March 29, 2023

Do I need so many products in my skincare routine?

Skincare conversations eventually land on the difference between the multistep Korean skincare routine, with its many layers of lotions and potions. But how many do you really need and why? Like everything in skincare, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Different skin types need different skincare routines — and even then, your personal routine won't be the same as someone with a similar skin type! Our quick tip: Don't count bottles. Think about your skin concerns and make sure that you’re treating each of them with at least one product. As long as your skin is happy, it doesn't matter if you have 3 or 13 products in your lineup. As a baseline, you should have a cleanser, a moisturiser and a sunscreen. Skip toners or serums on days when you’re running short on time... but don’t skip the sunscreen during daylight hours or your evening cleanse! Sunscreen is crucial to preventing skin ageing, while cleansing away the day’s buildup of grime and oil is key to avoiding acne and breakouts.

On multiple cleansers...

If you wear makeup or waterproof sunscreen, you know how long it can take to remove stubborn product from your skin. Avoid tugging at your face with washcloths and opt for a more gentle two-step system. Look for oil cleansers to gently dissolve makeup and sunscreen. You can buy pre-blended cleansing oils or whip up your own personal blend (just make sure that you’re using cosmetic-grade products!). Follow your oil cleanser with a foaming or gel cleanser if your oil cleanser leaves a heavy oily residue, if you have oily skin. Make sure the gel cleanser is very gentle on your skin. The oil cleanser has already done most of the heavy lifting, so there’s no need to break out the big guns on a gel cleanse!

What about multiple serums?

Serums are made up of smaller molecules to penetrate into the skin and deliver very high concentrations of super potent ingredients. Because serums are super potent, you can overdo it. Instead of trying to work out a magical number of serums, look for the ingredients that specifically target your concerns and add to your skincare routine as needed. Here are our key favourites:

Dry skin benefits from hyaluronic acid, which holds up to 1000 times its weight in water. Hyaluronic acid is often combined with other ingredients, or you can find on its own for an extra boost. Our Think HA serum contains multiple types of hyaluronic acid to increase skin hydration.
Acne-prone skin benefits from salicylic acid, also known as beta hydroxy acid (BHA). BHA serums penetrate the pore and dissolve clogs. Look for BHA products that have 0.5% to 2% salicylic acid and a pH level of 4 or lower. If you haven’t used a BHA serum before, start slowly to avoid irritation. 1-2 times a week is a good start. Treat any post-acne scars with brightening ingredients like arbutin or B-White peptides, which decrease the skin’s production of melanin. The Halo White Serum is perfect for layering under your evening moisturiser.
Skin with signs of ageing and fine lines benefit from peptides. Peptides revitalise the skin and help it become more resilient at a deep cellular level. Don’t cheat your skin by opting for the cheapest peptide products. Peptides work best when in combination with the support of other antioxidants like Vitamin E, Vitamin C and Vitamin B. We’re particularly proud of our range of Peptide Infused Oils. Each oil contains specific peptides to target specific skincare needs.