Skincare 101

A no-fuss, easy-to-follow skincare guide for everything you need to know about your skin.

skincare guide
skin anatomy

What Does Your Skin Do?

Did you know that your skin is your biggest organ? It works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to keep you healthy; from regulating your body temperature and shielding you from the elements, to protecting you from germs and preventing moisture loss. Your skin also protects you from UV damage with the power of melanin. Pretty impressive, right? Although our skin is an incredibly clever organ, there are products and treatments we can implement into our lifestyles in order to give it a helping hand, prevent further damage, increase levels of protection and boost hydration levels even further.

That's where skincare comes in.

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Skin Anatomy

The structure of human skin is made up of three layers. We break them down for you below and explain the jobs each layer does to keep your skin healthy.

structure of skin diagram
face skin anatomy

The Epidermis

This is the very top layer of your skin that we can all see and touch. The epidermis is in a constant cycle of renewal, and it takes 30 days to replace itself. Sidenote: this is why it’s so important to be consistent with your skincare and patient when seeking long-lasting results. The epidermis is made of multiple proteins, including keratinocytes and melanocytes.  

• Keratinocytes are made up of keratin to help your skin heal. They create and release lipids which form your skin’s epidermal water barrier. They also absorb UVB light to form Vitamin D, an important vitamin which promotes skin cell growth and boosts your skin’s immune system.

• Melanocytes create melanin which produces the pigment in your skin. The melanin acts as a natural sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage. The more melanin you produce, the darker you skin tone is.

layers of skin anatomy

The Dermis

This layer takes up 90% of your skin’s total thickness. The dermis is where your sweat glands, hair follicles, hair, blood vessels and nerves live. This section is called the reticular dermis. The papillary dermis is the other section, and this is where the main structure of your skin is built using collagen and elastin to keep everything bound together.

• Collagen is like a building block that replaces dead skin cells and helps new cells grow.

• Elastin is a protein that provides stretch. Together, collagen and elastin work together as a powerful duo to protect, support and keep your skin as healthy as possible.  

The Hypodermis

The bottom layer of your skin, the hypodermis contains fatty tissue that connects and offers cushioning to your bones and muscles. This is where your skin regulates your body’s temperature. It is connected to the rest of your body by nerves and blood vessels that travel up through to the dermis layer above.

Skin Conditions

"60% of the UK's population have suffered from or are suffering with a skin condition. Whether it's a temporary concern caused by a change in lifestyle or you're suffering on a longer term basis due to genetics or an underlying issue, discover further education about the most common skin conditions in our supportive guides below. You can also get in touch with our skin experts if you're looking for advice."

- Melissa, Nurse Prescriber at Face the Future Clinic

Melissa Nurse Prescriber Face the Future Clinic

Acne Guides

Acne is a common inflammatory skin conditon which occurs due to a build up of sebum in the pore. It can be very debilitating for your mental health and cause scarring if left untreated.

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Pigmentation Guides

Pigmentation is a condition that causes discoloration on the surface of your skin due to poor melanin functioning. It can be triggered by sun damage, hormones, genetics, and too much sun exposure.

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Rosacea Guides

Rosacea is a skin condition that causes redness and flushing on the skin. It can also cause a flare up of small red bumps. It is most common for those with fairer skin tones.

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The Skincare Basics

If you're looking to be more consistent with your skincare game, follow these simple morning and evening routines curated by our skin experts. Use the guides step by step to build a healthier regime and complexion.

skin moisturiser

Morning Skincare Routine

STEP 1: Cleanser

Choose a lightweight gel or cream texture.

STEP 2: Toner

Choose a hydrating, soothing toning mist or essence.

STEP 3: Serum

Choose a serum with protective antioxidants like Vitamin C.

STEP 4: Moisturiser

Choose a lightweight gel or cream texture

STEP 5: SPF

Choose a sunscreen with at least a broad spectrum SPF30.

evening skincare routine

Evening Skincare Routine

STEP 1: First Cleanser

Choose an oil or balm based texture to remove makeup.

STEP 2: Second Cleanser

Choose a lightweight gel or cream texture.

STEP 3: Toner

Choose a hydrating, soothing toning mist or essence.

STEP 4: Serum

Choose an active ingredient to help treat your skin concerns:

- Anti Ageing: Retinol, Glycolic Acid

- Acne: Salicyclic Acid

- Pigmentation: Vitamin C, Azaleic Acid

- Dry/Dehydrated: Hyaluronic Acid, Polyglutamic Acid

STEP 5: Moisturiser

Choose a rich, nourishing oil or cream that helps to restore.

Skincare Ingredients Glossary

Confused by all the different ingredients in your skincare? Unsure as to which ingredients are most suited for your skin type? Read our Glossary to savvy up on the most popular ingredients in the skincare industry.

Alpha Arbutin

✓ Good for: Fading pigmentation or melasma, brightening

✓ Use if you have: Pigmentation or melasma 

Azaleic Acid

✓ Good for: Clearing pores, reducing inflammation, speeding up skin cell turnover to help prevent scarring

✓ Use if you have: Acne, blemishes, redness 

Bakuchiol

✓ Good for: Providing the same anti-ageing results as retinol without the irritation

✓ Use if you have: Acne, blemishes, hyperpigmentation, sun damage 

Ceramides

✓ Good for: Moisturising, supporting and building the skin barrier, soothing irritation

✓ Use if you have: Dry or dehydrated skin

Glycerin

✓ Good for: Hydrating, supporting the skin barrier, speeding up healing process

✓ Use if you have: Dry or dehydrated skin

Glycolic Acid

✓ Good for: Exfoliating, reducing bacteria, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, evening skin tone, brightening 

✓ Use if you have: Mature skin, dull skin, acne-prone skin 

Green Tea

✓ Good for: Protecting skin, reducing excess sebum, soothing inflammation, preventing fine lines and wrinkles

✓ Use if you have: Acne, blemishes, mature skin

Hyaluronic Acid

✓ Good for: Hydrating, plumping, repairing skin's moisture barrier 

✓ Use if you have: Dry or dehydrated skin

Lactic Acid

✓ Good for: Exfoliating, speeding up cell turnover, fading dark spots, boosting moisture levels

✓ Use if you have: Dry or dehydrated skin, mature skin, sensitive skin

Mandelic Acid

✓ Good for: Evening out skin tone, brightening, exfoliating

✓ Use if you have: Acne-prone skin, mature skin, sensitive skin

Niacinamide

✓ Good for: Firming, supporting lipid barrier, reducing inflammation, reducing sebum, fading dark spots and scars

✓ Use if you have: Acne, blemishes, mature skin

Polyglutamic Acid

✓ Good for: Hydrating, boosting skin elasticity, reducing fine lines and wrinkles

✓ Use if you have: Dry or dehydrated skin 

Resveratrol

✓ Good for: Protecting from UV damage, supporting skin barrier, boosting collagen production, reducing redness

✓ Use if you have: Mature, dry skin

Retinol

✓ Good for: Boosting collagen production, increasing cell turnover, protecting, reducing oil, evening skin tone, reduce fine lines and wrinkles

✓ Use if you have: Acne or blemish-prone skin, mature skin

Vitamin B5

✓ Good for: Moisturising, boosting hydration levels, supporting skin barrier, reducing redness

✓ Use if you have: Dry or dehydrated skin, sensitive skin

Vitamin C

✓ Good for: Protecting against UV damage, reducing pigmentation, brightening, reduces inflammation, stimulates collagen

✓ Use if you have: Pigmentation, mature skin

Vitamin E

✓ Good for: Preventing fine lines and wrinkles, moisturising, reducing redness

✓ Use if you have: Dry or dehydrated skin, mature skin