Skincare trends are constantly changing... new cosmetic ingredients or beauty techniques come into the spotlight and social media influencers spruik their amazing benefits. Whether it's green tea masks drawing out blackheads or face yoga to give your facial muscles a lift, there's lots of fads to choose from!

But one thing that always stays the same is the focus on maintaining a healthy complexion. And the start of the new year is a great time to assess your current routine and maybe implement some new steps.

1. Moisturise... morning and night

Your skin will love you more if you make sure it is always well-moisturised. Smoothing your skin in the morning helps to rehydrate your epidermal layer and prep your face for any make-up you plan to apply.

Your night time moisturiser helps to restore any of the hydration your skin has lost throughout the day... this is especially important if you have been exercising or spending a significant amount of time out in the elements. A richer cream can help boost the repair process your skin undertakes while you sleep.

It doesn't matter what your skin type - oily, dry or normal skin all benefits from regular moisturising. 

2. Regular exfoliation

We've talked about the benefits of exfoliating in previous articles. Exfoliation helps remove dry, dead skin cells that can clog your pores and make your skin appear dull or lifeless.

Clogged pores can lead to mild blemishes or breakouts and are often the cause of blackheads or even some forms of acne. By removing the oil congestion and excess dead cells your skin will glow with a fresh and healthy appearance.

Choose the ingredient to suit your skin-type... from gentle granules such as Jojoba Beads or Fine Bamboo through to mid-sized options such as Ground Walnut Shell or Luffa. 

3. Wear sunscreen

We've heard 'slip, slop, slap' all our lives but some of us still forget to slap on sunscreen every day. If you do NOTHING else... then please use sunscreen. Regardless of the weather forecast you really need to apply an SPF product to your face, neck, décolletage and any other skin that is exposed. 

4. Remove your make-up

Before you go to bed, make sure you always remove your make-up. Embracing a evening skincare routine is a must if you want to avoid premature ageing, so cleanse and moisturise prior to snuggling into your pillow and your skin will thank you for it in years to come!

5. Check your skincare stash

Do you have a stash of skincare products sitting in the bathroom cupboard not being used? This is your reminder to take a look at undergo a proper stocktake or every item.

Look at the expiry dates, assess the appearance, smell and texture of the product and throw away anything that you think is past its use. Of course, we don't like wastage but you don't want to jeopardise your skin health by using a product that is now growing bacteria!

Finally, we always encourage DIYing you skincare... so if you haven't been to a Sage workshop before, then 2023 is the perfect time to join us at the studio and learn how to make your own beautiful natural products.

We have lots to choose from like Anti-ageing Skincare, Sensitive Skincare, Facial Products or Body Care. We hope to see you in a class soon.