Back to Basics - The Best Basic Skincare Routine

It’s easy to get lost in a sea of serums, toners, and exotic ingredients. However, whilst it’s easy to go off on cosmetic flights of fancy, getting the basics of skincare right - the foundational elements - is key. Whether you're a skincare novice or a seasoned enthusiast, simplifying your routine can lead to healthier, more radiant skin. 

Skincare Basics for Beginners 

At Renude the very first thing we like to make clear is the importance of your skin health - that’s what skincare is all about, health.

As a skincare beginner, it’s less about ‘getting rid of spots’ or ‘combatting fine lines’ and more about understanding how skincare ingredients (and there for your products) should be combined and carefully selected to create a routine that is great for your skin’s microbiome and strengthing the skin barrier. 

Skincare should be more of a marathon than a sprint and if you get the combination of ingredients right, everything else can just fall into place! 

What are the basic skincare ingredients to look for? 

Basic ingredients that are great for your skin barrier health; for every skin concern and skin type and that should form part of a foundational, basic skincare routine include: 

Ceramides: Essential lipids that make up a significant portion of the skin barrier. Ceramides help retain moisture and protect against environmental stressors.

Fatty Acids (Omega-3 and Omega-6): Found in oils like flaxseed, chia seed, and evening primrose oil, these fatty acids help nourish and strengthen the skin barrier.

Cholesterol: A key component of the skin barrier, cholesterol helps maintain the structural integrity of cell membranes.

Hyaluronic Acid: A hydrating molecule that helps attract and retain water, promoting skin hydration and flexibility.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Reduces inflammation, supports the production of ceramides, and helps maintain a healthy skin barrier.

Trust us when we say, the worst thing we can do to our skin is not show it the patience it deserves. 

That's why a lot of our members start off on a key barrier-repairing routine and work their way up to incorporating powerful active ingredients as your skin starts to handle it better. The first in creating a skincare routine? Understanding your skin type.

Understanding Your Skin Type

Before diving into any skincare routine, it's crucial to understand your skin type. Is it oily, dry, or combination?

Here are the signs of each skin type:

• Normal skin: This skin type is well-balanced, with a healthy glow and no blemishes or visible pores. It is neither too oily nor too dry.

• Dry skin: This skin type is characterized by a lack of moisture and can feel tight, itchy, or flaky. It may also have fine lines and wrinkles.

• Oily skin: This skin type produces excess sebum, which can lead to clogged pores, blackheads, and acne. It has a shiny appearance and may feel greasy to the touch.

• Combination skin: This skin type is a mix of oily and dry skin, with an oily T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) and dry cheeks. It may require different care for different areas of the face.

Tailoring your routine to your specific needs ensures you're using the right products for your skin. The foundational steps that everyone should follow include:

1. Cleansing: Start with a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type. Cleansing removes dirt, oil, and makeup, allowing your skin to breathe and absorb subsequent products better.

1. Moisturising: Hydration is key for healthy skin. Invest in a good moisturiser that nourishes and hydrates without clogging pores. Even those with oily skin can benefit from a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser.

2. Sunscreen: Sunscreen is a non-negotiable step in any skincare routine. Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays helps prevent premature ageing and reduces the risk of skin cancer.

Gradual Introduction of Active Ingredients 

If you're new to skincare, start with the basics mentioned above before incorporating active ingredients like retinol or acids. These can be irritating if introduced too quickly and can even work against you if you don’t get the basics right first (particularly retinol).

Here are some active ingredients you may progress onto by concern. When your skin is ready, your aesthetician may introduce some of these into your routine: 

Breakouts/Acne:

• Salicylic Acid: Targets and unclogs pores, reducing acne and preventing future breakouts.

• Benzoyl Peroxide: Kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation.

Hyperpigmentation:

• Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid): Brightens skin, evens out skin tone, and helps fade dark spots.

• Alpha Arbutin: Targets hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanin production.

• Licorice Root Extract: Contains compounds that help lighten dark spots and even skin tone.

• Retinoids (Retinol, Retin-A): Promotes cell turnover, reducing the appearance of dark spots over time.

Redness/Sensitivity:

• Green Tea Extract: Calms irritation and reduces redness with its anti-inflammatory properties.

• Centella Asiatica (Cica): Soothes sensitive skin, promotes healing, and reduces inflammation.

• Azelaic Acid: Helps reduce redness and inflammation while targeting acne.

Ageing:

• Retinoids (Retinol, Retin-A): Stimulates collagen production, reduces fine lines and promotes skin renewal.

• Peptides: Amino acid chains that support collagen production, improving skin firmness.

• Vitamin E: An antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage and supports skin health.

Benefits of Basics for Skincare Enthusiasts 

A back-to-basics skincare routine isn't just for those new to skincare either. With so many products and trends on the market, it’s not uncommon for our skin to be overwhelmed by products and require a bit of a break. Benefits of a stripped-back routine include:

Simplicity and Consistency: Going back to basics allows you to simplify your routine. By focusing on essential steps, you're more likely to stick to a consistent routine, which is crucial for seeing results.

Identifying Essential Products: Skincare trends come and go, but the basics remain constant. Going back to the fundamentals helps you identify the essential products that truly benefit your skin.

Reduced Risk of Sensitivity: Overloading your skin with numerous products can lead to sensitivity and irritation. A more basic routine minimises the risk of adverse reactions, especially if you have sensitive skin.

How to Simplify Your Skincare Routine 

It can feel like you’re doing your skin wrong at first, to deny it of all the products you think are available to you to care for it. This we can understand, no one is out to disrupt their skin! Here are our steps to help you break up with the overcomplicated skincare routine: 

1. Assess Your Current Routine: Look at your existing skincare products and identify those you genuinely need. Eliminate redundant or unnecessary items.

2. Streamline Your Product Selection: Choose multi-functional products that offer multiple benefits. For example, a facial wash that both cleanses and exfoliates the skin, removing the need for a super strong liquid exfoliant or maybe even a nourishing serum packed with antioxidants and hyaluronic acid for hydration and revitalising.

3. Introduce Products Gradually: If you're eager to incorporate new products, do so gradually. This allows your skin to adapt and reduces the risk of irritation.

4. Consistency is Key: Stick to your simplified routine consistently. Results in skincare often come with time and regular use.

No matter if you are a seasoned skincare fanatic, or just starting to look after your skin a bit more, there is always more and more to learn about our skin health - even for our Renude aestheticians. If you would like us to help you take a step back and provide continuous support in caring for your skin by creating a personalised skincare routine with the products you love, take our skin quiz.