Social media has run wild with skincare tips and tricks. From ‘slugging’ to the newest ‘shedding’ trend, our skincare routines have never seemed so complicated. 

However, ‘skin zoning’ might be the most useful technique we’ve heard of yet. It’s not only dermatologist-approved, but it’s also an effective solution to maximising your skincare’s benefits.

If you’ve got combination skin (like me) this approach to your skincare routine will be a game-changer. There’s no need to dry out your cheeks to help with your oil-slick forehead. 

Instead, skin zoning is all about a targeted approach to treating your skin, and it’s one that not only helps balance things out but also saves your products for where you need them the most. 

To do this, it’s all about assessing your skin’s needs and creating a map, if you will, of which serums suit what area. “Focus oil-loving salicylic acid through the T-zone and spot-prone areas, and dot brightening and redness-reducing azelaic acid directly on top of dark spots and wrinkles,” says dermatologist Dr Sam Bunting.

By using redness solutions just around the cheek area, you’re using them where they’ll have the most impact, and not wasting them on areas like the forehead, which typically don’t suffer from sensitivity, making that serum work better and last longer.

While the technique is serum-focused, your go-to moisturiser is used to seal everything in. “Finish by massaging moisturiser into the skin to plump and hydrate. It’s that simple,” adds Dr Bunting.

A useful skincare hack that doesn’t require us to buy any new product? Sign us up. 

Images: Adobe