Whether you’re a true minimalist or merely a lazy guy masquerading as one, a simple skincare routine is essential. While here at AR, we do have a penchant for a more in-depth morning and nighttime routine, we’re not averse to taking a pared-back approach to things. Although a slew of toners, masks, skincare devices, and essences can be beneficial, they’re not necessary for keeping your skin healthy and preventing signs of ageing. After all, consistency is key and the best skincare routine is one you’ll actually follow.
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So, if you’re looking to start a skincare routine but are reluctant to spend too much time in front of the mirror of a morning, we’ve got you covered. To keep things simple and straightforward, we’re breaking it down into five easy steps.
1. Wash your face, you heathen
Seriously. Twice a day, morning and night. If you’re not already doing this start now. Much like it would be ineffective to paint a masterpiece on a filthy canvas, it’s a waste to use even the bougiest of serums on a dirty face. Cleansing your face rids your skin of the dirt, grime, bacteria, and excess sebum that has accumulated on your skin throughout the day or overnight, which works to minimise the appearance of oily skin and prevent clogged pores and breakouts. Plus, it allows your following skincare products to work effectively.
2. Use a targeted serum
Small but mighty, serums may seem like a detour on the way to moisturisation, but they’re a much-needed one. Their lightweight nature makes them more easily absorbed by the skin than a standard moisturiser, allowing them to deliver targeted benefits to the skin. Plus, there’s a serum for pretty much every skincare concern. Skin looking tired and puffy? The ClarinsMen Energizing Gel uses red ginseng to energize, strengthen, and hydrate the skin. Feeling a little dull? Vitamin C serums are your go-to for a brighter, smoother complexion. We like the Medik8 C-Tetra. For everyday defence from the elements, try an antioxidant-rich variety like the Aesop Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Serum, which hydrates and soothes the skin while providing protection from environmental aggressors and free radical damage.
3. Lubricate that face
Now onto the most familiar step; moisturiser. Key in any good (or even average) skincare routine, a moisturiser works to hydrate and protect your skin, serving as a barrier between your face and potential free radicals (like smoke, pollution, and harsh weather). Smartly executed formulas can even work to deliver calming vitamins and antioxidants to your skin, which work to protect and strengthen the skin. For extra brownie points, sub in a dedicated night cream for your evening skincare routine; these are typically thicker and richer.
4. Protect your best asset
Not merely something you wear to the beach, a good SPF is essential on the daily. Even when it’s cloudy. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun is the largest cause of ageing, with UV rays mutating the cells in your skin which can lead to wrinkles, sunburn, sun spots and hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancer. Oh, and UV rays do travel through windows, so SPF protection is necessary even when you’re indoors. Opt for a chemical or mineral-based sunscreen of at least SPF30+.
5. Slough off dead skin cells
Regular exfoliation is crucial for healthy skin, with dead skin cells leading to clogged pores and breakouts. Plus, it reveals the healthy skin beneath, giving you a more radiant complexion and working to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time. Chemical exfoliants using AHAs, BHA, or PHAs are best, as physical scrubs can be abrasive and damage your skin. Either use a once or twice a week mask-style exfoliant or try a gentle leave-on exfoliant to use daily. If you opt for the latter, this step falls between cleansing and applying your serum.
Words by John Deckard
Feature image courtesy of Domenico Falso and Pasquale Autorino
