here. I know that most of you have been here for a while and that you probably by now have your cleansing routine buttoned down. I’m so proud. Because it’s a routine though, we do it every day. It becomes mundane and we start to cut corners. We are busy people and bad habits can start to creep in. Let’s all take a moment to reassess and make sure we’ve got this down.

Common Mistake No.1 - Your Water Temperature is Wrong

We’re a little complacent when it comes to water temperature. The best tool for effective cleansing is something that costs you nothing: steam. Make sure your water is warm-to-hot (not too hot or you’ll dry out your skin). Use your favourite cleanser to cleanse your skin and then use a flannel to take the cleanser off, allowing a moment for it to rest on your face. The steam from the flannel will help your pores to open for a better cleanse. Although it’s tempting to skip this step, finish with a splash of cold water to calm your skin and close the pores. Plus, it’s a great way to wake you up in the morning!

Common Mistake No.2. – Too Speedy

Never be tempted to skip the second cleanse. Our daily lives can take a real toll on our skin, what with makeup and general dirt and grime. One cleanse just isn’t enough to rid your skin of all that and actually cleanse the skin. Yes, one cleanse is better than none, but if it’s worth doing it’s worth doing right no? Use a cleanser strong enough to cut through make up, such as Decleor Micellar Cleansing Oil, for your first cleanse, then ramp it up with a cleanser more targeted to your needs for your second cleanse.

Common Mistake No.3 – You’re Using Too Many Products

Less is more. You don’t need to exfoliate every day. Sometimes the simple routines are the best routines and it give your skin time to adjust.

Common Mistake No 4. - Misunderstanding Your Skin’s Needs

I see this most commonly in acne sufferers. Most find that the acne is topical and reoccurring in the same areas, such as the chin or forehead. They then of course reach for a medicated cleanser all over. Just stop. You’re just overwhelming the rest of your skin and drying it out. Only use the acne wash where it’s needed, and make sure to keep the rest of the face hydrated with a less intense cleanser. Break your skin down into ‘zones’ and treat each zone according to its concern.

Are you guilty of any of these common mistakes? Not anymore!

xoxo

Indulge me for a second. You and I both know that the chances of you being on this site if you don’t already have skincare routine sorted are pretty slim. I’m not trying to teach you to suck eggs here, but sometimes it never hurts to check your facts and get back to basics. Remember, skincare doesn't need to be complicated to get results. It just needs to be well thought out.

1. Cleanser

Be wary of cleansers that promise you the world. If we’re honest, there's really only so much it can do. Most cleansers are only on the skin for a few minutes and frankly, that's not enough time to brighten, hydrate, tone, clear, and exfoliate your skin all at once. So, when you're looking for a cleanser, simple is best. Decléor Aroma Cleanse Micellar Oil 150ml is a favourite of mine. Simple, feels great on the skin and gets rid of makeup and dirt from the day. Winner.

2. Exfoliator

This is where moderation is key. Over-exfoliation, especially after you’ve discovered its skin brightening benefits, is a real problem people. Less is more. I know it’s tempting but trust me, you have that many layers of skin for a reason. Once a week with most exfoliators is more than enough. Acids are the best way to exfoliate in my book as they do the job without scrubbing away at your skin. Try Thalgo Clear Expert Exfoliating Lotion 125ml.

3. Serum

Now this is where the thought comes in. Think about what your skin really needs. Tackle the most pressing concern you have for your skin first. Serums work best when they are kept in rotation to keep your skin from adapting to them too much. Six months is the maximum amount of time to stick to one serum…then change it up. For hydration, try for a hyaluronic acid or for acne reduction and prevention, try a vitamin C alternative. You get the idea.

4. Moisturiser

Don’t skip the moisturiser. No excuses. No matter what your skin type. Even those of you with an oily skins. Trust me, your moisturiser isn’t what’s breaking you out. In fact, the less you moisturise, the more oil your skin will produce. Try a lighter formula for day time such as Decléor Hydra Floral 24hr Hydrating Light Cream 30ml, then step it up to a richer formula overnight. I reach for Decléor Aromessence Neroli Hydrating Night Balm 15ml.

5. SPF

All day. Every day. No excuses. In my eyes it should be the last step in all complete skincare routines. If you only do one thing…SPF. My favourite is Thalgo SPF50+ Age Defence Sunscreen 50ml. Just layer over your moisturiser for all day protection.

As I said, this is a back to basics guide to skincare. I’m always an advocate for simple routines but to each their own. You can add on as many extras as you feel necessary at this stage, but these are my ride or die products that are non negotiable in every routine. A five step routine is all you really need to see results.

xoxo