Let’s face it: we all start the week with the best of intentions. We vow to stick to a skincare routine, promising ourselves that tonight’s cleanse will be followed by a luxurious moisturise and a glow-inducing serum.
By midweek, however, the only thing glowing is the screen of your phone as you mindlessly scroll through TikTok, completely forgetting about your skincare shelf that looks like it’s been abandoned for days.
It’s the same story every week. So, how do we stay on track? Let’s start with a little honesty.
The key to sticking to your skincare routine is the same as it is with any habit – you’ve got to find a way to make it stick, even if you’re secretly still drawn to the allure of Netflix or that extra hour in bed.
Here’s a creative guide to making your skincare routine more than just another thing you “should” do.
TURN YOUR ROUTINE INTO A RITUAL
Imagine just coming home from a long day, your body feels like it’s been hit by a bus (figuratively, of course), and the idea of scrubbing your face seems like the last thing you want to do.
But hold on – before you give in to the temptation of lying down with a packet of crisps and calling it a night, think about how you can turn your skincare routine into a ritual.
Light a candle. Put on some calming music. Maybe even pretend you’re in a spa – complete with fluffy towels and a face mask that’s mysteriously always a little too slippery to get on properly.
The trick here is to make it feel like something you look forward to, rather than a chore you’re forced to do. A little dramatisation goes a long way.
Treat your skincare like a form of self-care; after all, it’s about taking a few minutes to pamper yourself – something you deserve.
Before you know it, your routine won’t just be about maintaining clear skin – it’ll be a ritual of unwinding and releasing the stress of the day.
Who knew your cleanser could double as a stress ball?
USE VISUAL CUES
Let’s be honest – when we’re tired, the only thing that gets our attention is the thing in front of us. Your skincare products need to be visible and accessible.
No more shoving your lotions and potions into a drawer, out of sight and out of mind. Instead, place your favourite items where you can see them every day – on your bathroom counter or next to your toothbrush. The more you see it, the more likely you are to use it.
And if you really want to step up your game, think about adding a cheeky reminder. A cute post-it note saying, “Don’t forget your face!” or “You’ve got this, glow queen!” might sound silly, but you’ll be surprised at how well a little positivity can work. It’s like having your own skincare cheerleader, minus the pom-poms.
SET SMALL, ACHIEVABLE GOALS
If the idea of a 10-step skincare routine makes you break out in a cold sweat, then it’s time to scale it down.
Start with just three products: a cleanser, a moisturiser, and an SPF (for those sunny days that are oh so constant these days). You don’t need a hundred different serums or exotic oils – consistency is key.
Here’s the trick: make your goals bite-sized. Instead of aiming for an hour-long skincare session, promise yourself that you’ll spend just five minutes.
Five minutes of cleansing, moisturising, and, if you’re feeling fancy, applying a serum.
The bonus here? Once you’ve nailed those five minutes, you’ll likely want to add more steps – suddenly, that extra serum doesn’t seem like such a chore.
The key to long-term discipline is simply building momentum.
And, if we’re being honest, nothing says “glow-up” like ticking off your skincare steps like a to-do list.
HOLD YOURSELF ACCOUNTABLE (BUT MAKE IT FUN)
Accountability doesn’t have to feel like being scolded by a parent. Enlist a skincare buddy – a friend who’s just as eager to stick to their routine as you are. Send each other nightly texts like, “Did you wash your face tonight?” or “Moisturiser? Check!” It’s basically like a secret skincare club. Who said skincare had to be a solo journey?
Alternatively, turn your routine into a game.
Challenge yourself to hit seven days of skincare in a row and reward yourself with something small: a coffee date, a movie night, or that one episode of your favourite show.
Positive reinforcement is a great motivator – after all, you’ve earned it!
BE KIND TO YOURSELF
Finally, the most important rule: don’t beat yourself up if you fall off track.
We all get busy or distracted from time to time – life happens. Instead of getting upset over one missed night, remember that discipline isn’t about being perfect; it’s about getting back on track.
Think of your skincare routine as a relationship – you don’t break up after a few missed calls; you just re-connect when you’re ready.
So, the next time you feel the pull of the sofa over your skincare routine, remember that glowing skin starts with glowing intentions.
Take it slow, make it fun, and let your skincare routine become less of a chore and more of an act of self-love.
You’ll be surprised how much more disciplined you can be when it’s something you actually enjoy. – Izah Azahari
