We all lead increasingly busy lives, and as a result, keeping up with your multi-step skincare routine can be, well… quite challenging. It can be especially frustrating when you first need to figure out what your skin really needs to establish a routine that works. While this process can be frustrating, once you understand your skin's requirements and how to address them, you'll actually save yourself a lot of time and money in the long run.
The first step is to identify your skin type as soon as possible. Most people fall into one of the main categories: dry, oily, combination, sensitive, or acne-prone. Since these skin types vary, the ingredients and products suited to them will differ as well. For instance, if you’ve been using harsh acne treatments because you believed you had oily skin, only to find your skin as dry as the Sahara, it might be time for a skin consultation.
Skin is unique to you so if you’re struggling to find a skincare routine that is helping you achieve your specific skin goals, seeking professional advice is always a wise choice. Consulting with a skincare expert can help you get back on track, with personalised recommendations on the best products and treatments for your skin.
While it can all seem a bit overwhelming, there’s no need to worry. We’re here to provide you with a straightforward guide to discovering your skin type and finding the best products and treatments to suit your needs.
Identify your skin type
To help you get started, here are the main skin types.
Dry skin
If you experience dry patches or flakiness, it's likely you have dry skin. People with dry skin often find it worsens during colder seasons and becomes more manageable in the summer. Dry skin is one of the most common concerns clients mention, and the best way to address it is by using rich, hydrating skincare products along with nourishing in-clinic facials and treatments.
Oily skin
Oily skin typically produces a shine due to excess oil, particularly in the T-zone, which is the oiliest part of the face. If this is something you struggle with, there are specialised products available to help minimise its appearance.
Combination skin
As the name suggests, combination skin involves a mix of dry and oily symptoms that may appear on different parts of the face. For example, some people with combination skin experience an oily T-zone while having dry cheeks or nose. This varies from person to person.
Sensitive skin
Sensitive skin can present as dryness and requires the use of specific products that avoid harsh, drying ingredients. If the wrong products or treatments are used, sensitive skin can sometimes lead to conditions like eczema.
Acne-prone skin
Acne or blemish-prone skin is fairly self-explanatory, characterised by frequent breakouts. This skin type can be more problematic at certain ages, particularly during adolescence due to hormonal changes. However, there are numerous ingredients and specialised treatments available to help manage breakouts effectively.
What are your skincare goals?
Like anything in life, establishing your goals before you start your journey down the garden path is always helpful. This is particularly true in the skincare world because no matter what you’re struggling with skin-wise, there is undoubtedly a product or ingredient out there that can help you.
But actually, once you’ve established your skin type this process can be relatively straightforward and the beauty of Skinsmiths is that they have kits that are suited for each skin type and concern. That way, you don’t need to spend hours researching and shopping around to get your skincare arsenal tailored to suit your specific skin concern, all you need to do is choose the ritual that sounds like a bit of you.
The best ritual for dry skin
Here’s a look at what the Defeat Dryness PRO Essentials Kit has in store…
Cleanser
We can’t stress it enough: a good skincare routine starts with an effective cleanser. But it’s not just about ticking a box; your cleanser should support your overall skincare goals. If dry skin is your concern, the Gentle Cream Cleanser is ideal.
Target treatments
Want to boost hydration, plumpness, and firmness? The Ultimate Renewal Serum is your go-to solution. Packed with essential ingredients for a radiant complexion, this serum features Argireline Peptides to enhance skin elasticity, Niacinamide to strengthen the skin barrier, and Sodium Hyaluronate, a potent form of Hyaluronic Acid that deeply penetrates the skin for maximum hydration.
For the peepers
The PRO Collagen Eye Complex will keep you bright-eyed.
Moisturise
Pretty self-explanatory for dry skin sufferers, but a good moisturiser is a non-negotiable. Trust us, no one can brighten your day faster than a great moisturiser, and the Complete Recovery Moisturiser is exactly that.
Protect
A skincare routine wouldn’t be complete without sun protection. The Daily Antioxidant Defence SPF30 is a lightweight, moisturising sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection along with powerful antioxidants.
The best ritual for fine lines and wrinkles
The Age Defying PRO Essentials Kit is packed with potent ingredients to target ageing skin. These kits are designed to take the guesswork out of skincare, offering the best ingredients in one convenient package.
Cleanser
Ageing skin tends to dry out due to reduced collagen production, so a hydrating cleanser is essential. Our Gentle Cream Cleanser removes makeup and impurities while nourishing dry, sensitive skin with avocado oil, hemp oil, sodium hyaluronate, and our signature SauvigNZ.
Targeted treatments
For ageing skin, a good peel is key. The Resurfacing AHA/BHA Peel, infused with ABC Fruit Mix, Lactic Acid, and Salicylic Acid, exfoliates and renews the skin overnight, softening texture and decongesting pores.
PRO Strength Retinol
No anti-ageing routine is complete without retinol. The PRO Strength Retinol Serum boosts collagen, improves elasticity, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles, making it the ultimate age-defying treatment.
For the peepers
Our PRO Collagen Eye Complex targets the delicate under-eye area with ceramides, retinol, and SyntenolA—a natural retinol alternative—proven to hydrate and diminish fine lines.
Moisturise
Seal in all that serum goodness with the Complete Recovery Moisturiser. This ceramide-rich formula locks in moisture while repairing and protecting the skin barrier, ensuring all your other products work their hardest.
Protect
To combat fine lines and prevent new ones, a solid SPF is a must. The Daily Antioxidant Defence SPF30 offers broad-spectrum and antioxidant protection with organic UV filters, Hyaluronic Acid, and Sodium Hyaluronate for added hydration.
Best ritual for treating red skin and rosacea
We have some fantastic news for those dealing with redness and rosacea—no more hunting around for the perfect products. The Redness Remedy PRO Essentials Kit has everything you need to repair and restore your complexion in one convenient package.
This kit is a game-changer, with expert-selected ingredients designed to combat and prevent skin redness. Here’s a quick overview:
Cleanser
A skincare essential, the Gentle Cream Cleanser is a silky, emollient-rich cleanser gently removes makeup and impurities while hydrating and nourishing dry, sensitive skin.
Targeted treatments
A powerhouse for improving skin tone, texture, and redness, the PRO Strength Niacinamide is a must-have.
For the peepers
Don’t forget your eyes! The PRO Collagen Eye Complex is a ceramide-enriched treatment plumps, firms, and revitalises the delicate eye area.
Moisturise
The Complete Recovery Moisturiser offers advanced hydration locks in moisture and protects the skin barrier, promoting healthier, younger-looking skin.
Protect
Sunscreen is crucial, and the Daily Antioxidant Defence SPF30 offers broad-spectrum and antioxidant protection, perfect for sensitive skin.
Best ritual for acne-prone skin
A good skincare routine is key if you struggle with blemishes and breakouts. The secret is incorporating products designed to eliminate excess oil and balance your complexion. The Skinsmiths Banish Breakouts PRO Essentials Kit has everything you need.
Cleanser
The Purifying Gel Cleanser is a water-activated gel formula that provides a deep and clarifying cleanse that helps calm and restore balance to oily skin.
Time to tone
The Active Clarifying Toner is a clarifying solution to prep the skin during your skincare ritual, restoring and balancing skin pH, sebum and moisture levels after cleansing.
Targeted treatments
This kit contains all the targeted treatments acne-prone skin could ever wish for including AHA/BHA Peel and PRO Strength Niacinamide.
Moisturise and protect
Finish it all off with the Rebalancing Moisturiser and Daily Antioxidant Defence SPF30.
Stay attuned to your skin
The complexity of skin is that our type and needs will change over time. The most obvious one is that as we age, our skin will require more treatment to ward off fine lines and wrinkles than when we’re young. Or, you may experience acne later on in life. Don’t panic, stay attuned to your skin and when you feel your routine needs tweaking or adjusting, see whether you get the desired results by swapping out a few products for ones more suited to your specific needs at the time.
Remember, patience is a virtue, and it’s a virtue that pays off big time when it comes to skincare.
