That going back to school feeling is well and truly here, with us surviving the first week back in school for our children. Now, it's time for a great family routine and to refocus on ourselves... This includes your skin routine!

Now the kids are back at school, it's time for us to learn some lessons too. Here is your RDR Skincare school, get that notebook out, a cuppa or coffee and buckle in for great skin.

Back to skincare school:

Day 1 - lesson 1

Skin cleansing, why you must

This is a crucial first step in any skincare routine. A step which is often missed or not carried out thoroughly. Lack of proper skin cleansing is the main reason why your regime fails to meet your expectations. Lack of proper cleansing allows the opening to your hair follicles to become blocked with make-up, oil, dirt and bacteria. Did you know a blackhead or spot is the result of a blocked hair follicle?

Day 1 – lesson 2

Applying further products to less than perfectly cleansed skin.

Quite simply, the ingredients in your next steps (your Step 2 – Skin Boost and Step 3 - Skin Defence) won’t work the way they should, or the way you want them too. You’re adding layers on top of old make-up, oil, dirt and bacteria. You don’t need me to tell you that this is unlikely to end well!

Day 1 – lesson 3

To cleanse or double cleanse - fact, or fiction?

At night I recommend double cleansing your skin. Your first cleanse removes your make-up and general dirt and debris of the day. Your second cleanse, cleanses your skin. Now you’re ready to apply your night time products.

Removal of your cleansing product is quick and efficient when you use a damp cloth. I recommend the Micro Cloths available at RDR Beauty Clinic, that are made of super soft micro fibre. These gently remove every trace of your cleansing product and every trace of your make-up. Taking away everything your skin doesn’t need, without stripping or scratching your face.

In the morning a single cleanse is perfect (if you’ve done your job well at night)! This will remove your night time product residue, along with oil, bacteria, sweat and dust particles. Now you’re ready to apply your daytime products (remember your SPF, even in autumn and winter).

Lunch Break!! (Grab A Butty A Brew!!)

Day 1 – lesson 4

Pick your cleanser based on how you like your skin to feel and make sure it fits your lifestyle.

A new routine will only work for you if you’re consistent. Consistency will come from ease of routine and loving the result. This includes loving the way your skin feels afterwards.

In clinic, I recommend different cleansers, some of which my clients love, some of which they won’t.

Your homework for today!!

Make sure you double cleanse tonight and check in with yourself to see how you truly feel about your cleanser.