The skin advice I come back to again & again
After more than 20 years working with skin, I’ve learnt that healthy, beautiful skin isn’t usually about doing more. In fact, it’s often about doing less - but doing the right things consistently. I created arké because I saw so many people overwhelmed by skincare. Too many products, too many steps, too many promises. I wanted to create something that made looking after your skin feel simple, enjoyable and achievable. So, these are the things I come back to time and time again - both in my work with clients and in my own routine.
1. Keep your routine simple
Your skin doesn’t need a 10-step routine to be healthy.
I like to think about skincare as giving your skin the things it needs, rather than constantly trying to correct it.
For me, that means cleansing, nourishing, protecting and keeping the skin hydrated.
In the morning, I use The Cleanser, apply The Serum, followed by The Moisturiser and always finish with SPF.
At night, I cleanse properly and then layer my arké products onto slightly damp skin. I finish with The Bed Balm, particularly when my skin is feeling dry, tired or in need of a little extra love.
That’s it.
There’s something quite liberating about realising you don’t need a bathroom shelf full of products to take good care of your skin.
2. Hydration starts before your moisturiser
One of the simplest things you can do for your skin is also one of the easiest to forget: drink enough water.
When we’re dehydrated, our skin can look dull, feel tight and loose some of that lovely plumpness.
I keep a water bottle with me throughout the day and try not to wait until I’m thirsty before drinking. It sounds obvious, but it makes a difference.
And hydration isn’t just about drinking water.
I also look at the products I’m putting onto my skin. Humectants such as hyaluronic acid help draw water into the skin, while ingredients that support the skin barrier help keep that moisture where it belongs.
Think of it as putting water in - and then helping your skin hold onto it.
3. Don’t underestimate your skin barrier
This is something I talk about constantly.
Your skin barrier is your skin’s protective outer layer. When it’s healthy, skin tends to feel comfortable, smooth and resilient. When it’s compromised, you might notice dryness, sensitivity, redness, tightness or that uncomfortable “nothing agrees with my skin” feeling.
One of the biggest mistakes I see is people trying to fix these problems by adding more active ingredients.
Sometimes your skin doesn’t need another treatment.
It needs a break.
Gentle cleansing, good hydration, nourishing ingredients and protecting the skin from environmental stressors can go a surprisingly long way.
4. SPF. Every. Single. Day.
If there is one piece of skincare advice I will never stop giving, this is it.
Wear sunblock every day.
Not just on beach days. Not just when it’s sunny. Not just in summer.
UV exposure is one of the biggest contributors to premature skin ageing, pigmentation and damage, and living in New Zealand means we need to take it seriously.
I think of SPF as the final step of my morning skincare routine - not an optional extra.
5. Your skin loves consistency
I’d much rather someone have a simple routine they actually follow every day than an elaborate routine they manage once a week.
Skin takes time.
You can’t expect a new product to transform everything overnight, and constantly changing products makes it difficult to know what your skin actually likes.
Find a routine that works for you and stick with it.Give your skin time to respond.
6. Your pillowcase, your sleep and your stress matter too
Skincare is only one part of the picture.
I notice a real difference in my own skin when I’m sleeping well, drinking enough water, eating nourishing food and making time to move my body.
And unfortunately, skin doesn’t always love stress as much as we wish it did.
When life is busy, I try to make my evening skincare routine a little ritual rather than another thing on my to-do list.
I cleanse slowly. I apply my products. I massage them into my skin and I finish with The Bed Balm.
It’s five minutes where I’m not rushing.
Sometimes I think that’s almost as important as the products themselves.
7. Don’t pick at your skin
I know. Easier said than done.
But squeezing, picking and constantly touching your face can cause inflammation, prolong blemishes and increase the risk of marks and scarring.
If you have a spot, let your skincare do its job.
Your skin is incredibly clever. Give it the right environment to heal rather than constantly interfering with it.
8. You don't need to fight your skin
This might be my biggest piece of advice.
I don’t believe skincare should be about fighting your skin into submission. Your skin changes. With the seasons. With hormones. With stress. With age. With life.
Some days it will be glowing. Other days it might feel dry, congested or a little more sensitive.
That’s normal.
My approach is always to listen to what your skin is asking for and support it rather than constantly trying to change it. And that’s really why I created arké.
Four simple steps.
Thoughtfully chosen ingredients.
No unnecessary complexity.
Just good skincare that works with your skin - and a routine you’ll actually want to come back to. Because healthy skin isn’t about perfection. It’s about looking after what you have.
Renee
Founder, arké
