You Don't Need a Complicated Routine For The Best Skin of Your Life

How to Build an Effective Skincare Routine for Clear, Glowing Skin

A good skincare routine can be the key to clear, healthy, glowing skin. With an overwhelming number of products on the market, it’s easy to feel confused about where to start or how to adjust your routine.

This guide will break down the essential steps to build an effective skincare routine, providing useful tips along the way, and featuring product recommendations to help you navigate the Australian beauty landscape.

Understanding Your Skin Type

Before building a skincare routine, it’s important to understand your skin type. Skin types generally fall into five categories:

1. Oily: Prone to excess oil and shine, particularly in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin).
2. Dry: Lacks moisture, can feel tight, and often has a flaky texture.
3. Combination: A mix of oily and dry areas, commonly with an oily T-zone and drier cheeks.
4. Sensitive: Easily irritated by certain products, often prone to redness, itching, or inflammation.
5. Normal: Balanced in moisture and texture with few issues like breakouts or excessive dryness.

Once you’ve identified your skin type, you can make informed decisions about which products are likely to work best for you. This is a key part of avoiding skin issues such as breakouts, irritation, and premature ageing.

1. Cleansing: The First Essential Step

Cleansing your face is a crucial part of any skincare routine. It removes dirt, oil, and makeup, allowing other skincare products to work more effectively. Opt for a gentle cleanser that won't strip your skin of its natural oils.

For those with oily or acne-prone skin, a cleanser containing salicylic acid can help keep pores clear of oil and bacteria. If you have dry or sensitive skin, look for hydrating cleansers that include soothing ingredients like aloe vera or glycerine.

Tips for Cleansing:

• Always cleanse twice a day—morning and night.
• Avoid hot water, as it can irritate the skin and strip moisture. Use lukewarm water instead.
• Double cleanse if you wear makeup or sunscreen—start with an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup, followed by a water-based cleanser to clean the skin.

We love The Squalane Face Cleanser from Próta, at under $30 for 100ml, this hard working and high performing luxe cleanser brings the spa experience home.

 

Squalane Face Cleanser By Próta

For oiler skin types that need a bit of a deeper cleanse, our pick is the Sweet Orange Balancing Cleanser from Lamav.

It has a gorgeous citrus scent and works hard to get any grime off from the day.

Sweet Orange Balancing Cleanser By Lamav

You can explore other cleansing options on VAMS Beauty here. 

2. Exfoliation: Buff Away Dead Skin Cells

Exfoliation is a key step in a well-rounded skincare routine, but it’s important to strike the right balance. Over-exfoliating can damage your skin's barrier, leading to irritation and sensitivity. For most people, exfoliating 2-3 times a week is enough to maintain a smooth complexion without causing harm.

There are two types of exfoliators:

• Physical exfoliators, like scrubs, use small granules to buff away dead skin. However, some physical scrubs can be too harsh, particularly if you have sensitive skin.
• Chemical exfoliators contain acids like AHA (alpha hydroxy acids) or BHA (beta hydroxy acids), which dissolve dead skin cells without the need for scrubbing. These are often gentler and more effective over time, particularly for those with acne or hyperpigmentation.

Tip for Exfoliating:

• Use a gentle exfoliant with AHA or BHA for a smoother, brighter complexion without damaging your skin.
• Avoid using scrubs with large granules, as they can cause micro-tears in the skin.

We love Nightbloom Exfoliating Jelly Balm Muse By Gaia

We love Aha Face Exfoliant By Lamav

3. Hydration is Key: Moisturisers and Serums

No matter your skin type, hydration is essential. A good moisturiser acts as a protective barrier that locks in hydration and keeps your skin soft and smooth. The key is to find one that suits your skin type.

For oily or acne-prone skin, opt for a lightweight, non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) moisturiser. Dry skin types will benefit from richer creams that provide extra moisture. Combination skin can use a gel-based moisturiser that offers hydration without being too heavy.

Serums are another effective way to boost your routine. They contain higher concentrations of active ingredients and can target specific skin concerns, like hydration, brightening, or anti-ageing.

Tip for Moisturising:

• Always apply moisturiser while your skin is still damp to lock in extra moisture.
• If you have particularly dry skin, consider layering a hydrating serum under your moisturiser for an added boost.

We love Mumbai Gold Day Crème By Phos Studio

We love The Pollen Plumper - Vitamin C Face Moisturiser By: Pollen Nation Skin

4. Sunscreen: Your Best Anti-Ageing Product

In the Australian climate, sun protection is absolutely vital. UV rays are the number one cause of premature ageing, as well as skin cancers, making sunscreen the most important step in your skincare routine.

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50+ to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Look for formulations that suit your skin type—there are lightweight sunscreens for oily skin and richer, hydrating sunscreens for dry skin.

Tip for Sunscreen:

• Apply sunscreen every day, even in winter or on cloudy days.
• Reapply every two hours when outdoors, and after swimming or sweating.
• Don’t forget areas like the ears, neck, and hands!

We love SPF 50 Natural Tinted Moisturiser By Avocado Zinc

 

We love Super Sun SPF50 By Sunny Skin

Let's Sum it up

Building an effective skincare routine involves understanding your skin type and focusing on essential steps: cleansing, exfoliating, moisturising, and protecting your skin from the sun. Once you've established these basics, you can start introducing more targeted treatments for specific concerns like acne or pigmentation. And remember, skincare is a journey—consistency is key! With the right routine, you can enjoy clear, glowing skin for years to come.

Read More On The VAMS Edit:  The Best Skin Care Tips for Cold Weather

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