8 Golden Rules That’ll Make Your Skincare Work Harder

“Think of cleansing as preparing the canvas. Throughout the day, your skin accumulates make-up, sunscreen, excess oil, pollution and dead skin cells, all of which can prevent your skincare from penetrating effectively. A thorough yet gentle cleanse allows your active ingredients to work on the skin rather than sitting on top of surface debris. The key is to cleanse without stripping the skin barrier, as over-cleansing can lead to sensitivity, dehydration and inflammation.” – Joanne Evans, facialist and founder of Skin-Matters

“The order in which you apply your products can impact their efficacy. For example, if you’re layering multiple products – like serums – you can reduce the impact they have on your skin. The first serum you apply will deliver the ingredients much more efficiently than anything you apply afterwards. If one serum is water based and another is oil based, this can cause issues as the textures are so different. Ideally, use one targeted serum containing all the active ingredients you need at that time of day – find ones with antioxidants, vitamin C, niacinamide and ferulic acid, as these all help to keep your skin cells turning over. We also know that starting your routine with a good cleanser and toner will allow your next products – usually including a serum – to absorb and deliver quick results. Stick to these steps – skin is happier when you use a simple routine consistently.” – Dr Anita Sturnham, GP, dermatology expert and founder of Decree

“Humectants such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid attract and bind water. Applying them to slightly damp skin gives these ingredients moisture to draw into the upper layers of the skin, making them far more effective than applying them to completely dry skin. The important final step is to apply a moisturiser afterwards to lock that hydration in and reduce water loss throughout the day.” – Joanne

“Touching the pipette directly onto your skin increases the risk of transferring bacteria, oils and debris back into the bottle, which can compromise the formula over time. Instead, dispense a few drops into clean hands before gently pressing the product into the skin. This also allows for a more even application without wasting product.” – Joanne

“Steaming your face can work wonders – especially if you are prepping the skin for removal of blackheads and general extraction. The heat softens the trapped oil, making the skin a little more malleable. Skin that is prone to redness and sensitivity, however, should only be steamed with caution. Once you have steamed, your complexion will be damp as water sits in the very upper layers of the skin for a short time before evaporating. Products like hyaluronic acid work well in this environment as they absorb moisture and bind it even further into the skin. To make sure you continue to retain it, seal it in with a barrier-supporting ingredient like ceramides.” –  Debbie Thomas, facialist and founder of D.Thomas Clinic

“Introducing multiple new products together makes it almost impossible to identify what’s working or what’s causing irritation if your skin reacts. Your skin needs time to adapt, particularly to active ingredients such as retinoids or exfoliating acids. I usually recommend introducing one new product every two to three weeks so you can properly assess its benefits and ensure your skin barrier remains healthy.” – Joanne

“To get more from your products, you need to be using the right things at the right time of the day. For instance, your morning routine should be made up of products with thinner consistencies – think SPF and vitamin C serums. As for the evening, your routine should include more active products, like retinol, overnight exfoliation treatments and richer moisturisers and facial oils. This is because your complexion rejuvenates while you sleep, so it’s the best time to use your most active ingredients.” – Michaella Bolder, facialist and founder of The Bolder Movement 

“When used correctly and consistently, gua sha and facial massage tools can encourage lymphatic drainage, reduce puffiness, improve circulation and relieve muscle tension, leaving the skin looking fresher and more sculpted. Ultimately, no tool replaces a healthy skin barrier or a consistent skincare routine. Think of them as supportive additions rather than essential steps. The best results always come from combining effective skincare with regular professional treatments and healthy lifestyle habits.” – Joanne

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