- Welcome back to another episode of Skincare Nerds.
I'm Joanna, and today we're gonna be talking
about beginner's skincare routine.
So if you've just started out with the skincare
and you're really not sure where to begin,
keep watching 'cause I'm gonna be covering
the three products you absolutely need to have
in your routine to start with
and how to add all the other goodies
into your routine as you go.
So what I wanna start with, is that skincare
doesn't have to be as complicated as you think it does.
It really isn't that hard to wrap your head around
if you keep things simple.
So don't feel like you need to have
a super complex routine to start with,
you really only need three core products just to begin with,
and then you can work out what to add into your routine
after you've established those products.
You've got them down pat,
you know they work for your skin,
then you can start adding things like serums and exfoliants.
We'll get to that part.
The other thing I really wanna touch on
is choosing your skincare,
if you're not going to a dermal clinician
or a skin therapist to have your routine prescribed to you,
make sure you're choosing products
that are designed for your skin type
and that are going to target your concerns.
There is nothing worse than buying all of this skincare
that an influencer is using or that your mum's using
or your sister's using or your friend's using,
their skin is not the same as yours,
and their concerns are not the same as yours.
I like to put it this way,
you wouldn't buy a pair of jeans
based on your friend wearing them
and going, "Oh yeah she looks really good in those jeans."
And then you go and buy the same style, in the same size
except you're two sizes smaller
and you are a foot taller than her,
those jeans aren't gonna look the same.
If we buy our clothing based on our own body shape
and our own size, why don't we do the same with skincare?
You need to make sure that those products are suitable
for your skin type and your concerns.
Trust me, you will save a (beep) load of money.
So we've got four main skin types.
So that's you're dry skin, normal skin, oily skin
and combination skin.
Sometimes sensitive skin can also fall
under a skin type rather than a concern.
But let's just talk about those four skin types
to make it a little bit more simplified.
Your normal skin,
I mean, that's the best skin type that you can have
because normal skin really doesn't have
many concerns associated with it.
It doesn't overproduce or under produce oil.
Texture is usually quite refined and tone is quite even.
Then we have your dry skin type,
which infers a lack of oil in the skin.
So a dry skin type is generally flaky or tight or dull.
And you might experience a lot of texture in the skin.
So you find that your makeup doesn't go on very smoothly.
And also due to that lack of oil production,
you'll find that pores are a lot harder to see
in dry skin types.
Now, to a oily skin, don't hate on oily skin.
It actually ages better.
But the thing with oily skin
is that it is hard to keep things like makeup staying put
because there is an overproduction of oil there.
So if you find that throughout the day
you're oily all over,
then you're probably an oily skin type.
If you find you're just oily through the T-zone,
then you might be more of a combo skin type.
So that would be where you get oily through the T-zone
and then your dryer more on the perimeters of your face.
So an oily skin type may be more prone
to things like congestion,
you know like blackheads and things like that.
And also don't be fooled,
oily skin can be dehydrated as well.
So do not skip the moisturizer if you've got oily skin.
And then your combo skins, as I mentioned
that's when you're a little bit dry
around the perimeters of the face
and you're oily through the T-zone.
So you'll probably use a mixture of products
that are suitable for both oily and normal skin types.
I hope that kind of covers off the basics.
I do recommend going to say a skin therapist
or a dermal clinician at some point in your life
especially if you're really confused
about what your skin type and concerns are.
Now onto concerns,
once you've identified the skin types,
so for example, you might have oily skin.
Then your concerns that are associated
with the oily skin might be congestion.
So that's how you wanna choose your products.
They need to be suited to an oily skin type
and they need to target the concerns that you have.
Other concerns might be pigmentation, unevenness,
textural issues, aging concerns,
so the list is quite long.
But you basically want to identify
what your main concerns are.
What are those things you wanna treat
with your skin care or improve with your skincare?
As long as your products suit your skin type
and they're designed to target your concerns,
you're on the right path.
Now, what are those three products
I've been raving about this whole time?
They are a cleanser, a moisturizer and an SPF.
A well-rounded routine really doesn't exist
without those three products.
Effectively cleansing away impurities,
preventing dehydration, and protecting the skin
from the sun, are absolutely non-negotiables.
First things first, your cleanser.
How do you choose the right cleanser?
So one of my favorite cleansers
is the asap Gentle Cleansing Gel.
I have been using that since (exhales) 2012.
So the reason I cleanse with that one
is because it is a gentle daily cleanser,
but I do recommend always having something gentle
that you can use daily in your routine,
especially if you're not wanting
to have more than one cleanser.
I like to have two or three, but that's just me being extra.
I like to have an oil cleanser
that can break down makeup on the surface of the skin
before I go in with my gentle daily cleanser.
Or, if I haven't really been wearing makeup,
and I just want to do a double cleanse
with like an active cleanser
which would be the Dermalist one,
I would cleanse with the asap Gentle Cleansing Gel,
and then I'd go in with the Dermalist one after that.
So you can choose your cleanser based on your skin type.
So your cream cleansers are generally more suitable
for dry skin types.
The oil cleansers are pretty much suitable for anyone
they're really good for removing makeup.
Your gel cleanses are usually
for more normal to oily skin types.
Then you've got things like foaming cleansers
or clay cleansers
and they may be more suited to combat oily skin types
as they can be a bit more drying on the skin.
And then we've got things like micellar water.
Now I'm not against micellar water,
but that is not a stand-alone cleanser.
That is a makeup remover in my eyes.
Great to use in the morning, just to take off
that excess skin care from the night before.
But if you're using as your only cleanser
you need to get a proper one.
Some of my favorite cleansers are,
in the oil category. I love the Dermalogica Precleanse.
And I also really like,
the Medik8 Lipid-Balancing Oil, I think it's called.
I'm currently using the Ella Bache Botanical Cleansing Oil.
As for cream cleansers, which are really more suited
to your dry to sensitive skin types,
I really love the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser,
and Avene also have a cleansing milk
which is really nice for sensitive skin types too.
Then your gel cleansers,
obviously the asap Gentle Cleansing Gel
and Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel.
And then foaming cleansers,
I don't recommend all that much
'cause you usually find quite stripping ingredients
in foaming cleansers
but there are a couple of really good ones on the market.
Like the Cosmedix Salicylic Acid one,
especially if you're acne prone or oilier
and you're prone to congestion.
And then on the clay cleansers, Sodashi have a clay cleanser
which is suitable for most skin types.
And of course, if we're gonna mention micellar water,
the Bioderma one is really the only one I use.
So just to wrap up on choosing a cleanser,
I do recommend having two cleansers,
but if you can only have one,
choose a cleanser that's suitable to use daily,
asap, Dermalogica, Skinstitut,
they all have good daily cleansers,
that you can use without stripping your skin,
but still giving an effective cleanse.
If you're someone that wears makeup a lot
I would suggest having an oil cleanser
and then a gentle daily cleanser.
And if you're someone that deals
with a lot of texture and congestion
then I'd suggest having a basic everyday cleanser
plus something that's a little bit more active
like the Dermalist, something that's gonna help
to give you that chemical exfoliating action
while you're cleansing your skin.
Now let's get into moisturizers.
Nobody is exempt from having a moisturizer.
I'm only gonna say that once.
Yes, I'm talking to you oily skin types
because I know you'll try and get out of it,
but everyone needs a moisturizer.
If you're using your serums and all of your actives
you need something that's gonna lock that in
and provide hydration
and keep your skin moisturized and soft.
So for very, very dry skin,
I like to recommend Weleda Skin Food.
It's a beautiful, really rich moisturizing cream.
It can be used for cracked heels, hands, the face.
Also Aspect SMC, the Super Moisturizing Complex
and the Avene Restorative Skin Cream.
So that's really beautiful for more sensitive skin types,
if you tend to react to a lot of products
that is a good option,
and La Roche-Posay have some good options as well,
but that's my picks for very dry skin.
Then to normal to dry, which is me.
So I like to use Aspect Phytostat 9, love that
it will always be one of my Holy grails,
but I also really liked the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream.
And I like IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Cream as well,
I think I actually have that here.
I love to use this under makeup,
so that's one of my go-tos.
Then for combination skin, you can kind of go
between what you would use for a normal skin type
and an oily skin type.
So Phytostat 9, I find it suited to a combination skin types
and also The Ordinary's Natural Moisturising Factors,
is a good one too.
Then for oily skin types,
and I know that you've been waiting for this,
the Murad Nutrient-Charged Water Gel,
oh my God, amazing.
It's such a good moisturizer for oily skin
but even if you've got normal skin, so I actually own it,
and I use it quite regularly.
Aspect Sheer Hydration is also a really good one
and Cosmedix Shineless too.
Then for sensitive skin,
I do recommend La Roche-Posay and Avene
for all things sensitive skin.
The French really do sensitive skin products really well.
So anything that's really on range, (smirks) so good.
Now our last product on the list is SPF.
There's no reason,
why you shouldn't be wearing an SPF every day.
It really is crucial,
especially if you're spending so much money
on active skincare ingredients like Retinols
and then you're going out into the sun
and you're just causing more damage.
You need to have an SPF.
A lot of people wanna know what the differences are
between chemical and physical sunscreens.
So chemical sunscreens as the name suggests,
feature chemical filters,
whereas your physical sunscreens or mineral sunscreens
contain ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide
to form more of a physical protective barrier on the skin.
So some of my recommendations
for physical sunscreens,
include Dermalogica's Invisible Physical Defense,
Medik8 Physical Sunscreen and Ultra Violette Lean Screen.
Now you should always expect a physical sunscreen
to be a bit thicker on the skin.
Chemical sunscreens tend to be a bit more pleasant
to wear daily,
but a lot of people that react to chemical sunscreens
will use a physical.
So there still are really really good physical sunscreens
on the market.
But chemical sunscreens tend to be the preference
because they are a little bit more comfortable
to wear on the skin.
So some of my recommended chemical sunscreens
are Mesoestetic Light Water Antiaging Veil,
Alpha-H Protection Plus SPF 50,
and Ultra Violette Supreme Screen.
Now sunscreen is a little bit harder to choose
based on your skin type and concerns.
If you are a little bit more sensitive
and you've reacted before to chemical sunscreens,
I'd suggest opting for a physical sunscreen.
If you haven't had any issues with sunscreen in the past
maybe try a chemical one.
With sunscreens, I think it's best to read a few reviews
before you make a purchase
just to see what other people are saying about the product.
You know, they might have the same skin type as you
or they might have the same concerns as you.
Reading the product description
to see if it's suitable for you
and reading reviews can really help
in choosing the right sunscreen.
When it comes to your SPF,
don't forget that as your last skin care step.
And when it comes to layering in general
don't forget the rule thinnest, thickest in consistency.
So that should help you to identify
where things sit in your routine.
Then when it comes to serums,
you wanna make sure you're layering based on your concerns.
That's the way I like to put it.
So for example, if you're trying to target pigmentation
or prevent future damage
you wanna be putting your vitamin C down first.
And then if you're also using niacinamide or a HA
in the morning as well
you put that over the top and then your SPF.
So I hope that kind of explains layering
in very very simple terms.
Sometimes that does require a bit of trial and error again,
because some products just do not play nicely together.
So always have a play around with your products
and see what works.
As a general rule, your vitamin Cs, niacinamides and HAs
can be used in the morning with your SPF.
And then any acids like your retinols, your AHAs,
your BHAs should be at night.
But your HAs and your niacinamide can be used at both times.
I hope that makes it simple.
I'm making skincare sound complicated I know.
Now let's talk about the additional things
that can go into your routine,
once you've established those three products.
So you can add in your serums and they've got things
like exfoliants, toners, masks, devices, the list goes on.
So as we've discussed,
you need to be picking your serums based on your skin type
and your skin concerns.
Make sure you do your own research on that product
and what it does.
And also be careful not to double up on ingredients either.
I've come across a lot of people that are using
both the asap Super B Complex and the Aspect Extreme B.
You don't need both of those serums.
They're both base serums.
It's not gonna hurt to have both of them
but it's not necessary to have both.
So you don't need to be spending that money
on two of those products.
So that's where it comes in handy
to know a little bit more about ingredients.
And the podcast is your great place
to learn more about ingredients.
If you haven't listened to "Beauty IQ Uncensored",
I would recommend heading there
because it does explain a lot about serums
and different ingredients
and what you should and shouldn't have in your routine.
But for example, your products like niacinamide
and Hyaluronic acid are pretty universal
and most skin types can use them.
Whereas products like retinol,
you might only wanna be using,
if you have congestion concerns
or aging concerns or pigmentation concerns.
If you've got very normal skin with minimal concerns
you might not wanna introduce a retinol
until you've reached 30, for example.
Whereas acids like AHAs can be really beneficial
and we've actually done a video on AHAs
so go and watch that.
They can be really beneficial in reducing texture
and encouraging collagen production.
So ingredients like that are great to have
in, you know, chemical exfoliant, toners,
and products like that.
They even come in serums, you know, you name it,
but when it comes to choosing your serums,
you do not need 10 serums.
You might need four.
So if you have two for your mornings,
you got a vitamin C in the morning
and a HA to layer over that.
And then you've got a niacinamide and a BHA for the night.
Do your research on those products, find out what's in them
find out what concerns those ingredients target
and then you can decide whether they belong in your routine.
So I hope that kind of explains how to incorporate serums.
And then we come to things like exfoliants.
I really like to recommend an exfoliant
in a skincare routine because it does help with texture.
I don't necessarily recommend physical scrubs,
they're just not for me personally.
I really like to recommend chemical exfoliants.
We've done an episode on chemical exfoliants before.
So you can go and find out more about them there.
Things like masks and devices,
they're just not necessary at this point.
Let's get your skincare,
your basic skincare routine down pat,
before you start adding in all of these different things
that you see on Instagram and TikTok.
Let's just keep it simple to start with
see how your skin responds,
see if it improves your concerns,
and then you can start adding more things from there.
But honestly you don't need more
than probably six products in your skincare routine.
I'd say six products
and you've pretty much got something
that's quite well-rounded.
You can also add in things like eye treatments
which I think are a good addition
if you're in your mid to late twenties.
So I really hope that this video
hasn't just been completely confusing.
I always get to the end of recording,
and I'm like, "did any of that actually makes sense?"
I really hope that some of these has been helpful for you.
There are a ton of other "Skincare Nerds" videos.
If you haven't seen them all already
I would recommend going to watch those
because we cover a few ingredients in details
and that might help you choose your serums.
And if you still have any questions
you can leave them in the comments box below
and I'll get back to them as soon as I can.
But until next time, make sure you subscribe.
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