Are you a bit of a rookie when it comes to skincare? You want the kind of glowy, perf skin of Emily Ratajkowski on some sort of #nomakeup Boracay vacation, but have zero idea how to navigate those damn confusing beauty aisles. We get it.
With serums, toners, essences and more on the market now, you’re either spending entire pay packets on different moisturisers, or you’re still using the acne stuff you had as a kid – even though there hasn’t been a spot on your face for years. And don’t even get us started on anti-ageing and when that shit needs to get some focus.
We figured it’s best to consult the experts – so we asked one of Australia’s top facialists, Melanie Grant (she’s responsible for Phoebe Tonkin and Jessica Gomes‘ clear and amazing skin) where we should be starting when it comes to skincare in our 20’s.
IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE COMPLICATED
Basically, you want a cleanser, a day serum and moisturiser (with SPF), and a night serum and moisturiser. That set of products is the perfect place to start, according to Melanie, and from there you can add things in as you feel you need. I, for example, use an oil cleanser and a gentle cleanser – the oil one removes my makeup easily, and the gentle one works to clear my pores.
But while it isn’t complicated, you do need to choose wisely. Grabbing just anything off the shelf isn’t going to land you with the skin of your dreams.
YOUR MAIN FOCUS SHOULD BE PREVENTION
It’s way easier to prevent skin problems than it is to fix them. This goes for everything from pimples to blackheads to wrinkles. Basically, even if your skin is smooth as a baby’s butt, don’t think you can just do shit-all for it and have it stay that way.
Mecca Cosmetica In A Good Light Tinted Moisturiser SPF30, $40
“A gentle cleanse in the morning, followed by an antioxidant serum to protect the skin against harmful free radicals and environmental pollution and lastly a broad spectrum high SPF sunscreen moisturiser is perfect for someone in their 20’s,” says Melanie.
Take note of that SPF mention in particular, mates. Not only will it protect you from skin cancer (um, obviously the most important reason to use it), daily SPF use also protects you from premature ageing, something us Aussies deal with in spades thanks to the ozone layer situation and our particularly aggressive UV levels. This’ll show up anywhere from your mid-20’s onward as fine lines, pigmentation and wrinkles – so get on that shit now.
NIGHT SKINCARE IS FOR THE HEAVY HITTERS
If you only want to invest in one or two products, make them some hard-working night treatments. As Melanie says, your skin repairs and rejuvenates as you sleep – so give it a nudge with some good quality, effective skincare.
“This is the perfect time to apply your corrective products such as a refining serum with retinol, or a restorative face oil – I love Vintner’s Daughter,” she says. “Always apply a hydrating night cream to replenish hydration levels – if you have an oily or acne-prone skin choose a lightweight gel creme.”
KNOW YOUR INGREDIENTS
Investing in skincare really comes down to what ingredients are in your products, and picking stuff that will actually work with your skin type and skin issues. So before you splurge on a cult face cream, check if the stuff in it is actually suited to you.
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum, $9.90
Some great ones, according to Melanie? Niacinamide for reducing inflammation in blemish-prone skin and people with rosacea, lactic acid in cleansers as it gives gentle exfoliation so it’s suitable for all skin types, vitamin C in a day serum for minimising pigmentation and evening skin tone.
“Also, retinol in a night serum helps to refine pores, decongest the skin and give a polished, dewy radiance, hyaluronic acid is great for hydration, and salicylic acid should be an ingredient in your spot treatments,” says Melanie.
WORK WITH YOUR OWN VIBE
Look, if you’re the laziest human alive and have five alarms on your phone to get you up in the morning, you’re not going to spend 15 full minutes doing a skincare routine each morning and night. There are ways to cut corners and still be giving your skin max TLC.
“To make life easier choose a day cream that combines a broad spectrum high SPF with a moisturiser, this way it’s one simple step and you’ll never forget to apply your sunscreen,” says Melanie.
Biologique Recherche Lotion P50, $91
Other cheats? Liquid exfoliants use gentle acids to get rid of clogged pores and dead skin cells, and not only are they generally a gentler alternative to a grainy exfoliant, they’re so lazy-person – you just swipe some over your face and you’re set. There are also plenty of serums that pack a whole range of hard working ingredients into one, so you don’t have to layer up.
