As I'm sure you know, the skin is the body’s largest organ, so it goes without saying that we should be taking extremely good care of it. A consistent skincare routine can contribute to the overall health of your skin, as well as to its appearance. In addition, engaging in a skincare routine can be a form of self-care and an opportunity to prioritise your well-being. Taking a few minutes each day to care for your skin can promote relaxation, boost self-confidence, and provide a sense of ritual and personal care.
While you could definitely benefit from following an established skincare routine, such as the one below, your actual product choices will need to be personalised to your skin type, concerns, lifestyle and skincare goals. This might take some trial and error but you’ll be rewarded with happy, healthy skin once you find what works for you.
Whenever you are unsure about which products are appropriate for your skin type and concerns, you should consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional. You can even reach out to Kaylee at The Beautique, who is always happy to share her extensive skincare knowledge. Or, alternatively, fill in their online skin assessment to receive personalised recommendations and information.
Remember, consistency is key when it comes to skincare. Stick to a routine every morning and night, and you should start seeing improvements in your skin's texture and appearance in no time.
CLEANSER
Cleanser plays a crucial role in skincare by removing dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin's surface, preventing them from clogging pores and causing breakouts. It also helps to prepare the skin for other skincare products, allowing them to penetrate the skin more effectively. There are several different types of facial cleansers available, each with its own unique benefits.
Gel cleansers are lightweight and designed to remove excess oil and impurities without stripping the skin of its natural moisture. They are ideal for oily and combination skin types.
Foam cleansers are similar to gel cleansers but produce a foamy lather when mixed with water. They are effective at removing dirt, oil, and makeup, and are suitable for all skin types.
Cream cleansers are thick and moisturising, making them ideal for dry and sensitive skin types. They work by gently removing impurities while also hydrating the skin.
Oil cleansers work by dissolving makeup, dirt, and excess oil on the skin's surface. They are suitable for all skin types, including oily skin, as they help to balance the skin's natural oil production.
Exfoliating cleansers contain small particles that help to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. They are suitable for all skin types but should be used no more than once or twice a week to avoid over-exfoliation.
Epiphany recommends:
Beauty Oil Cleanser, R235 - Lotus Breath
Lamelle Nourish Daily Cleanse, R310 - The Beautique
TONER
Toner is a fast-penetrating liquid that is used after cleansing to help remove any remaining impurities, balance the skin's pH level, and prepare the skin for other skincare products. Toner can help to hydrate the skin, reduce the appearance of pores, and improve the overall texture and tone of the skin. Toners can be applied using a cotton pad or by gently patting it into the skin with your hands.
Epiphany recommends:
Luminous Toner, R220 - Lotus Breath
Exfoliating Toner, R369 - Mbiri
SERUM
Serums are lightweight, fast-absorbing liquids that contain a high concentration of active ingredients such as vitamins, antioxidants, and peptides. They are designed to penetrate deeply into the skin to target specific skin concerns such as wrinkles, dark spots, and dehydration. Depending on the formula, serums can be used daily or a few times a week. The time of day should also be taken into consideration before application of some serums. For example, retinol should only be applied at night time. Choice of serums can differ greatly from one person to the next due to varying skin types, concerns and budget.
Epiphany recommends:
Hyaluronic Acid, R199 - Luamu
Lamelle Vita C Lipid Serum, R985 - The Beautique
FACIAL OIL
This is not an essential step, but rather one that can be added into a routine when needed. The purpose of a facial oil is to provide intense hydration, replenish the skin's natural oils, and help maintain a healthy moisture balance. Facial oils are often rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins, which can help improve the overall appearance and condition of the skin.
Epiphany recommends:
African Marula Oil, R199 - Luamu
Brightening Facial Oil, R439 - Mbiri
MOISTURISER
The basic purpose of this step is to provide hydration by replenishing and sealing in moisture in the outermost layer of the skin. Moisturisers often contain humectants (glycerin, hyaluronic acid) that attract water to the skin, helping to maintain its moisture balance.
A moisturiser can also help reinforce barrier function by creating a thin protective layer on the skin's surface. This can prevent excessive water loss (transepidermal water loss) and help shield the skin from environmental stressors.
When a moisturiser contains ingredients that have soothing and calming properties (aloe vera, chamomile, or oat extract) it can help to alleviate skin irritation, redness, or sensitivity in those with dry, sensitive, or compromised skin. On the other hand, moisturisers that are formulated with anti-aging ingredients, such as peptides, antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E) or retinol help to minimise the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of ageing.
Epiphany recommends:
Prebiotic Daily Cream, R459 - Mbiri
The Super Glo Hydro Boost Jelly Moisturiser, R325 - Lumi Glo
SPF
This is the final step of a morning skincare routine. Sunscreen is crucial because it helps shield the skin from the damaging effects of the sun's UV rays. Prolonged or unprotected exposure to the sun can lead to various skin concerns, including sunburn, premature ageing (such as wrinkles and age spots), and an increased risk of skin cancer. One should apply SPF everyday regardless of weather or season, as UV rays can still penetrate through clouds and cause damage to the skin.
Look for a sunscreen labeled as "broad-spectrum," which means it provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are responsible for skin ageing and can penetrate deeper into the skin, while UVB rays primarily cause sunburn and affect the superficial layers of the skin. Protection against both UVA and UVB rays is essential for comprehensive sun defence.
Epiphany recommends:
Glow Sunscreen SPF30, R252.80 - CF Suncare
Meet you Matte SPF40, R51.60 - CF Suncare
MASK
The main benefit of face masks is instant, concentrated and focused treatment. Masks are typically used once or twice a week, although the frequency can vary depending on the type of mask and individual skin needs. It's important to follow the instructions provided with the specific mask product you are using to ensure optimal results and avoid any potential skin sensitivities. The timing of this step in the routine also varies greatly depending on type of mask. A sheet mask, for instance, is applied after cleansing and toning. While the actual sheet is removed after 15 minutes, the excess serum that accompanies the mask should be left on the face for as long as possible, with no other products applied afterwards. A clay mask, on the other hand, is applied after cleansing and then completely washed off before continuing with the rest of the steps in the skincare routine.
Masks should complement your existing skincare routine to provide targeted benefits and an extra boost to your skincare efforts.
Epiphany recommends:
The Glo Getter Sheet Mask, R99 - Lumi Glo
Healing Face Mask, R295 - Lotus Breath
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