We’ve all been tempted by those 12-step skincare routines for glowing skin, binge-watching influencers layer product after product, promising that flawless skin lies just one more serum away.
But here’s the truth: while a routine is essential, it doesn’t need to be that complicated.
Consistency matters, but 12 steps? That’s overkill. The real key is understanding your skin and targeting the specific concerns you want to address. Knowing what ingredients are in your products—and how they work—can make all the difference. Ready to gain deeper insight into your skincare journey? Let’s dive in.
Essential Skincare Steps:
While each product in a 12-step routine may have its purpose, no one truly needs that many. Building an effective at-home skincare routine is about balance—tailoring it to your needs by dividing it into morning and night time steps.
Use toner after cleansing to refresh your skin, control oil and refine pores.
Use a manual exfoliator from 3 times a week to every day to remove dead skin, improve texture, and prevent clogged pores.
Use an appropriate treatment product to address your specific skin problems: pigmentation, acne, rosacea, dehydration, sensitivity.
Use retinoids at night to improve skin texture but protect your skin with sunscreen during the day. Start with a small amount a few nights a week and build up (“Start low, go slow!”).
Lock in hydration with a lightweight lotion in the morning and an appropriate cream with active ingredients at night.
Use broad-spectrum SPF every morning, even if your moisturiser has SPF, to prevent skin damage and ageing.
Use eye cream before moisturiser to reduce puffiness. Store it in the fridge for extra cooling benefits.
Designing Your Skincare Routine
Now that you’ve established a routine, the next step is to choose the best skincare products that will effectively address your specific skincare needs.
Remember, you don’t need to follow every single step; instead, focus on understanding your skin’s unique needs and the ingredients in your products. This knowledge will help you select the most effective products for your concerns.
Acids
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) – Natural exfoliators like glycolic and lactic acid remove dead skin cells and hydrate.
- Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) – Exfoliate and unclog pores; salicylic acid is a common BHA.
- Hyaluronic Acid – Powerful hydrator that attracts and retains moisture.
- Azelaic Acid – Reduces acne, pigmentation, and redness; gently exfoliates.
Vitamins
- Retinol (Vitamin A) – Improves signs of ageing, unclogs pores, and boosts collagen.
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) – Reduces redness, refines pores, and improves skin tone.
- Vitamin C – Brightens skin and protects against environmental damage.
- Vitamin E – Antioxidant and skin softener often combined with Vitamin C.
Moisturisers and Emollients
- Aloe Vera – Soothes redness, moisturises, and reduces inflammation.
- Shea Butter – Emollient that enhances elasticity and smoothness.
- Squalane – Hydrates and protects skin; derived from plants.
- Glycerin – Attracts moisture, keeps skin hydrated, and supports barrier function.
Barrier and Skin Protecter
- Physical or Mineral SPF – Broad-spectrum protection, ideally SPF 30 or higher.
- Ceramides – Maintain skin barrier, retain moisture, and improve skin texture.
- Dimethicone – Forms a barrier to retain moisture and smooth skin texture.
Collagen and Skin Support
- Peptides – Support collagen production for softer, firmer skin.
- Copper Peptides – Stimulate collagen for a youthful complexion.
Acne Treatments
- Benzoyl Peroxide – Treats acne by killing bacteria and unclogging pores.
[1][4]
The Impact of Daily Skincare on Aesthetic Result
Having a daily at-home skincare routine can have a significant, lasting impact on your skin health, enhancing both appearance and confidence.
Educating yourself on effective products tailored to your specific needs allows you to optimise your at-home skincare and better support the professional treatments you receive here at Dr Lauren’s Aesthetic Clinic. Healthy
skin not only reflects overall well-being but also responds more effectively to aesthetic treatments, such as injectable, Hydrafacials, Chemical Peels or Microneedling [5][6].
When you incorporate a personalised routine suited to your skin type, you achieve a healthier complexion that complements and prolongs the results of these treatments, contributing to a more polished and cohesive aesthetic.
Additionally, well-cared-for skin is better prepared for interventions, minimising risks and improving overall treatment outcomes.
This holistic approach to skincare will empower you to maintain results and reinforce the impact of professional care on your quality of life [9][2].
Skincare Tips for Perfect At-home Routine!
You now have the knowledge to examine your skincare products not just by their ingredients, but also by understanding how they work to enhance your skin.
With this newfound insight, you’re ready to craft a personalised at-home skincare routine just for you.
As it was mentioned earlier, your morning and evening routines should serve different purposes, so tailor them accordingly for optimal results.
Creating the perfect morning and evening skincare routine can feel like a journey, and we’re here to help you every step of the way! We suggest kicking things off in the morning with a gentle cleanser to wash away any overnight impurities—think of it as giving your skin a fresh start.
Next, use a toner to balance your skin’s pH and prep it for the goodies to come.
Don’t forget to add a serum tailored to your skin’s unique needs; if you’re looking for a little brightness, vitamin C is your friend, while hyaluronic acid is perfect for keeping things hydrated.
Finish up with a moisturiser to lock in all that goodness and most importantly, top it off with broad-spectrum sunscreen to shield your skin from UV damage throughout the day [7][8].
Now, let’s talk about your evening skincare routine. Start by cleansing your skin to remove makeup, dirt, and oil that builds up during the day. We recommend double cleansing: first to dissolve makeup, followed by a treatment cleanser for a thorough clean.
After that, apply a toner to prep your skin again, then reach for a targeted treatment, maybe retinol if you’re aiming for anti-ageing or benzoyl peroxide for pesky breakouts.
Finally, don’t skip the moisturiser! This will help nourish your skin overnight, allowing it to recover and rejuvenate while you sleep [7][10].
By following these simple steps and customising products to suit your specific needs, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a balanced and effective skincare routine that enhances your complexion both day and night. You’ve got this!
Let’s Glow! Book Your Consultation Now
If you’re struggling to identify your specific skin concerns and how to address them, consider scheduling a skincare consultation with us.
Our team will assess your skin, help you understand your unique needs, and guide you in creating an effective skincare routine.
We’ll also provide insights into our treatments and services to ensure you receive comprehensive care tailored to your goals.
Bibliography
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https://augustinusbader.com/uk/en/evidence/ingredients-to-look-for-in-your-skincare-products - Cyncoed Dental. (n.d.). Understanding the Importance of Skincare in Facial Aesthetic. [online] Available at:
https://www.cyncoeddentalpractice.co.uk/understanding-the-importance-of-skincare-in-facial-aesthetics - Master Class. (2021). How to Build a Skin Care Routine: The Perfect 9-Step Skincare Regimen – 2024 – MasterClass. [online] Available at:
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-build-a-skin-care-routine - Ray Cochrane. (2021). 12 Best Skincare Ingredients You Must Know. [online] Available at:
https://www.raycochrane.co.uk/skincare-ingredients-you-need-to-try/ - Regimen Lab. (n.d.). The Beginner’s Guide to (Evidence-Based) Skincare. [online] Available at:
https://regimenlab.com/blogs/labnotes/the-beginners-guide-to-evidence-based-skincare - Rodan, K., Fields, K., Majewski, G. and Falla, T. (2016). Skincare Bootcamp: The Evolving Role of Skincare. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open, [online] 4(12). doi:
https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000001152 - Sharkey, L. and Hobbs , H. (2024). How to Apply Your Skin Care Products in the Right Order. [online] Healthline. Available at:
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/order-of-skin-care#quick-guide - Trinny London. (2023). How To Build A Skincare Routine For Beginners. [online] Available at:
https://trinnylondon.com/uk/blog/build-a-skincare-routine?showCountryDialog=GB - We Talk Health. (2024). Science-backed Skincare Solutions: Unveiling the Power of Ingredients. [online] Available at:
https://wetalkhealth.co/science-backed-skincare-solutions/ - Wolf, D. (2019). The simple skin care routine dermatologists recommend (and it’s not complicated). [online] TODAY. Available at:
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