4 Skincare Steps To Improve Your Complexion

No matter what your skin condition is, there are always ways to improve your skin’s texture and appearance. Whether you’ve struggled with achieving your ideal skin or you’ve suddenly experienced breakouts later in life, tweaking your skincare routine and experimenting with new products that may work for you can make a big difference in the long run. All skin is different, but here are a few key tips that may help you out.

1. Remember To Cleanse

1. Caudalie Gentle Cleansing Milk ($34)
2. Saturday Skin Rise + Shine Gentle Cleanser ($38)
3. DRGL Cleanser Sensitive ($138)

If you already have clear skin, one struggle you may still be facing is enlarged pores. While there are a bunch of tips available online on “opening and closing” your pores, this actually isn’t the case. Enlarged pores often appear that way because they are clogged with dirt and sebum, rather than them actually being bigger. For this, retaining the habit of consistently cleansing your skin can play the biggest part in reducing their appearance and making them seem smaller. Try incorporating a gentle cleanser into your routine that will be less harsh on the skin before trying out stronger steps like exfoliating and using chemical peels.

For more on key ingredients that can help to reduce the appearance of pores on your face, check out our guide here.

2. Protect Your Skin From The Sun

1. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++ ($52)
2. Soleil Toujours Organic Sheer Sunscreen Mist SPF 30 ($52)
3. Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 PA+++ ($92)

While it may not seem obvious, sun damage is actually more dangerous than you might think. Apart from sunburn, ultraviolet (UV) exposure can cause premature ageing of the skin, and can cause wrinkles, dark spots and lead to a leathery skin texture. Continuous UV damage can also lead to more serious skin issues, as the rays can penetrate the epidermis and kill skin cells, and is one of the leading causes of skin cancer. Adding SPF to your skin routine not only prevents this, but can also even out your complexion and protect the natural keratin in your skin.

Although many of us only use SPF when we’re headed to the beach or it seems like an extra sunny day, UV rays still penetrate the skin, even if the weather seems dreary. Routinely using SPF-based products under your makeup or even on your bare face will protect your skin at all times, and your complexion may improve over time. No one likes that white sheen sunscreen can leave on your face, so here are a few lightweight options that will leave an invisible layer of protection on the skin.

Even blue light from your digital devices can affect your complexion, so check out our guide here on how to prevent this, even at home.

3. Exfoliate Regularly

1. The Inkey List Beta Hydroxy Acid Exfoliant ($20)
2. The Konjac Sponge Company 6 Wave Body Sponge with French Red Clay ($24)
3. Alpha-H Micro Cleanse Super Scrub ($55)

Even the clearest skin can benefit from exfoliation, whether physical or chemical. When done right, taking the extra time to add deep exfoliation to your routine can prevent breakouts, remove dead skin cells and reduce oil and dirt buildup that you may not see on your face. If you’re hesitant on adding a new exfoliating product to your routine, try using a Konjac Sponge with your regular cleanser — it’s gentle enough to be used on sensitive skin but can also add the extra sloughing you need to remove any unwanted dirt.

For more on exfoliating and what type of product you should be using on your skin, take a look at our guide here.

4. Add Vitamin C To Your Routine

1. Pixi Vitamin-C Lotion ($41)
2. Kate Somerville Retinol & Vitamin C Moisturizer ($147)
3. Skin Inc Vitamin C Serum ($68)

Many of us grew up taking orange-flavoured vitamin C tablets and drinking orange juice, but this antioxidant is good for us, both in and out. When incorporated into your routine, it can repair and defend the skin from environmental damage, along with reducing a myriad of skin concerns, including reducing hyperpigmentation, along with dark spots from scars and age. Try a vitamin C-infused moisturiser to see how your skin may react to it before committing to a more concentrated serum.

For more information on the benefits of vitamin C on your skin, check out our guide here.