Why Is It So Hard Sticking To A Routine?
Forming one new habit is hard, so it's no wonder that skincare routines (which usually involve multiple steps) can be incredibly difficult to commit to. As creatures of habit, we tend to default to what we know. So, if you’re used to brushing your teeth and falling into bed at the end of the day, it’s not going to be easy to add a new skincare regime into the mix.
Research has found that it takes, on average, 66 days before a new habit becomes automatic. While that means there is hope in sight, it also means you need to push through those first weeks and months until it starts to become easier.
How To Create Good Habits
Thankfully, when it comes to sticking to a skincare routine and creating good habits, you don’t have to figure it out for yourself. In fact, there are a few tried and tested ways to set yourself up for success.
#1. Keep your skincare simple.
The more complicated your skincare routine is, the less likely you are to stick to it. Instead of diving straight into the deep end with an 8+ step Korean beauty regime, keep your skincare simple with a cleanser, toner, serum and moisturiser. These staple products give your skin the core support it needs, so you should soon see a difference in your complexion.
When selecting your products, find options that are specifically tailored to your skin type. For oily, blemish-prone skin, you may want to choose a cleanser that uses BHAs like salicylic acid to give your pores a thorough cleanse. Or, for dry skin types, a serum that contains hydrating hyaluronic acid is a great choice.
Once you’ve established your routine, you can start to add in new elements one product at a time.
#2. Don’t skip two days in a row.
As you may have noticed, forming a new habit is entirely psychological, which is why this next tip is so important: never skip two days in a row. Miss one day of your skincare routine and you can bounce back, but miss two and the chances are low you’ll pick it back up.
The solution? If you miss a day, don’t beat yourself up but make absolutely sure that you get back on track the next day.
#3. Link good habits.
Another great way to prompt yourself into following your skincare routine is to multi-task. Let’s face it, sometimes cleansing can be a bit dull and moisturising a chore, so why not link them to things you do automatically every day?
Try cleansing your face while you’re taking a shower, and keeping your serum next to your toothbrush. Better yet, use multi-tasking products that take the effort out of skincare, like Elemis Superfood Night Cream which restores hydration as you sleep, repairing the skin’s lipid barrier and feeding it with prebiotics.
#4. Track your progress.
Last but not least, set clear, achievable goals for yourself and track your progress as you go. Most skincare regimens take anywhere from four to eight weeks before you’ll see results, but take pictures every few weeks and look for signs that you’re getting closer to your goal, whether that’s to reduce fine lines, dark circles or pigmentation. These regular check-ins can give you a much-needed motivation boost and spur you toward your goal.
With a little preparation and a lot of determination, you can do anything you set your mind to, so set yourself a skincare goal for 2022 and make it happen.
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