If You’re Not Committing To These 2 Skin Steps, You’re *Seriously* Sabotaging Your Skin

Now we know you care about your skin – why else would you be surfing a beauty website?! But caring about your skin can sometimes get in the way of caring for your skin. There are about a zillion face care recommendation rabbitholes to fall down these days, with each claiming to have found the one solution that will change your skin forever. And let’s just say it’s easy to be convinced to try every single one, suitability for your skin type/concerns be damned.

But if you’re simply after a skin regimen that is quick, easy, and effective (or you’re dealing with dry/sensitive skin that demands a less-is-more approach), it’s time to go back to basics. Simplicity is often key with skin care, and as long as you master the essentials, then your face’s future is undoubtedly bright (and fresh, and bouncy, and well, you get the picture!).

Long story short, there are only two simple steps you *cannot* skip, and we’re breaking them down for you as simply as humanly possible, so read carefully and add to cart accordingly…

Step 1: Cleanse

Considering all the things your skin contends with on a daily basis (from pollution and foundation to its own dead cell and toxin build-up), it’s no wonder it craves a good wash. Just like paint wouldn’t soak in over wallpaper, it’s important to ensure your complexion’s canvas is completely clear before wasting any of your other precious products, and that’s where cleansing comes in.

Ridding the face of any dust, dirt and impurities that build up through the day is the single most important step in keeping the skin clean and clear. To keep skin balanced and calm, you’ll want to reach for a cleanser formula that falls into the ‘gentle’ category, like the Dermal Therapy Very Dry Face Cleanser ($18.99 at Dermal Therapy).

A newly-released formula now gracing your local pharmacy shelves, this blend of soothing colloidal oatmeal, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and skin-softening jojoba esters is all about cleansing and exfoliating your skin (in the invisible way you can’t feel) just enough to leave the face fresh, without draining it of its precious moisture (that’s the soap-free status in action!). In fact, it even adds moisture to the skin while cleansing!

Considering one of the biggest concerns around cleansing is the potential damage it does to the skin’s delicate moisture barrier, the fact that this formula actually aids in repairing and building said barrier is a pretty big win. These benefits come down to the product’s unique 4-in-1 formulation, as it’s formulated to exfoliate, hydrate, soothe, and repair/protect with every wash.

Once your canvas is clean, there’s just one thing left to do…

Step 2: Moisturise

Once you’ve cleared away all of the bad stuff, it’s the perfect time to pack all of the good stuff right back in. Selecting a moisturiser formula that works with (not against) your cleanser is the secret to success.

The Dermal Therapy Very Dry Face Cream ($18.99 at Dermal Therapy) is a no-brainer companion for its cleanser equivalent – it’s packed with a heap of the same soothing, skin-strengthening ingredients (hyaluronic acid and colloidal oatmeal, we thank you) to deliver the same stellar results.

Designed to work well for dry and sensitive skin types, it’s a lightweight, non-greasy formula that is plenty hydrating without ever feeling heavy. It continues the smoothing work the Very Dry Face Cleanser started too, removing dead skin cells (thanks to its 5% urea inclusion) as it works while also soothing irritation.

Another 4-in-1 formula, it magically manages to exfoliate, hydrate, soothe, and repair/protect in one supercharged serving. With a resume like that, it’s no wonder it snagged our very own 2023 Best in Beauty award for ‘Best Day Moisturiser’.

Step 3: Repeat

Got the routine committed to memory? Great! Time to make a habit out of it by repeating every morning and night.

Wore lots of makeup today? Your face will be craving a thorough cleanse and a plentiful helping of hydration. Didn’t wear a lick of makeup today? You’re still going to want to clear away any buildup or congestion before bed. This product power couple is gentle enough for daily use, so you’re going to want to keep your skin’s schedule consistent.

Luckily, these formulas are treats for the senses as well as the skin (did we mention the cleanser’s refreshing Japanese honeysuckle scent?), so you’ll enjoy every application (there’s bound to be a lot!).


Main image credit: Getty
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