Simple Skincare | Paring back your routine to exactly what your skin needs

The Modern Skincare Cycle: Why We’re All Stuck

In the modern world of skincare we're constantly bombarded with different messages about the right way to use our skincare.  Oily skin? - strip it away with this new foaming agent. Having trouble with dry, sensitive skin? - Use this new moisturiser full of preservatives. Clogged pores? - use this astringent cleanser.

How Harsh Cleansers Disrupt the Skin Barrier

It seems we're constantly trying to rectify some skincare ailment and, in doing so, simply cause a new one to crop up. Let me explain; we're told that soft, oil free skin is the absolute beauty standard, and so when our skin goes through its monthly hormonal changes most of us will opt for a commercial cleanser that strips away that pesky oil that is giving you spots.

And why wouldn't you? It's what we've been taught all our lives. But the problem with these commercial cleansers that aim to wipe away oil and dirt, is that they actually strip away the natural oils that the skin needs to protect itself. And so you are left with overly sensitive skin, leading you to invest in the next most expensive moisturiser to try and repair the skin's natural barrier. Which can then lead to blocked pores and uneven skin, and so round and round we go. 

What Is the Real Skincare Solution?

So what breaks the cycle? Not more products - but more wisdom.

Choose a Gentle, Natural Cleanser

First and foremost, you want to simplify your cleansing routine - get back to basics with a simple, natural cleanser that doesn't strip your skin of its natural oils. For some people, a natural soap bar works wonders for this. However for those whose skin barrier is a little more sensitive, an oil cleanser may be what you need. The important thing is to listen to what your skin is trying to tell you

Prioritise light, natural oils in a moisturiser that won't block pores

Look for oils with a low comedogenic rating, think argan, almond and even shea butter all have a low score here. while avocado, coconut + cocoa butter score moderate to high. This allows the skin on your face to benefit from these deeply nourishing and nutritious oils without causing build up and blockages. 

Essential oils are natural anti-bacterial and microbial, and if you pick the right blend you can help to balance your skin's natural sebum production - think lavender + geranium or a rosemary infusion - helping to prevent breakouts and treating them when they appear. You might be inclined to look for something containing teatree, as we’ve been so programmed to believe that this is what tackles breakouts, but be mindful here, as the astringent nature of this particular oil could dry out your skin and perpetuate the cycle - we want balance, not extremes

For those of us with the most sensitive skin types, you may want to look into using an essential oil free blend. While most skin types aren't affected by essential oils in skin care it is possible that those suffering with eczema or psoriasis can feel the effects - so EO free is the way to go (the same goes here for choosing your cleanser)

Clay Masks for additional skincare

If you suffer from particularly congested skin you may want to supplement your routine with a clay mask once or twice a week. Clay is particularly effective in removing build ups and grime and actually activates the skin by creating a heat seal when you're using it, creating better circulation and delivering oxygen to skin cells.

How often you use them will depend on your skin type and needs, but remember that clay masks are additional skin care, not designed for use every day. Because even though clay is natural it too strips the skin, and as I said the aim here is balance not extremes.

Natural, simple skincare is so often the answer, and a slower more attentive approach to caring for your skin

Because the answer isn’t in buying more, scrubbing harder, or chasing every shiny promise. It’s in learning to listen to your own skin when we so often ignore it while we’re busy trying to “fix” it.

When you step back from the noise, the ads, the trends, the ten-step routines that require a spreadsheet, you start to notice something beautifully simple: your skin already knows what to do. Once you give it half a chance, it settles. It balances. It breathes. And suddenly the mirror stops feeling like a battle ground and starts feeling like a conversation again.

So let your products be few, but chosen with care. And let your skin, at long last, rest from the endless cycle of overcorrecting.