Last time we look at the basics of our new Buildable Skincare Routine. We covered cleansing, moisturising and protecting, but what is the next step? How do you add to your buildable skincare routine and tailor it to you personally?
Why Add to the Basic Buildable Skincare Routine?
You have spent some time adjusting to the new routine that we built the basic of and now it is time to begin adding to that. As we said last time, this is something you can do at your own pace and definitely able to customise it to suit your preferences, skin type and budget.
Why do you want to add to it? Well, in short there are many options when looking at skincare, and the whole idea behind the Basic Buildable Skincare Routine is that you can make it your own. Add in the parts you want to and leave out the rest. The vast nature of skincare and products available mean that you might not be looking for anti-ageing products, or might not need to fight against blemishes and spots, which is absolutely fine. This is your skincare, your routine and most of all we are working towards better mental health, so choosing options that aren’t right for you will not make this an enjoyable self-care activity, it will instead heap pressure on to you that you do not need.
Step One – Adding Exfoliators
We are going to be adding exfoliators to our routine. There are exfoliators for almost every part of your body, so it is up to you where to add them in. Of course, we are mostly focusing on the face for this series, but as a rule each of the steps apply to the body too.
What is an exfoliator? It is a product or indeed substance, that enables you to remove the dead skin cells from your face (and or body).
What are the benefits?
The main benefit of using an exfoliator is the removal of the dead skin cells, leaving behind fresh skin that looks and feels renewed. It is also useful for unclogging pores, helps fight blemishes and spots, as well as aiding the fight against aging. Exfoliating can also help improve your skin tone, making it more even and provides the perfect opportunity to apply your regular skincare products. This is because after exfoliating your skin is better suited to absorbing them.
Exfoliation leaves your skin feeling refreshed, plump and often glowing. It can also nourish the skin depending on the exfoliator you use.
Where do they fit in the routine?
Exfoliation is best as part of your morning routine as when you sleep your skin produces oils, it is easier to remove these oils, the dead skin and any impurities at this time.
It is always best to pop your exfoliation into your routine after cleansing, this way you have already removed dirt, some oils, etc, making exfoliation more beneficial for your skin. Then apply your exfoliator and wash with warm water, ready to move on to moisturising!
What about the different types?
There are two types of exfoliator – chemical and physical.
A Chemical exfoliator generally contains an acid, (one good for your skin) that is able to dissolve the glue that sticks the dead skin cells to the renewed skin beneath.
A Physical Exfoliator contains particles that help remove those dead skin cells.
Either option is completely valid and it is really down to personal choice which way you go. I personally prefer a physical exfoliator and use one with finer particles as I have sensitive skin.
Skin Types and Exfoliators
Normal/Combination Skin – you should look for a mild exfoliator (as we are concentrating on the face) that is suited to your skin type. If you go down the chemical route, the Glycolic acid is the ingredient to look for.
Oily Skin – Search for an exfoliator that again have fine particles, but also contains natural anti-inflammatory components, such as Aloe Vera or coconut oil. Salicylic acid would be the ingredient to search for when taking the chemical option, it has the same anti-inflammatory properties and is also anti-microbial, so helps fight break outs.
Dry, Sensitive or Older Skin – You want something extremely fins and gentle for this skin type, so a product that contains powder or beads is perfect. Chemical exfoliators should have Lactic Acid in which is gentle on the skin and helps moisturise at the same time.
We actually created our very own exfoliator as part of our Home Skincare Remedies series, a Vanilla Coconut Sugar Scrub. Using brown sugar means that it is gentle on the skin, making it perfect for facial skincare and all skin types. Exfoliators are one of the best skincare products to make at home as they are extremely easy to do, and generally can be made with cupboard ingredients.
You can also find tools that help exfoliation, such as pumice stones, loafers and other ones that have a slightly abrasive surface that exfoliates whilst you cleanse.
Let us know which exfoliator you decide to add to your routine over on our TikTok, Instagram, Threads, Facebook and Twitter or down below in the comments.
