How To Streamline Your Routine

Using Too Much?

First and foremost, how can you tell if you’re going overboard and using too many products? As Dr. Barbara Sturm, founder of Dr. Barbara Sturm skincare line reveals, there are obvious physical signs you should not ignore: “Using too many products and overly aggressive ingredients can result in break outs around the nose and chin area.” She also suggests looking out for redness, irritation and inflammation on the skin’s surface as this could also be a symptom of using too many different products.

Why Simplify?

There are many benefits to simplifying your skincare routine. The first – and most obvious – is that you will save time and money. Why use eight products if really, you only need to use three or four? It’s not just your purse that will thank you, your face will too. As our largest organ, skin is more than capable of taking care of itself to an extent and does not need to be overloaded with topical products. “Your skin cells can do a lot themselves – you don’t need to take away from their own intellectual property and abilities,” says Dr. Sturm. Our face also needs time to get used to product and respects continuity; if we’re changing our routine and adding in lots of new skincare every week, we will never have a chance to see what works for us. It’s best to stick to a set routine with the same products for around four weeks to see the real effects and reap the benefits.

The Streamlined Routine

What should a pared back routine include? Dr. Sturm suggests starting with the basics and adding on as is needed. “Start with three steps: a cleanser, hyaluronic serum and a cream,” she says.

A great all-round cleanser for both refreshing in the morning and removing makeup in the evening is Malin + Goetz Grapefruit Face Cleanser, $38.00. The gentle foaming formula removes makeup and any dirt and grime that’s built up throughout the day to leave your skin feeling clean and fresh. Follow with Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum, $320.00 to flood skin with moisture, and finish with Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream, $225.00, which suits all skin types. In the mornings, swap out Dr. Sturm’s Face Cream for Malin + Goetz SPF 30 Face Moisturizer, $40.00.

This basic routine is a great way to give your skin everything it needs, but there are additions you can make if you feel your skin needs more attention or you have slightly more mature skin. Browse these optional add-ons…

For dark under-eye circles: Invest in an eye cream to target darkness and puffiness. The Sisley-Paris Sisleya L'Integral Anti-Ageing Eye and Lip Contour cream, $221.00, which comes with a cooling roller applicator.

For dull skin: AHAs are saviours for dull skin. Brighten up your complexion with Summer Fridays Soft Reset AHA Exfoliating Solution, $75.50, which contains lactic and glycolic acids and is gentle enough to use every evening.

For more mature skin: At night time, swap in your regular cream for a retinol infused formula, like , to turn back time.

For ultra-dry skin: Add in an oil after your serum for an extra layer of nourishment; Sisley-Paris Black Rose Precious Face Oil, $240.50 is a luxurious favourite.

For decongested skin: At night time, double cleanse with your foaming cleanser for an extra deep clean and use a clay-based mask such as Caudalie Instant Detox Mask, N/A once a week to draw out excess oil.