You cleanse, tone, and moisturise. You even exfoliate and mask weekly, and use a series of serums and essences that target at your skin concerns. What could probably go wrong in your skincare routine and why aren’t you seeing clear, radiant skin that you’ve always desired?
Well, many things could go wrong. If you’re ready to straighten out your skincare routine and start seeing a difference, here are a few things to start doing to get it on the right track.
1. Get your skin type and needs analysed
Let’s begin with the basics. Do you know what your skin type is and what your skin really needs?
Many of us are able to observe the superficial problems, however, it takes a professional eye and the help of technology to really get down to the root of the problem. For instance, are your fine lines caused by ageing or skin dryness? You have “shiny” skin that interferes with your makeup – is it because of oily skin type or dehydrated skin?
Knowing the correct reason that affects your skin concerns will ensure that you use appropriate products in your skincare routine to address the issues at hand. And of course, using the wrong products may leave you with no improvement, or worse, an aggravation of the problems.
Many beauty salons offer skin analysis using basic measurement tools to identify your skin type and top concerns. Going for such sessions can certainly help you understand your skin better.
If you want to take the analysis a notch higher, consider IQGenes by BMF Bella Marie France, a genetic analysis to understand your skin’s disposition.
IQGenes is able to send your genetic sample (taken from your saliva) to researchers who will run it in the lab to understand your genetic structure. With the information, a report that details your genetic pre-dispositions is generated and personalised treatments for your skin are recommended.
The great thing about a detailed analysis like this is that you’ll not just be able to address your current skin concerns but also start taking measures to prevent skin issues you’re more susceptible to from occurring.
2. Wash your hands thoroughly
We are often reminded to wash the tools that we use on our faces (such as brushes and sponges), but don’t forget about the “tool” that we use the most – our hands!
Always wash your hands thoroughly before skincare application. This ensures that you’re not introducing any bacteria to your skin, which can lead to inflammation of the skin.
3. Go for regular facial treatments
Sure, you already have a solid skincare routine and are using products that are suited for your skin. However, regular facials are an integral part of a good skincare routine that you shouldn’t overlook.
Think of it this way: even if you take good care of your car, it still requires regular servicing to make sure it runs efficiently. A facial functions in the same way; you get to meet with your therapist to check if your skin issues have changed, and then give your skin the regular booster that it needs.
The interesting thing is that healthy skin actually absorbs skincare products better. This means that going for regular facials is a good way to maintain your skin’s health so that your skincare routine can work even better for you later.
And how often should you be going for facial treatments? Estheticians recommend doing it once a month for the best results.
If you’re wondering what type of facial treatments to go for, there are several types that can help maintain skin’s health and enhance your skincare routine.
Hydration facials
Hydration facials are able to treat skin at a cellular level by filling skin cells with moisture so they are plump and bouncy. This, in turn, gives your skin a healthy, radiant, and smooth appearance.
Try: Hydraintense Solution by BMF Bella Marie France. This is great for parched skin that needs an intense boost of hydration. At the heart of this facial treatment is a pure form of Hyaluronic Acid that can help improve your skin’s hydration level instantly.
Renewal facials
Removing dead skin cells through organic or mechanical peel helps with skin renewal, which is an important step to achieving great skin. A facial that is able to remove dead skin cells can improve your skin’s ability to absorb nutrients from your skincare products, improve skin’s metabolism, and regenerate its ability to produce collagen and elastin structures. These benefits help you achieve a youthful, healthy glow, as well as an overall improvement in your skin’s texture.
Try: Aquadew Pro by BMF Bella Marie France. This therapy gently exfoliates the skin while infusing skin with quality serums that nourish skin and seal in moisture. You can look forward to renewed skin that’s dewy and even-toned.
Corrective facials
If you have a specific concern, such as dull complexion or sagging skin, then corrective facials are the ones to go for. They address your skincare concerns specifically so you can see instant results.
Try: 360° Illuminator Treatment by BMF Bella Marie France. This facial treatment targets several concerns and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It pampers skin with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals so that the appearance of pigmentation and dark spots can be lightened. This treatment is also great for defence against UV damage and development of spots in the future.
Preventive facials
Not seeing any obvious skin problem? Go for preventive facials to maintain the state of your skin’s health and prevent the effects that are responsible for skin ageing. These facials stimulate cell growth and collagen production so you can maintain a youthful and rejuvenated complexion
Try: Hydro-Ions C Treatment by BMF Bella Marie France. This facial uses transdermal technology to deliver vitamin C deeply into skin. Boosting cell regeneration and skin’s immunity, this treatment gives skin the protection that it needs against aggressors like UV rays, so that it can remain radiant and firm.
To find the perfect facial treatment for you to supplement your current skincare routine, check out the suite of facial services that BMF Bella Marie France offers.
4. Stick to your skincare products
Look into your beauty stash, do you have a bunch of half-used products that you’ve abandoned after a few applications?
If this sounds like you, it’s time to be more “faithful” to your products.
Considering that the average cell turnover is 28 days, it may take at least one month before you can see noticeable results from a product.
Switching them up just after a few days or weeks means that you’re not giving the product enough time to work – or worse, you may be subjecting your skin to too many variables and ingredients, which can sometimes have a negative impact on it.
This being said, there are times you should consider a change in your skincare routine. The reasonable factors include:
- You are having an allergic reaction. If the product is causing irritation or reaction, definitely stop using it at once.
- Your environmental condition has changed. For instance, if you’re travelling somewhere that has a different climate, you will need to change to products that can address issues associated with the climate better.
- You’re having hormonal changes. Milestones like pregnancy and menopause can cause changes to your hormones, which can change your skin’s concerns and the way your skin responds to products. In these cases, you may want to go for a skin analysis to find out what your new skin concerns are.
5. Be conscientious with your skincare routine
You may have a skincare routine but do you go through it twice a day (in the day and in the evening)?
Skincare products aren’t magic potions that work just by applying them once. Being conscientious with your skincare routine by applying them as regularly as instructed makes sure you’re reaping the maximum amount of benefits from your products.
6. Don’t overdo your skincare routine
“The more the merrier” doesn’t apply to your skincare routine. Think of your skin as a jar with a maximum capacity to it. If you add too much water to the jar, it can overflow and the water gets wasted. Similarly, dousing your skin with too many products will only end up with wastage because your skin may not be able to absorb everything.
Instead, keep your skincare routine is as lean as possible. Go with the basic products first and then slowly introduce one or two additional ones to your skincare routine and see how your skin takes to it.
Your skin should feel hydrated and plump, and without any trace of the products applied after you’re done with your skincare routine. If it feels wet or oily, then you might probably be overdoing it.
7. Good lifestyle habits matter
Finally, the “last step” of your skincare routine should be the adoption of good lifestyle habits.
We’re talking about having sufficient sleep (at least seven hours), drinking enough water (approximately eight glasses), doing regular exercises, and avoiding pollutants (like cigarette smoke, UV rays, and smog).
It is challenging for your skincare routine to work if your lifestyle habits don’t help to enhance its effects – so don’t forget to start making important adjustments to your lifestyle!
This article is brought to you by Bella Marie France.
