The Essential Guide to Building a Skincare Routine

Skincare Routine: The Basics

Building a skincare routine that suits your unique skin type is the foundation for healthy, glowing skin. With countless products on the market, knowing which ones to choose and how to layer them can be overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to build a skincare routine tailored to your skin’s needs, helping you achieve the best possible results.

 

Know Your Skin Type

Before choosing products, it's crucial to understand your skin type. Your skin’s unique needs will determine the products you should include in your routine. There are five primary skin types:

  • Oily Skin: Shiny appearance, larger pores, and more prone to acne.
  • Dry Skin: Tight, flaky, or rough texture, with little to no shine.
  • Combination Skin: A mix of dry and oily areas, typically an oily T-zone and dry cheeks.
  • Sensitive Skin: Easily irritated, prone to redness, burning, or itching.
  • Normal Skin: Balanced skin, not too oily or dry, with minimal blemishes.

 

Identifying your skin type is crucial for selecting products that address your specific concerns, ensuring the effectiveness of your skincare routine. If you're unsure of your skin type, we recommend a professional skin analysis. Designed to assist dermatologists, aestheticians, and clinicians, this advanced diagnostic tool provides an accurate assessment of your skin’s condition. The Observ 520x, a state-of-the-art skin analysis system, offers a detailed view of both the epidermal and dermal layers, allowing for a deeper understanding of your skin’s concerns and damage levels. This service is available at Absolute Cosmetic Perth’s Nedlands clinic.

 

The Three Key Steps in Every Routine: Cleanse, Treat, and Moisturise

No matter your skin type, every skincare routine should include these three basic steps: cleansing, treating, and moisturising. Here’s how to incorporate them:

  • Cleansing: The first step in every routine, cleansing removes dirt, oil, and impurities from your skin. Choose a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type—gel cleansers for oily skin, cream cleansers for dry skin, or a mild foaming cleanser for normal skin. Cleansing ensures that your skin is clean and ready for the next steps.

  • Treating: This is where serums, toners, and treatments come in. Depending on your skin concerns—whether it’s acne, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, or dryness—you’ll want to add targeted treatments to your routine. For example, vitamin C serums for brightening, hyaluronic acid for hydration, or salicylic acid for acne-prone skin.

  • Moisturising: Hydration is essential for all skin types. Even oily skin requires moisture to balance oil production and prevent dehydration. For oily skin, opt for a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser, while dry skin may benefit from a richer, more emollient formula. We recommend the Dr. Murray Skin Truth Hydrating Moisturiser, a multi-purpose formula enriched with niacinamide and oatmeal. It hydrates, firms, and plumps the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines for a smoother, more youthful complexion.

 

Sun Protection: Never Skip SPF

One of the most important steps in any skincare routine is sun protection. Daily sunscreen helps protect your skin from harmful UV rays that contribute to premature aging, sunburn, and skin cancer. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF moisturiser of at least 30 every morning, even on cloudy days. 

 

Layering Products: What Order to Use Them

Layering your products in the right order is essential for maximising their effectiveness. Here’s a simple guide to product layering:

  • Cleanser: Always start with clean skin.
  • Toner (optional): If you use a toner, apply it after cleansing to balance the skin’s pH.
  • Serum/Treatment: Apply targeted treatments or serums based on your skin concerns.
  • Moisturiser: Hydrate and lock in moisture.
  • Sunscreen: Always finish with SPF during the day.

 

Dr. Murray always emphasises the importance of introducing one new product at a time when starting a new skincare regimen. The skin is delicate, and a gradual introduction allows it to adjust properly, ensuring the best results without overwhelming the skin.

 

Customise Your Routine with the Best Skincare Products

Once you understand your skin type and needs, you can begin to customise your routine with the best skincare products. Here at Absolute Cosmetic Shop, we offer a range of high-quality skincare solutions designed for various skin types and concerns. Whether you need anti-aging products, deep hydration, or acne treatment, we have something tailored just for you.