8 Skincare Rules You Should Be Following in 2022

Skincare really isn't that complicated. Provided that you have a solid skincare routine with a few good products and you stick to it, it's certainly possible to achieve a smooth, firm, and luminous complexion.

If you have no idea where to start or you're keen on hearing a recap of skincare rules to follow, here are the eight skincare rules you should be following in 2022.

#1: Find the Right Cleanser 

Cleansing is the first step in a skincare regimen. It's important for removing the day's dirt, oil, and makeup and allowing other skincare products to absorb better into the skin. However, it is possible to use a cleanser that does very little for your complexion. If you're using a harsh cleanser or one that's doesn't meet your skin's needs, you could end up experiencing adverse effects such as dryness, redness, tightness, and irritation.

"Find the right cleanser," says Dr. Justine Hextall, consultant dermatologist. "No moisturizer is going to compensate for an over-stripped skin barrier. If your skin feels tight after cleansing, you need to find a gentler – preferably hydrating – product that leaves the skin feeling soft and hydrated and not crying out for moisturiser."

#2: Make Moisturizing a Daily Habit

A daily moisturizer is essential to maintain your skin's moisture barrier and to prevent the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. It's even more important if you have dry skin, since your skin is especially prone to getting dry. 

Make moisturizing a daily habit in 2022. For best results, moisturize directly after showering or washing your face while your skin is still a little damp. This way, your creams and lotions will penetrate the skin, since damp skin absorbs products better.

Look for serums or creams that contain hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and vitamin E, like Rainbow's Hydrate Serum.

#3: Never Leave the House Without Sunscreen 

SPF is non-negotiable when it comes to maintaining healthy, youthful skin. Daily sunscreen application is fundamental for keeping your skin protected from UV rays and the consequences that come with it -- fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and potentially skin cancer. 

According to the derms, that rule also applies to home birds. 

"Indoor UV exposure can occur from ultraviolet that penetrates through glass, which is UVA. UVA is emitted at the same level — all day long — where is UVB, which is blocked by glass peaks mid-day," says Ava Shamban, a dermatologist in Los Angeles.

Invest in a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 -- and most importantly: wear it every day, no excuses!

#4: Make Room in Your Routine for Exfoliation 

Exfoliation is key for removing dead skin cells on the surface of your skin to reveal a fresh and glowing complexion underneath. 

Whether you're using gentle daily exfoliation or weekly peeling and exfoliating, you will quickly see results from your efforts.

The best exfoliants to look out for are alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid. You will find glycolic acid in Rainbow's Glow Bundle.

#5: Include Active Ingredients 

Active ingredients are the ones that are going to address your skin concerns. Examples of active ingredients include retinol, glycolic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, salicylic acid, and hyaluronic acid. Start incorporating them into your routine to effectively treat skin concerns. 

Retinol is an all-round 5-star ingredient that can tackle everything from fine lines and wrinkles to breakouts and discoloration thanks to its ability to boost collagen production and spur cell turnover. It's typically known as an anti-aging skincare ingredient, but it can do far more than that. The derms say it can even speed the healing of acne scars and brighten dull complexions.

Salicylic and glycolic acid are best for acne-prone skin, as they clear the pores and banish acne-causing bacteria. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant with powerful brightening and free radical-fighting abilities. And hyaluronic acid injects moisture into dry and depleted complexions.

#6: Be Consistent 

In order for a product to work, you need to be consistent. That means using it every single day for at least several weeks so that it can do its thing. If you're only using it once every now and then, it's really not going to make much of a difference to your skin.

Consistency is key so maintain your daily skincare routine to get the most out of your beauty products. 

#7: Give Your Skincare Products a Chance 

With so many cleansers, eye creams, face masks, and toners to choose from, it can be easy to give up quickly if a product isn't showing results within a few days. The problem with doing this is, products generally don't work that fast. In fact, it takes a product around two to three months to truly work and for users to see results. So be patient and stick to the products you're using. 

If you have sensitive skin, you may react to certain products rather quickly. In this case, switch products if you feel the current one is too strong for your skin. 

#8: Don't Believe (Or Try!) Everything You See on TikTok

Make a new year's resolution to stop following all the beauty trends you see on social media platforms like TikTok. Some of those trends can be extremely harmful to your skin!

If you're serious about treating signs of aging or clearing up your acne once and for all, visit your dermatologist for professional advice. You may even want to consider booking an in-office treatment like laser therapy or microneedling if you're seeking faster results.

Just because your fave celeb or influencer is promoting something on TikTok, doesn't mean it's a legitimate trend or product. Stick to what you know works for you, steer clear of those DIY dangers, and seek professional advice. 

The New Year is almost here, which means you can start following these rules anytime! Most importantly, make skincare a priority this year. Stop skipping those nightly washes, that slathering of serum, and the daily SPF application. How you treat your skin now will reflect in your skin in the next years to come. So treat it well!