In a world of luxe serums and cutting-edge treatments and all in all pricey products promising amazing results crowding the shelves in our favourite beauty stores, it’s easy to forget that some of the best skincare habits don’t cost a thing. Sometimes, the best skincare rituals are rooted in nature and mindfulness. Remember, hydration, consistent routines, and loving your skin are priceless.
Kimberley Medd, Head of Clinic at Face The Future, is here to share her top tips with us for elevating your skincare routine without spending an extra penny. From using tepid water to maximize the efficacy of your products to clever ways to avoid picking at your skin, these expert-approved hacks are the ultimate budget-friendly beauty fixes.
1. Let Your Cleanser Do Its Job
“Many people rush through cleansing, which means they’re not letting active ingredients work to their full potential. Apply your cleanser and leave it on for two minutes. To ensure you’re not tempted to wash off too soon, I recommend using this time to brush your teeth. This gives ingredients, especially actives like Salicylic Acid or Niacinamide, the chance to penetrate deeper and work their magic before you rinse.”
2. Avoid Hot Water
“Hot water may feel relaxing, especially when it comes to taking the day off, but it strips your skin of essential oils, leaving it dehydrated and more prone to irritation. Stick to tepid water when rinsing your face as this will help maintain your skin barrier and ensure better absorption of hydrating products, which can then do their job more effectively.’
3. Take ‘Rest Days’ From Actives
“Overusing active ingredients like Retinol or acids is one of the biggest mistakes I see people making with their skin. It can lead to redness, dryness, and a compromised skin barrier. I always recommend giving your skin 1-2 days off each week to recover. On a non-active day, focus on hydration and barrier repair instead to soothe and and restore skin.”
4. Do Your Skincare After Your Haircare
“Hair products can leave a residue on your skin that clogs pores and causes irritation. Always finish your haircare routine before starting your skincare. If you’ve already applied skincare but used a heavy styling product, cleanse again with something gentle to ensure that your skin stays fresh and clean.”
5. Resist The Urge To Pick
“Whilst picking at spots or blemishes can be tempting, this can lead to scarring and delayed healing. If one look in the mirror at the start of your AM or PM skin routine turns you into a serial skin picker, I recommend keeping your hands busy—try massaging your face with a hydrating product. Not only does this distract you, but it will also nourish and repair your skin whilst you massage.”
