When it comes to skincare, finding the right routine can feel overwhelming, especially with the endless options available. For Australian Millennial and Gen Z women, skincare isn’t just about following trends—it’s about discovering what works for your unique skin and lifestyle. Whether you’re dealing with breakouts, dryness, or just want that healthy glow, this guide will help you navigate the essentials of skincare.
You will need to try (patch-test) products to see what works for you and helps with your condition. Have open conversations with your doctor about any new products you’re trying out. And start with knowing where you are in the skin game and where you want to be.
Understanding Your Skin Type
Before diving into products and routines, it’s important to know your skin type. Understanding whether you have oily, dry, combination, or sensitive skin will guide your product choices and help you avoid unnecessary irritation.
- Oily Skin: Prone to breakouts and shine, oily skin benefits from lightweight, oil-free products. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid, which helps to control excess oil and keep pores clear.
- Dry Skin: If your skin often feels tight or flaky, you’re likely dealing with dryness. Hydrating products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin are key for maintaining moisture.
- Combination Skin: A mix of oily and dry areas, combination skin requires a balanced approach. Use gentle cleansers and moisturisers that cater to both skin types. Generally T-Zone focused.
- Sensitive Skin: Easily irritated, sensitive skin needs soothing, fragrance-free products. Look for calming ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile.
Essential Skincare Routine
Creating a simple yet effective skincare routine is crucial for maintaining healthy skin. Here’s a basic routine to get you started:
Cleanser: Start your day with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and excess oil. A good option is the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, which is suitable for all skin types. My favourite is The Inkey List Fulvic Acid Cleanser, which deep cleans and washes off makeup and all impurities and doesn’t negatively impact my skin. It can be found here.
Moisturiser: No matter your skin type, moisturising is a must. For dry skin, try the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, which provides long-lasting hydration without feeling heavy. You can purchase it here. My favourite is Dr Lewinn’s Ultra R4 Collagen Surge Gel, which is very kind and smooth to my skin and gives the freeing feeling of a gel-like barrier on my skin.
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Toner: Use a toner to balance your skin’s pH and prepare it for the next steps. The La Roche-Posay Serozinc toner is great for oily and acne-prone skin and is available here. Another great option is Natio Australia Rosewater and Chamomile Gentle Skin Toner, which I find to be very gentle and clearing.
Sunscreen: Protecting your skin from the sun is vital in Australia’s harsh climate. It is easy to find great options with 50 SPF, which is what I would recommend. Find a suitable option like La Roche Posay’s sunblock for the face. A broad-spectrum sunscreen like SunSense Daily Face SPF 50+ is perfect for everyday wear. Don’t forget the hands! Find options here.
Night Cream or Serum: At night, use a serum or night cream to repair your skin. The Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturiser is excellent for reducing fine lines and improving skin texture, packed up super anti-ageing ingredients.
Skincare Tips for Millennials
- Consistency is Key: Stick to your routine consistently for the best results. Skincare is a long-term commitment, and patience is essential.
- Hydrate Inside and Out: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside. Topical hydration is important, but don’t forget to nourish your body as well.
- Avoid Over-Exfoliating: While exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells, overdoing it can lead to irritation and breakouts. Limit exfoliation to 1-2 times per week.
- Listen to Your Skin: Your skin’s needs may change due to weather, hormones, or lifestyle. Be flexible with your routine and adjust it according to what your skin is telling you.
Trending Skincare Ingredients
The skincare world is always evolving, with new ingredients making waves. Here are a few that are currently trending and worth incorporating into your routine:
Niacinamide: This powerful ingredient helps to reduce redness, minimise pores, and even out skin tone. It’s suitable for all skin types, making it a great addition to your skincare arsenal. You can find it in products like The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% or The Inkey List. I find it very helpful to keep oiliness in control if you have oily or combination skin.
Minimise Enlarged Pores, Redness Relief, Discolouration Correcting Treatment
Vitamin C: Known for its brightening properties, Vitamin C can help to reduce dark spots and enhance skin radiance. Try the Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum for a potent dose, available here.
15% Vitamin C Serum, Brightens Discolouration and Uneven Tone, Gentle and Suitable for All Skin Types
Retinol: A must-have for anti-ageing, retinol helps to promote cell turnover and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Start with a low concentration like The Inkey List Retinol Serum – my absolute favourite for years. You can purchase here.
Reduces fine lines and wrinkles. This serum is slowly released and helps combat fine lines and wrinkles, reducing the risk of irritation
Inspirational Stories: Real Women, Real Results
We love to share success stories from women just like you who have transformed their skin. Whether it’s overcoming acne or achieving that elusive glow, these stories prove that with the right routine, beautiful skin is attainable for everyone.
My own journey with skincare has been full of trials and errors, sometimes breaking out pretty badly and sometimes having skin that doesn’t need any foundation. My routine involves the products mentioned in this article, along with good practices.
- My top tips: Drink a lot of water and moderate the amount of sugar and nuts you eat. Clean your sheets and pillowcases regularly. And don’t touch your face!
- Sarah’s Journey: “After years of struggling with oily skin and breakouts, I finally found a routine that works for me. Consistency and using products with salicylic acid have made all the difference. My skin has never looked better!”
- Mia’s Glow-Up: “Incorporating Vitamin C into my routine was a game-changer. My skin is brighter, and those stubborn dark spots are finally fading.”
Further Reading
The Little Book of Skin Care: Korean Beauty Secrets for Healthy, Glowing Skin” by Charlotte Cho (2015)
- This book provides a comprehensive look into skincare routines, particularly focusing on the popular Korean skincare regimen that has influenced beauty trends worldwide. It’s especially useful for its practical tips on maintaining healthy skin.
“Skincare: The Ultimate No-Nonsense Guide” by Caroline Hirons (2020)
- Written by a well-known skincare expert, this book offers straightforward advice on building an effective skincare routine. It’s particularly relevant for millennials and Gen Z, with clear explanations of how different ingredients work.
“Beauty and the Critic: Body, Image, and Representations of Beauty” edited by Adrienne Scott and Rachel Carter (2017)
- This academic text explores the societal and cultural influences on beauty standards, including skincare. It’s a great reference for understanding how generational shifts impact skincare practices.
“Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” (Various Issues)
“Australian Journal of Dermatology” (Various Issues)
