How to Build a Skincare Routine That Works for You

How to Build a Skincare Routine That Works for You

Nov 19, 2021Lisa Shelley

Find Your Skin Type

Your skin type will play a big role in what skincare routine is right for you. Whether your skin is sensitive, dry, oily, or something in between, there is Neal’s Yard Remedies products made for you.

Here are a few general guidelines to help identify your skin type. If you didn’t moisturize after cleansing, how would your skin feel in an hour?

  • Dry: Your skin feels tight and uncomfortable.
  • Combination: Your cheeks feel tight, and your t-zone is shiny.
  • Oily: Your skin feels oily and looks shiny.
  • Sensitive: Your skin feels painful, red and inflamed. 

You might have other concerns as well, such as hyperpigmentation/dark spots, ageing skin, or normal skin in need of a boost. In addition to your skin type, these are things to look out for as you build your routine.

Choose Your Routine

With so many skincare options, it can be hard to pick the right routine. From minimalist to indulgent self-care, you can pick the number of steps that work for you.

Most routines have at least 3 steps:

  1. Cleanser
  2. Toner
  3. Moisturizer

But depending on your needs, you might want to add another step or two. Facial oils, for example, can be a great additional step if you have dry, normal, or ageing skin.

Here’s the order in which to use your products:

  1. Make-up remover, micellar water, or cleansing balm
  2. Cleanser
  3. Toner
  4. Serum
  5. Oil
  6. Eye Cream
  7. Moisturizer

You can also add in a scrub and a face mask as a treatment, 1-2 times per week.

Choose Your Products

Make-Up Remover

You can skip the make-up remover in the AM, but if you wear make-up, this definitely isn’t a step you want to skip before bed.

Using a make-up remover allows you to remove all of your make-up and allows your cleanser to then fully cleanse your skin.

A cleansing balm like the Wild Rose Beauty Balm is a great choice for stubborn waterproof make-up. For something lighter, you can try an eye make-up remover like the Organic Eye Make-Up Remover. Or, for sensitive skin, the Sensitive Comfort + Hydrate Micellar Cleanser is a great choice.

Cleanser

After a make-up remover, a cleanser is the best way to remove any final traces of make-up, oil, sunscreen, and other build-up from the day.

Your skin type will play a big role in choosing the right cleanser for you.

Toner

Toners shouldn’t be harsh or drying for your skin. The right toner will deliver additional nutrients, act as the final cleansing step and help prepare your skin for the rest of your routine. In fact, a toner actually helps your skin better absorb facial oils and serums!

  • Dry: The Nourishing Orange Flower Toner is made to tone and refine dry skin. It has neroli oil to keep the skin moisturized as it tones and encourages a fresh, glowing complexion.
  • Combination: The Rehydrating Rose Toner revitalizes and balances all skin types, rehydrating the skin and prepping for moisturizer. 
  • Oily: Look for a clarifying toner that balances oils. The Purifying Palmarosa Toner leaves skin feeling balanced and refreshed.

Serums are great for all skin concerns, not just ageing. The Wild Rose Beauty Serum, for all skin types, helps boost radiance with ingredients like vitamin C, sodium hyaluronate, and rosehip oil.

Serum

A serum is a great step to add to your routine, especially if you have ageing skin. For skin experiencing the first signs of ageing, look for serums that plump the skin and smooth fine lines, like the Frankincense Intense™ Age-Defying Serum.

Facial Oil

Facial oils can enhance any skincare routine, even if you have an oily skin type. No matter your skin type, oils are a great way to nourish your skin.

Eye Cream

Eye cream might be the one step that’s less dependent on your skin type and more related to skin priorities. The skin around your eyes is delicate and needs more moisture, even if your skin is oily.

If you have mature skin, look for an eye cream that helps combat fine lines and wrinkles. Both the Frankincense Intense™ Age Defying Eye Cream and the Frankincense Intense™ Lift Eye Cream are designed to fight signs of ageing. 

If you’re looking for something lighter for your morning routine, Reviving White Tea Toning Eye Gel helps reduce puffiness and dark circles.

Moisturizer

Every skin type needs a good moisturizer, including oily skin. Cleansing and moisturizing are the most important steps, so we never want to skip a moisturizer.

  • Dry: The Jasmine Enriching Cream is ​​made to help the skin retain moisture with ingredients like vitamin E.
  • Combination: Try something like the Rehydrating Rose Daily Moisture, which is clinically proven to keep skin moisturized for up to 12 hours.
  • Oily: Look for a light moisturizer like the Yarrow & Comfrey Moisturizer. It helps balance the skin’s natural oils, absorbs quickly while still leaving skin feeling fresh and moisturized.

Your moisturizer is also a great opportunity to look for anti-ageing ingredients. The Frankincense Intense™ Age-Defying Cream is clinically proven to visibly reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles while it firms and hydrates.

Facial Scrubs & Polishes

A scrub is a great way to remove any dry, flaky skin for all skin types. 

  • Dry: Look for a gentler scrub or skin polish. The Honey & Orange Facial Scrub is designed to be gentle while removing dead skin.
  • Combination: Try something like the Rehydrating Rose Daily Moisture, which is clinically proven to keep skin moisturized for up to 12 hours.
  • Oily: Look for a light moisturizer like the Yarrow & Comfrey Moisturizer. It helps balance the skin’s natural oils, absorbs quickly while still leaving skin feeling fresh and moisturized.

Face Masks

No matter your skin type, face masks are an excellent way to help your skin look and feel its best. There are masks that work well for all skin types, like the Reviving White Tea Face Mask and the Rejuvenating Frankincense Firming Mask, which is especially great for ageing skin. 

If you have oily skin, look for ingredients like kaolin clay. The Purifying Palmarosa Facial Mask deeply cleanses to help balance and prevent blemishes on oily skin.

Facial scrubs and masks are suggested for use 1-2 times per week.

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