This is where multipurpose formulas shine. It’s one thing to discover an effective skincare product, but a product that targets breakouts, ingrown hairs, and can be used to prep before self-tanning – all in one tube? We’re sold!
Good for your skin, good for your wallet, great for glow? Read on for the intel on four hero Skinstitut products with more than one use.
Gentle Cleanser
The simple, softening face wash of your dreams, Gentle Cleanser purifies and conditions the skin without stripping or removing essential moisture.
Here’s how it works:
As a facial cleanser
Gentle Cleanser can be used as either your second cleanse — pre-cleanse with an oil-based formula, such as our Expert Replenish Squalene Cleansing Oil — or as your sole cleanser. Just be sure to double up if you’re wearing heavy makeup and/ or sunscreen.
As a shaving gel
Fun fact: Gentle Cleanser makes for a great shaving gel, especially if you have sensitive skin. Just emulsify with a little water to create a foam, and your razor will glide across skin with ease.
Glycolic Scrub 14%
A bestseller for all the right reasons, Glycolic Scrub 14% combines Glycolic Acid with biodegradable Jojoba Beads to smooth, polish and decongest the complexion in seconds. And while its hard-working, we only use rounded Jojoba, so it’s gentle enough for most skin types (and there’s zero risk of microtears).
How to get the most out of it:
To exfoliate your face
With all that exfoliating action, Glycolic Scrub 14% is a truly effective way to remove cellular build-up – this is especially handy if you’re prone to shine, congestion and/ or breakouts.
To treat body acne
Pimples aren’t always isolated to our face, right? If you also experience breakouts on your back, cheek and shoulders, Glycolic Scrub 14% can be used to unclog pores and control acne-causing bacteria.
To prevent ingrown hairs
Ingrown hairs occur when a hair grows back into the skin, which is usually triggered by cell build-up. Fortunately, a weekly scrub is the perfect way to both untrap existing inngrowns and prevent future ones from forming.
To prep before self-tanning
Self-tan has a habit of clinging to rough, dry skin, resulting in a patchy finish – no thank you! Glycolic Scrub 14% makes for the perfect prep step, smoothing the body for a streak-free finish. Be sure to focus on the elbows, knees and ankles.
To remove patchy self-tanner
The same goes for removing fake tan: because Glycolic Acid sloughs off the upper layers of the epidermis, it’s a great cure-all for tanner that’s fading or patchy.
To buff your lips pre-lipstick application
We love a matte lip, but we don’t love when our favourite lipstick cracks, bleeds, or crumbles. To prep and smooth, take a tiny amount of Glycolic Scrub 14% and using your ring finger, buff into the lip contour before removing with a flannel. The result? A finish so soft it would make Kylie Jenner jealous.
Retinol Serum
While it might seem like a serum can only do one thing, Retinol Serum is unique in that it targets so many concerns at once. Acne? Retinol Serum. Lines and wrinkles? Retinol Serum. Pigmentation? Retinol Serum. Because Retinol regulates cell turnover, it’s effective in optimising skin health, no matter what your complexion worries might be.
Choose from the following:
To target acne
A build-up of expired skin cells is a huge contributing factor when it comes to acne as these cells mix with sebum and bacteria, which can lead to clogged pores. Retinol works to speed up cell turnover, so you’ll have significantly less risk of pimple formation.
To firm fine lines and wrinkles
Because Retinol Serums brings fresh, healthy cells to the skin’s surface, it’s effective at fading accelerated signs of ageing. It also assists with collagen formation for a bouncy, youthful appearance.
To brighten the look of dark spots
Pigment and discolouration can be tricky to treat as darker patches often sit beneath the skin’s surface. Retinol Serums, however, work to lift away some of these damaged cells, which brightens the complexion and helps to keep it uniform.
Moisture Defence Normal
Moisture Defence is a lightweight but ultra-hydrating formula that can be used by most skin types, day and night.
Two very good reasons why it should be a part of your kit:
24-hour hydration
Be done with moisturisers that can only be used either day or night (or worse, interfere with any active serums or exfoliants). Moisture Defence Normal is a safe but hydrating bet you can rely on any time of day without contraindications.
To prep for makeup
Fun fact: great makeup starts with great skincare, and Moisture Defence Normal just happens to be a foolproof base for foundation. It’s packed with humectants and emollients, which will give you a hydrated canvas, but it’s not overly rich, because the goal is glow, not grease. Count us in!
Shop Moisture Defence Normal