Simple Tips To Refresh Your Skincare Regimen in 2021

Might be time to update your skincare regimen. 

As we age, and our lifestyle changes, our skin’s needs change too. That moisturizer that was fine in your twenties may not be giving your skin the nutrients it needs in your thirties.

And of course, when it comes to skincare, no one-size-fits-all.  Different skin types require different skincare strategies, so what works for your best friend may not be right for you.

No Time for Complicated Skincare Regimens?

Don’t stress. While the 10-step Korean skincare regimen has been attracting attention, there’s no need for expensive products or overly complicated routines.

Just four daily steps are all you need to achieve healthy, glowing skin: cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate, and moisturize. 

1. Cleanse to remove daily build-up

The foundation of your skincare regimen, cleansing helps wash away dirt and impurities that can build up on your face during the day and creates a clean surface for the products you will apply after that.

The type of cleanser you choose will depend on your skin type – those with dry skin may benefit from a gentle cleansing cream, while oilier skin may be happier with a foaming cleanser (plus the added bonus of the pH balancing elements in our Foaming Facial Cleanser removes the need for a toner, saving you time and money). For best results, cleanse twice a day. If you wear makeup or sunscreen, ensure you remove it thoroughly. But be careful the water isn’t too hot; extreme temperatures, (such as hot, steamy showers or hot water), can strip skin of the necessary oil barrier that helps maintain skin integrity. 

2. Exfoliate for smoother, younger skin

Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells to reveal the smoother, younger cells underneath. There are both physical (like a scrub) and chemical exfoliators (which use acids like salicylic or glycolic acid to gently buff away skin cells).

Depending on your age and skin type, we recommend a gentle physical exfoliator made from natural ingredients, like Kanapa™ Revitalizing Exfoliating Scrub with finely ground Rhyolite Lava and Apple Exfoliating Peel. Avoid harsh products that can damage delicate skin cells.

Whichever product you choose, make sure you don’t overdo it because over-scrubbing can lead to microscopic tears in the outer skin layer leading to inflammation and irritation. Twice a week is plenty.

3. Hydrate – for softer, firmer skin

Yes, hydrating is different to moisturizing, and just as important. Hydrators are water-based ingredients called 'humectants' that absorb water from the atmosphere or your skin and hold it in place on your skin's surface. Not only do they help improve your skin's ability to absorb moisture, but your skin cells will also remain plump and infused.

Many humectants support skin cell hydration, the commonly used natural ones are hyaluronic acid, natural glycerin, aloe vera , and honey. Synthetic-sourced humectants such as silicon oils and propylene glycol may also be used in some products, so keep an eye out for them if you only prefer natural ingredients on your skin.

Use all year round, our Kanapa™ Luminous Facial Serum is an advanced formulation that combines hyaluronic acid and biomimetic peptides with the latest in stem cell technology to deeply hydrate skin, penetrating beneath the surface to leave skin softer, and firmer.

4. Moisturize – to seal in moisture

Arguably the most important step, moisturizing helps ‘lock in’ vital moisture. For optimum results, use a specific formulation for night and day.

For 9 to 5, you want a fast-absorbing moisturizer that is rich in antioxidants to guard skin cells against pollution and environmental damage. We recommend our Kanapa™ Ultra-Light Sheer Day & Night Cream (for women) or Hydrating Facial Fluid (for men). They're packed with active ingredients, powerful antioxidants, and soothing agents, easily absorbed, leaving it feeling soft and smooth.

For nighttime, you can layer it up or keep it simple, depending on the needs of your skin. Those with drier skin may benefit from applying a light facial oil along with their usual night cream. For those with oilier skin, a good night cream is enough. Look for a product that’s packed with plenty of antioxidants and nutrients to nourish your skin while you sleep.

Consistency Is the Key

Consistency is key with skincare, so if you follow these steps daily, you’ll be on your way to fresh, glowing skin. 

Our Kanapa™ skincare contains a scientifically formulated blend of powerful natural ingredients from New Zealand and around the world. Our unique formulations are packed with natural oils and active ingredients, including Rosehip oil, Jojoba oil, Manuka honey, and Nano-Lipobelle H EQ10- a form of CoQ10 - which helps fight free radicals that cause visible signs of aging.

You won't be surprised to find that our range is cruelty-free, dermatologically tested, clinically proven, and contains no parabens, allergens, or other potentially dangerous chemicals.

A Little Extra

On days when you want to take things a little more slowly, consider adding one of these steps to your routine to give your skin a little extra treat:

1. Mask -The ultimate way to indulge, masks can help draw out dirt, impurities, and clogged pores while improving skin tone and reducing dullness. Apply one weekly, when you want to unwind.

2. Eye Cream –Eye creams areconcentrated formulations that deliver intense hydration to the delicate eye area, helping reduce puffiness, dark circles, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Use one after your serum and before your moisturizer for a rested refreshed look.