Skincare Swaps to Make in 2022

Like with other aspects of life, the actions you take now with skincare contribute to your skin's overall health and appearance.

If you'd like to get the best out of your skincare routine, make sure you're using the best products for your skin type -- and staying consistent with your routine.

For your best skin in 2022, here are some skincare swaps to make.

Swap: Soap

For: Cleanser

Conventional soaps will strip your skin of natural oils and disrupt the pH of your skin. This can compromise your skin barrier, leading to dryness, irritation, and other skin concerns. Instead, wash your skin with a gentle cleanser that offers a deep clean without drying out your complexion. 

If you have dry skin, opt for a creamy cleanser or face wash formulated with plant oils and humectants like glycerin. For those with oily or acne-prone skin, seek formulas made with salicylic acid to exfoliate away dead skin, excess oil, and clear pores. 

To get the most out of your cleanser -- or any skincare product for that matter -- aim to always choose a product formulated for your skin type or specific concern. The results will be so much better. 

Swap: Scrubs

For: Chemical Exfoliants

Regular exfoliation is essential for maintaining bright, healthy skin. It removes dry, dead skin cells to decongest the pores, brighten the complexion, and even allow other beauty products to work harder. 

However, physical exfoliants or scrubs -- the kind that use granules to manually remove dead skin cells -- can often be too harsh for skin. Especially sensitive skin! 

Start using a chemical exfoliator in the new year instead. Chemical exfoliators use alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), or enzymes to gently dissolve dead cells on the skin's surface. It's a much kinder method of exfoliation that can help smooth out fine lines, fade hyperpigmentation, and improve skin tone and texture.

Try Rainbow's Glow Bundle. It features an all-over mask + serum formulated with antioxidant-rich bakuchiol and exfoliating glycolic acid to resurface and brighten skin. 

Swap: Heavy Lotions 

For: Hydrating Serums

Serums are superstar skincare products. Made with high concentrations of active ingredients, these formulas treat a range of skin concerns, including acne, discoloration, wrinkles, and even dryness. Unlike some creams and lotions, serums feel incredibly lightweight and are generally fast-absorbing. They're quite literally a dream for oily and acne-prone skin types, which tend to react negatively to rich moisturisers. 

Instead of slathering your skin with heavy creams this year, start incorporating a hydrating serum into your daily routine. 

Try Rainbow's Hydrate Serum. It's made with hydrating hyaluronic acid and regenerating vitamin B5 to drench dull, dry skin in lasting moisture. For best results, use it 1-2 times per day. 

Swap: Anti-Aging Creams 

For: Anti-Aging Serums

There's really nothing wrong with anti-aging creams. However, serums generally contain a higher concentration of active anti-aging ingredients like retinol, bakuchiol, and collagen. Used as part of your daily routine, they can really make a noticeable difference to your complexion, smoothing out creases and fading discoloration.

Try Rainbow's Smooth Serum for powerful anti-aging benefits. It's formulated with vitamin C and vegan collagen to boost collagen production, enhance elastin, and protect skin from UV damage.

Swap: Chemical Sunscreen 

For: Mineral Sunscreen

You should be wearing SPF daily whenever you plan on going outside -- even on those dull, cloudy days! According to the derms, there is a better kind of sunscreen to buy. 

"Both chemical and mineral sunscreens absorb UV radiation," explains dermatologist Katherine Armour. However, there is a difference between what each product offers the skin.

"Mineral sunscreens also reflect UV light. Mineral sunscreens are the near-ideal sunscreen as they are chemically inactive safe, and protect against the full UV spectrum," says Armour. 

Always apply SPF at the end of your morning skincare routine to give your skin the protection it needs. Doing this daily will prevent premature aging as well as skin damage. 

Swap: Astringent Toners

For: Hydrating Mists

The problem with astringent toners is that they can be incredibly drying. While they're okay for oily skin, those with dry, normal, or sensitive skin will have a hard time using these products. 

Instead, start using a soothing, hydrating face mist to add moisture to your skin throughout the day. The great thing about mists is that they can be used anytime, any place. Plus, they'll give you that dewy, dreamy complexion you crave.

Swap: Sheet Masks 

For: Jelly Masks

Sheet masks are great as an on-the-go self-care product. However, they're not exactly eco-friendly. These single-use products get used and thrown away so quickly, they could not be further from sustainable.

2022 is the year to start taking sustainability seriously! And that extends to your beauty routine. Swap out single-use products for personal care products that last at least a dozen uses longer. 

Try our Tighten Mask, an AHA-powered formula enriched with wrinkle-reducing red microalgae to lift, plump, and quench your skin. You can use this formula multiple times. Plus, it comes in refillable packaging -- in case you need somewhere to store your shampoo bar or small haircare products. 

Swap: Long, Hot Showers 

For: Quick, Cool Ones

We love a long, hot shower as much as the next person, but we're not going to lie: they're doing your skin zero favors.

"Hot, long showers will further dry the skin, so it's not a time to get lost in your thoughts," says dermatologist Michelle Henry M.D.  

That's because hot water strips skin of natural oils, leaving it dry and dehydrated. To save your skin, start taking quicker, cooler showers. Incorporate a hydrating body wash instead of drying soap. Afterwards, use a nourishing body lotion to restore moisture post-wash. Your skin will thank you!

You don't need to buy a cart full of new products this year to get better skin. You just need to make a few smart swaps. Forget flash skincare trends you see on social media, and stick to the rules (and products!) we know work.