When you think of ‘investments’, you’re probably likely to think about money, or even fashion. Whatever it was that popped into your head, I’m pretty confident that skincare wasn’t even in your top 5. But why not? It’s going to be with you for a while after all!

A skincare investment can be anything from an expensive formula that works wonders to a transformative regime that’s really worth the extra effort. They’re things you can do now and reap the benefits of later!

To get your cogs turning about which skincare investment you can make starting today, I’ve asked a handful of the Escentual team to share theirs… 

Starting Anti-Ageing Early

Elisabeth, Copywriter

“When people say I don’t look my age, I can’t help but feel a little bit smug about the investment I put into my skin all those many years ago that is really starting to pay off now!

So what’s my secret? Starting an anti-ageing regime in my early twenties. Now don’t get me wrong, there’s absolutely no need to start loading your skin up with thick, heavy anti-ageing creams at this age but there’s no harm in taking small preventative measures that can be built upon as you get older.  I began by using a facial sunscreen every day (yes, even in winter!) and using a light anti-ageing moisturiser in my night time skincare routine. Since reaching my 30’s I’ve begun to include some good retinol products and plenty of hyaluronic acid-based serums and I have to say, my skin has never looked better!

One of the other things I can highly recommend that you start using at an early age is a good eye cream, twice a day. This is an area where people will notice signs of ageing first because it’s very thin, delicate and fragile and does not enjoy as much natural moisture as the rest of your skin. One of my favourites to use at the moment is the Vichy LiftActiv Supreme Eyes – a fantastic cream to tackle dark circles, wrinkles and smooth dehydration lines.”

Trying Something New

Jade, Merchandiser

“From my teenage to adult years, I have always suffered from dry skin, painful spots and oiliness at different times of the year. I’ve been searching for an all-around multi-purpose product but was coming to a dead end until I discovered Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Riche.

Usually, people with blemish-prone skin and regular breakouts like me tend to avoid oils completely. However, I stepped out of my comfort zone and discovered this product was exactly what I had been looking for. The Huile Prodigieuse oil is not like any other; it hydrates, repairs and absorbs into your skin with ease, but what I love most is the non-greasy finish. I know it’s hard to believe that an oil could be non-greasy, but trust me, after one use it’ll become a part of your daily routine.

In the past, I would have never have put oil anywhere near my skin let alone on my face, but now I use it to hydrate my skin every morning without suffering from any hormonal breakouts, dryness or visible oiliness. I also use this oil on the ends of my hair before styling too! This acts as a heat protection and combats frizz. Now, this is my go-to product all year round.”

Prioritising Hydration

Chloe, Merchandiser

“It’s easy to take moisturising for granted, after all, who wants another step in their skincare routine. However, I’ve learnt more than ever recently that it’s important to never underestimate hydration and give your skin the moisture it craves.

I have a normal to dry skin type and I have found that most heavier moisturisers have a tendency to make my skin break out. Which is where my mission to find one that didn’t began! And after kissing a few frogs, I finally found my moisturiser match in Darphin Hydraskin Light, a gel-cream formula that melts into the skin and provides hydration that lasts all day. As the name suggests it’s the perfect light feel moisturiser that offers the hydration your skin craves while leaving a silky non-greasy texture. Hydraskin Light is the hydration tool my skin is thankful for.”

Sticking It Out

Ceryn, Content & PR

“I’ve always had a turbulent relationship with my skin. Ever since I can remember I have suffered from bouts of eczema on my neck and in my arm and leg folds – a sometimes unsightly skin condition that especially got to me as a teenager. During those years, I always wondered why my skin suddenly went from bad to worse, and that reason is: I let my skincare slide.

As a child, my mum would make sure I kept my eczema routine up (I forgive all that nagging now), but when I became more independent as a teen, my skin wasn’t my priority. I’d go to bed before applying emollient and stay over friends’ houses and be too embarrassed to apply my creams. The result? Eczema that was red, raw and bleeding – yes, it was as painful as it sounds!

It wasn’t until it got really bad that I realised I needed to act. I had the power to make my skin, perhaps not completely better, but definitely more manageable. And there started my skincare investment: time and patience. Ever since I have been committed to applying Avene Xera Calm A.D. Lipid Replenishing Cream every morning and night to affected areas. There wasn’t an overnight miracle for my skin, but over time consistency paid off!”

Staying Strict With SPF

Beth, Copywriter

“One of the first skincare lessons my mum ever taught me was the importance of a good SPF (even in rainy Wales) in preventing long-term damage and premature ageing caused from sun exposure. And since entering the big bad world of adulthood the Ultrasun Brightening, Anti-Spot and Anti-Pollution Face Fluid has been a godsend – it’s so quick and easy to apply! It keeps my skin protected from UV rays, leaves my complexion looking radiant with no white cast and even doubles as a silky-soft smoothing primer, making it perfect for those early mornings when the last thing I want to do is delve through a million different products.

If you’re looking for a go-to SPF that won’t leave that ‘greasy’ feel, the face fluid will be a welcome addition into your daily routine. It’s super-lightweight and feels lovely on the skin, my foundation looks so good on top of it!”

The Art of Application

Emma, Editor

“Everyone knows that a great skincare routine is the first step on the path to maintaining great skin health. But did you know that the way that you apply your products can make a huge difference? All those who’ve ever had a facial will know what I’m talking about. That post-treatment glow is no joke, and it’s all because facialists are trained in the fine art of application. This year, I’ve set about taking some time to add this step into my routine and I really feel like my skin is on an upward swing.

There are a few key things you need to know about massage: a) it helps to warm the product and improve absorption; b) it helps to boost lymphatic drainage; and c) it does incredible things for facial circulation, and that all equates to toned and healthy-looking skin. An easy first step in working massage into your routine is to take some time to apply your serums, oils and moisturisers every evening in circular, upwards motions. Do it nightly, and you’ll find that facial tension is reduced and your skin begins to look more enlivened.

My favourite partner for facial massage is the Clarins Blue Orchid Facial Oil, a powerful blend that glides across skin without pulling or tugging, and boosts my complexion with the most luxurious glow this side of the facialist’s chair. Tip: as an added spa-like touch, warm a small amount of the oil between your hands and breathe in the aroma before setting to work massaging it into your skin.”

Trusting An Acne Icon

Sam, Photographer and Videographer

“Up until the age of 21 I never wore makeup and I washed my face with soap. It was only when I developed painful acne that I invested time into what I was putting on my face.

I started by looking at my environment and how that was having an effect on my skin. As a photographer, based in London up until a few months ago, I spend most of my day in a dark room or in front of a screen, sometimes with my face pressed against the back of a camera (communal cameras too). I had days where I was washing a black powder-like substance off my face!

Like many, I have tried and tested many products and struggled to find ones that seemed to give me an even skin tone, cleanse my face properly and ease up my adult acne. That all changed though when I quite literally dipped my hands into the La Roche-Posay Effaclar range. I started off looking for a good moisturiser and cleanser and haven’t used anything else since.

I now use the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel religiously every morning and every evening. It’s great for cleaning off the remains of the city air and any missed make up. I also love that it never leaves my skin feeling tight, which sometimes happens after cleansing. And last but certainly not least, it made my skin visually more clear, and continues to 3-4 months later.”

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