If you’re the sort of person who can’t open their beauty cupboard for fear of items spilling out, you’re not alone.
But what you might need is a spring clean – as just like with your closet, it’s important to clean out and update your beauty regime every few months.
Speaking to FEMAIL, the celebrity facialist Melanie Grant revealed how to ‘Marie Kondo’ your skincare routine – and what you should keep and ditch according to your complexion type.
The expert and ‘skin whisperer’ has looked after the complexions of some of the most glamorous women in the world – including Victoria Beckham and Kim Kardashian.
Speaking to FEMAIL, celebrity facialist Melanie Grant (pictured) revealed how to ‘Marie Kondo’ your skincare routine – and what you should keep and ditch according to your complexion type
The expert and ‘skin whisperer’ has looked after the complexions of some of the most glamorous women in the world – including Victoria Beckham (pictured with Melanie)
Why do you need to ‘Marie Kondo’ your routine?
First things first, it’s useful to know why clearing out your beauty cupboard – or ‘Marie Kondoing’ your routine – is useful.
‘Your skin can become “immune” to products as they may develop a tolerance for certain ingredients and formulas over time,’ Melanie told FEMAIL.
‘I like to cycle and trial different products seasonally and depending on how my skin is feeling.’
When it comes to her loose cycle, the skincare expert said she is a fan of using lighter and more breathable products in summer, and heavier, more occlusive items in winter.
‘It’s important to remember that skincare expires after opening,’ she said.
‘I would not keep anything more than 12 months, less for organic products. Always store your products in a cool, dark environment or the refrigerator.’
‘Your skin can become “immune” to products as they may develop a tolerance for certain ingredients and formulas over time,’ Melanie told FEMAIL (pictured: client Georgia Fowler)
What should you keep if you have dry skin?
For those who struggle with dry and flaky skin, Melanie said there are seven items that are worth keeping in the spring.
‘Oil-based products formulated specifically for dry skin are a great idea,’ she said.
Ditto an antioxidant facial oil, a hydrating serum containing ingredients like squalane, niacinamide and hyarulonic acid.
When it comes to a moisturiser, Melanie said something ‘nourishing yet breathable’ is good for the day, before you use something richer and more occlusive at night.
‘Look for ingredients like shea butter, maringa and rosehip,’ she said.
Finally, make a restorative facial mask and gentle enzyme exfoliant your best friend.
When it comes to her loose cycle, the skincare expert said she is a fan of using lighter and more breathable products in summer, and heavier, more occlusive items in winter
What should you cull if you have dry skin?
If you are a dry skin sufferer, Melanie said there are several products which are doing more harm than good.
‘Get rid of too many active ingredients,’ she said.
‘Including one or two in your regime can certainly be beneficial – but the key is to look for gentle actives and keep it simple.
‘It’s important your regime is a careful balance of actives, as well as calming and nourishing products that feed and protect the skin.’
Melanie said you should steer clear of anything too intense – such as salicylic acid and glycolic acid, as well as heavily-fragranced products and alcohol-based products.
What should you keep if you have combination skin?
For those with combination skin, Melanie said it’s all about balancing out your oils and dryness.
‘Keep an AHA-based cleanser, a water-based antioxidant serum and lightweight moisturiser,’ she said.
You should also have an exfoliating physical scrub, to be used two to three times weekly, and a salicylic acid spot treatment for blemishes.
‘A variety of face masks and multi-masking is a great way to address different concerns for combination skin,’ Melanie said.
Clay masks will work wonders on oily T-zones, while dryer areas are in need of a hydrating treatment.
If you’re looking to get rid of some items and have combination skin, Melanie said beeswax, lanolin and other occlusive ingredients offer ‘zero benefits for either oily or normal skin’ (Melanie pictured with Phoebe Tonkin)
What should you cull if you have combination skin?
If you’re looking to get rid of some items and have combination skin, Melanie said beeswax, lanolin and other occlusive ingredients offer ‘zero benefits for either oily or normal skin’.
The same can be said of drying cleansers, which strip the skin’s surface and harsh scrubs and exfoliants.
Lastly, ditch soap – which is both irritating and drying for your complexion type.
What should you keep if you have oily skin?
Oily skin types benefit well from gel or AHA-based cleansers, and BHA serums and clay-based face masks.
Melanie said a salicylic acid spot treatment is also good for any potential blemishes.
Everyone needs an SPF in their regime and there is one to suit every skin type. Always use a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen to protect against all UV rays (pictured: Victoria Beckham and Kim Kardashian)
What should you cull if you have oily skin?
On the other hand, anything that’s too heavy – like a rich night cream or facial oil – will add more oil to your face.
Milky cleansers are also bad news for your skin type.
What should you keep if you have sensitive skin?
Lastly, if you have sensitive skin, a gentle cleanser made from oil or milk-based solution is a must.
‘A calming serum is also good,’ Melanie said.
‘Look for ingredients like vitamin K, niacinamide, shea butter or sqalane.’
Gentle AHAs like lactic acid or fruit-based amino acids will work well at sloughing away dead skin, and a soothing moisturiser is the product for you.
What should you cull if you have sensitive skin?
‘Sensitivity can be exacerbated by misguided use of active or harsh skincare products, so be careful when using these,’ Melanie said.
Avoid physical scrubs and glycolic acid, or anything with a fragrance.
‘Retinol should be ditched during periods of heightened sensitivity,’ Melanie concluded.
To follow Melanie Grant on Instagram, please click here.