Is your skin looking dull, dry, or lackluster? It could be time to update your skincare routine. Your skin’s needs naturally change depending on the season and weather, plus your mood, age, and hormones. A skincare routine that worked last summer might not be cutting it anymore because your body and environment have changed.
Mixing things up doesn’t require buying all new products and doing things completely differently. Here are 10 simple ways you can update your skincare routine to see big results:
1. Check the expiration dates
It might sound simple, but your skin won’t look its best if you’re using expired products. In general, cleansers and moisturizers are good for six months to one year, and anti-aging or anti-acne products are good for up to a year.
2. Change the formula
Even if you’ve settled on a product that you enjoy, it doesn’t hurt to mix up the formula every once in a while. Most skincare companies create similar products in different formulas, so you can easily move from an oil-free cleanser as a cream to a foam or from a thin moisturizer to a thicker moisturizing night cream. Sometimes all your skin needs to be revitalized is a slightly different formula.
3. Start overnight
The best time for your skin to recover and rejuvenate is overnight. If you’ve noticed your skin is looking drab, try a night cream or overnight mask for added moisture and protection. All you have to do is put it on at night and forget about it, then wake up to beautiful skin.
4. Exfoliate
Just like artwork, facial products work best when applied to a good canvas. If your face is covered in dead skin, the creams and other products can’t penetrate and get to the good skin underneath. Regularly exfoliating, either with an exfoliating cleanser or brush, removes dead, dry skin and leaves fresh skin underneath. It can make a world of difference for your complexion and make everything else go on more smoothly.
5. Consider the application
Even the best products won’t work effectively if you don’t put them on correctly. Take a few minutes to read the directions on the product and follow them. For example, using your ring fingers to apply eye cream is much more effective than using your pointer fingers because it applies less pressure to the sensitive skin. Similarly, if a product says to rub in small circles or scrub for two minutes, follow the rules. It’s part of what sets skincare pros apart from novices—they know how to really put on product.
6. Add toner
Many women overlook toner, but it is a critical step of any skincare routine. If you’ve noticed your skin is spotty and uneven, it could be because the pH levels are out of wack. Adding toner after you wash your face helps remove the leftover dirt and evens the pH levels, which creates a smoother, healthier face that absorbs other products better.
7. Try a serum
One of the hottest new skincare techniques is serums, which are specially made with antioxidants to deeply hydrate your skin. Serums also address other skincare issues and work deep in the skin. They shouldn’t replace a daily moisturizer but instead can be a quick burst of moisture and treatment to help your skin look its best.
8. Add sunscreen
The single best thing you can do for your skin is to wear sunscreen every day, even if it isn’t sunny or you won’t be outside. Sunscreen fights harmful rays and keeps your skin looking younger and healthier. After all, it’s easier to take preventative action on your skin than to have to repair sun-damaged skin later.
9. Don’t forget the eyes
Your eyes are one of the most important parts of your face and also the most susceptible to wrinkles and fine lines. Eye creams come in a variety of options and specialize in different things, like removing dark circles or treating wrinkles. A little goes a long way and can make a difference in opening up and brightening your face. Even if you didn’t get a full night’s sleep, eye cream can help you look healthier and more awake.
10. Use a mask
A weekly face mask is not only relaxing but also rejuvenating. You can rotate what kind of mask you use and what it focuses on—there are masks for everything from reducing shine to minimizing pores. The more you do it, the better results you’ll see.