New Year, New Skin

It's tempting to start an all-new skin care routine in the new year, but there is no need for most people to overhaul their skin care routine completely. Making some tweaks, adding new, select actives, and streamlining, however, can up your skin care game in 2025.

 

Even small  adjustments in your skin care will compound. It's better to do things slowly and have realistic goals that are sustainable rather than making significant changes; consistency is the key to long-term results. Introducing too many products with active ingredients all at once will irritate most people's skin and not have the desired effect. 

 

We recommend you target one issue at a time. Most products will have a number of benefits, but looking after one specific issue or having one goal means you will get the best results without adverse effects. As with everything, the quality of ingredients matters. If you have experienced issues using active ingredients in the past, it could be down to the product itself or to overusing. Start with a lower percentage of actives, especially if you are prone to redness.

 

It is best to focus on prevention for the long run, so try incorporating antioxidants to prevent free radical damage and strengthen skin collagen production, and also use SPF daily to stop sun damage and premature aging.

 

Key ingredients

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

Helps to support collagen production, brightens, boosts glow, and fades marks and pigmentation. Use under or in moisturizer in the morning and top with SPF. Can cause irritation and be unstable in some formulations. 

PROF. DR. STEINKRAUS Vitamin C Serum

Niacinamide

Strengthens the skin barrier and has pigment-brightening, pore-refining and sebum-regulating effects. Serums are best used under cream morning or evening and can be combined with other ingredients.

 

THE ORGANIC PHARMACY Niacinamide Ultra 5 Serum

 

Vitamin A (Retinoids)

Proven to be one of the most effective skin care ingredients for a number of issues, including reducing signs of aging, acne, and hyperpigmentation.

 

Learn more about retinoids here: All About Retinoids

 

Acids

AHAs and BHAs can be found in liquids, tonics, cleansers, pads or in serum and creams. Different types of acid work slightly differently on the skin and vary in strength; some are also more irritating than others. They can be great for brightening dull skin, even out discoloration, helping hydration, fine lines, and treating breakouts. 

 

HERBIVORE BOTANICALS Milky Way 10% AHA + Oat Soothing Exfoliating Serum

 

SEED TO SKIN The Ferment'tonic

Addressing common issues

Dryness/dehydration

Dry skin lacks oil, while dehydration is a lack of water in the skin. Their causes are different, but often they go together. Make sure that your cleanser is not stripping your skin; after use, your skin should not feel tight. Using water that's too hot can also dry out the skin and cause more sensitivity. 

 

Changing to a thicker cream alone is often not the best solution; try layering products like toning essence (thicker and more hydrating ingredients than a ‘tonic’) and humectant serums (glycerine and hyaluronic acid).  Then use a moisturizer with ceramides and fatty acids on top. You can also try mixing a few drops of oil into your cream or adding a top layer of oil or balm at night. 

 

Uneven Texture

Exfoliation can smooth the skin's texture and even the complexion. The skin will feel and look better instantly if done correctly, and products will absorb better after exfoliating. But over-exfoliating or using too many resurfacing products can cause dryness, redness, and break-outs.

Finding the right product for your skin is important, whether it's a physical peeling, fruit enzymes, or acids; even sensitive skin needs to be exfoliated.

 

Redness and sensitivity

Redness can be a natural skin condition, a reaction to something, or caused by winter weather. But regardless of the cause, keep the skin calm and hydrated and use ingredients that help support a healthy skin barrier.

Learn more about skin barrier health: Enhance, Hydrate, Protect

 

Light treatment can help reduce long-term issues, either with a skin therapist or at home.

HIGHERDOSE Red Light Face Mask

 

 

At greenlane we offer a consultation service in person or online, where we can also provide personal tailored routines and advice, as well as samples in store so you can try products before you purchase.