Skincare can be mind-boggling. Why is your skin so dry even though you moisturise like your life depended on it? And come on, why are you not seeing a difference in your dark circles since like yesterday? 

When all you want to do is the absolute best for your complexion, skincare woes can go from being a tad confusing to downright infuriating. Which is why we’ve answered five of the most common skincare questions, right here.

Because looking after your skin should be a pleasure, not a chore... 

Q1: How Do I Apply My Skincare Correctly For The Best Results?

A: Probably one of our most asked questions. Now, there’s no need to spend hours every morning and night pouring over your routine. And really, if a skincare range required you to do just that, you’d have to wonder why … But there are some important steps to follow and getting it wrong will mean that you won’t be getting the most out of your HIGHBORNs. An easy rule to remember is thinnest first, working up to your thickest product.

Always, always cleanse first of course and we recommend following with a gentle exfoliator like Natural Luminosity Scrub to remove dead skin cells and deeper grime. Spritz on your toner and allow a few moments for it to settle. Next comes your eye gel followed by your serum. Serums penetrate into the deeper layers of your skin and so must always be applied before your moisturiser. 

Allow a short amount of time for these to settle. It’s a must to moisturise after a serum to avoid drying out your skin. And if you’re using Organic Age-Defying Facial Oil, gently tap it into your skin after your moisturiser has absorbed. Finally, always apply an SPF at the end of your regime.

Q2: How Quickly Should I Expect To See Results?

A: Patience is a virtue when it comes to new skincare products. Yes, you can expect some instant sensations such as tightening, soothing and softening through moisture, but the deeper layers of your skin need time to reap the benefits. It’s all about science. 

You lose about 50 million skin cells every day? Yes, really. Some skin cells have a relatively short life span and others stay around for years! But for the most part, they turn over at an average rate of 28 days. So, what does this mean for your skincare routine? 

In a nutshell, skincare products that work on a cellular level (serums, treatments, facial oils etc.) are going to require at least this same length of time to work to their best ability. 

Because giving a product 28 days means active ingredients have been given the greatest chance to reach every single cell that’s arrived at the surface of your skin. 

But that’s a general rule of thumb and entirely dependent on your skin. Products like Crystal Cleanser and Diamond Toner get to work much quicker and you can expect to see noticeable results within a week or so! And Imperial Eye Gel can instantly soothe and help to relieve puffiness in minutes, especially when cooled. 

Q3: What’s The Difference Between Serum & Moisturiser?

A: Serums and moisturisers are not one and the same. Not even close. Serums, like our fabulous Pre-Eminent Beauty Serum, have a smaller molecular structure than moisturisers. This gives them a lighter, thinner texture and allows them to penetrate your skin quicker and deeper, delivering concentrated, active ingredients like retinol, antioxidants and exfoliating acids exactly where your skin needs them.

Moisturisers, on the other hand, are thicker and contain emollient or occlusive ingredients that work to seal in moisture and active ingredients into your skin, while strengthening and balancing as an added bonus. This is why moisturiser should always be applied after serum. Together, they’re the perfect power couple.

Q4: When Should I Start Using Anti-Ageing Products?

A: Around your mid-twenties is when noticeable ageing really starts to happen in your skin. Cell turnover slows down and your skin starts to produce less collagen, elastin and all the other important proteins and components that keep it plump, firm and youthful-looking.

So, if you want to stay ahead of the ageing game, this is the sweet spot for introducing peptides, antioxidants, retinol and other age-defying ingredients into your routine. 

Don’t panic if your twenties are a distant memory, however. It’s honestly never too late. 

Q5: Will My Products Stop Working The Longer I Use Them?

A: In a word, no. Contrary to popular belief skin doesn’t ‘get used to’ products. That’s a total myth. In fact, a consistent routine is one of the best ways to look after your skin and maintain a healthy complexion. Most products take around 28 days to offer you the best results, you see, and some, like retinol, take even longer.

Find a great routine that works for you and stick with it – making minor alterations only when you need to, like when the seasons change or during different times of the month.

Have any other burning questions about your skin? Let us know – we’re here for you.