Skincare Solutions: Finding the Right Routine for You

The pursuit for great skin can sometimes feel like searching for the Holy Grail. Everyone’s skin is different, and its health depends on any number of factors. That’s why it can sometimes seem like an impossible quest to find the right products that work _with_ your skin to deliver the results that you want to achieve. Here, we run through the most common skincare concerns and share our [the best beauty products](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/skincare) to bid them farewell once and for all. There are some fundamental rules that should be observed within any comprehensive skincare routine for a healthy complexion. Twice a day, you should cleanse, apply serum and moisturise – these steps ensure that your skin is clean, hydrated and nourished at all times. In the mornings, sun protection is non-negotiable, and in the evenings, taking off your make-up is an absolute must. And finally – this step is our favourite – ensure you're getting enough sleep so that your skin has the time it needs to regenerate itself. (We suggest [This Works' Deep Sleep Pillow Spray](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/bath-and-body/body-care/body-treatments/deep-sleep-pillow-spray/2530000465694.html) to help get some zzz's.) If you want to step up your regime, exfoliating twice a week (at most) will help to resurface and stimulate the skin. With so many chemical exfoliators now readily available such as vitamin C (see the Pigmentation section below for some excellent vitamin C-based products) and glycolic acid, it’s best to avoid granulated scrubs, which can damage the skin in the long term. It’s worth noting that exfoliating isn’t just about removing the dead cells – you also need to follow up with rich creams to nourish the newer skin beneath (which you can find in the Dry and Dull section below). You can also add in a face mask or targeted treatment once a week. These give your skin a power surge of goodness, with innovative ingredients to replenish and recharge. Adding this into your routine also encourages you to take time each week to lie back and relax while the mask works its magic. Read on to discover and shop our favourite products from [The Ordinary](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/the-ordinary), [Kiehl's](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/kiehls), [This Works](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/this-works), [Dr. Hauschka](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/brands/dr-hauschka) and [Dermalogica](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/brands/dermalogica) which provide just what our skin needs to look and feel its best.

#### Blemish-Prone From regular spots to temperamental breakouts and persistent acne, [blemish-prone skin](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/skincare?prefn1=beauty-skincare-skinconcern&prefv1=Anti-Blemish) is one of the most frustrating skincare complaints. When sebaceous glands are overactive, they produce excess oil which clogs the pores and follicles, and that’s what leads to pimples and inflammation. Ingredients such as hydroxy acid, [salicylic acid](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/skincare/treatments/specialist-treatments/breakout-control-blemish-facial-lotion/2500002317789.html) and [azelaic acid](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/skincare/serums-and-oils/serums/azelaic-acid-suspension-10/2530007584749.html) help to clear out pores from the inside, reducing the frequency and irritability of blemishes. You'll find those acids in these blemish-fighting heroes from Kiehl's, The Ordinary and Dermalogica.

#### Pigmentation Sometimes referred to as age or liver spots – although unrelated to liver function – brown pigmentation marks are the result of excess melanin and are made more prominent by sun damage, which means you should amp up the [sun protection](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/suncare-and-tanning). Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps to reduce melanin production and significantly lighten pigmentation spots. You'll find it in these efficacious serums and lotions below.

#### Dry and Dull We all want a luminous and youthfully plump complexion, but when your skin doesn’t have enough sebum, it becomes [dry and dull](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/skincare?prefn1=beauty-skincare-skinconcern&sz=12&start=12&prefv1=Dull%20Skin%2FBrightening&page=2) (and more prone to wrinkles). Humectants help the skin to keep its natural moisture, making them the ultimate booster for a complexion that’s feeling dehydrated and tight. [Hyaluronic acid](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/skincare/serums-and-oils/oils-and-gels/hyaluronic-acid-2-b5/2530007711855.html) is one of the most powerful humectants and will replenish your parched complexion back to vitality.

#### Redness A rosy complexion looks healthy and youthful, but a red complexion is a sign of sensitivity or a more complex condition such as rosacea. In this case, it’s best to avoid stronger chemicals and fragrances, and stick to [products with natural, anti-inflammatory ingredients](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/skincare?prefn1=beauty-skincare-skinconcern&prefv1=Redness%20%26%20Rosacea). Ceramides are lipids which strengthen the skin, without which the skin becomes dry, itchy and irritated, while also protecting it against environmental nasties like pollution.

#### Ageing Wrinkles are an inevitable part of growing older, however, with care and attention, you can keep your skin looking youthful for longer. [Retinols and retinoic acid](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/skincare?prefn1=beauty-skincare-skinconcern&prefv1=Anti%20Ageing), which are a type of vitamin A, amp up the skin’s natural production of collagen and elastin while encouraging cell turnover, which in turn plumps out any little lines for a smoother complexion.

_Image via The Ordinary_