A skincare routine should be very simple: cleanse, tone, exfoliate, serum, moisturise and SPF. The trick is choosing the correct products for your skin. This means that you need to know your skin type so that you know what kind of product ranges are right for you. It’s also important to get the right ingredients in your products.

Getting the GRASS right

Every skincare routine should follow the same basic formula. Here’s a little acronym that we skincare therapists like to use for our clients and for ourselves at home: GRASS.

• G – Growth factors

Growth factors are proteins that are commonly found in your body. Having them in your moisturiser, a serum or even your cleanser can help to reduce fine lines and improve hydration in your skin.

• R – Retinol (vitamin A)

Retinal or vitamin A is great for skin rejuvenation and getting rid of the signs of skin damage. You usually get it in a specific serum and should only be used as part of your evening skincare regime before going to bed.

• A – Antioxidants

Antioxidants can help to build a protective shield on your skin, giving the cells time and space to heal and stopping more damage. This is another one that’s usually in a specific serum, but you should use it in the morning before you start your day.

• S – Specific serum

A specific serum is something that falls outside of your general skincare products like your cleanser, toner and moisturiser. If something like growth factors, retinol or antioxidants aren’t in those products, it’s important to look for a serum or treatment cream that can provide these vital elements.

• S – SPF

Protection from the harmful rays of the sun is a must for everyone and should be part of your everyday skincare routine. If your moisturiser doesn’t have a high SPF, then get a separate sunscreen to put on afterwards.

Ask for help with your skincare routine

It’s so important to run through the list and make sure that your skincare routine includes all of these essential elements. If you’ve got each one in at least one of the products you use, then you’re good to go.

Additionally, if you aren’t sure about your skin type, get in touch and one of our specialists can help you out.

– By Yoscha Uren