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Expert Skin, Brows & Beauty Advice in Bristol

The Simple Skincare Guide: How to Get Healthier, Happier Skin

Jackie Fussell • 15 March 2026

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A personalised follow-up for anyone who wants to improve their skin

Good skincare doesn’t need to be complicated — it just needs to be consistent.
This simple skincare guide is designed for clients who want healthier skin and are looking for professional skincare advice and facials in Bristol.

Whether you’ve recently had a facial with me or you’re starting fresh with your routine, this guide will help you understand what your skin needs and how to get the best results from home care and professional treatments.

🎥 Watch My Full Skin Prep Video

If you want to see the correct technique for cleansing, exfoliating, serum layering, moisturising and SPF…

🧴 The Routine — Step-by-Step

A great routine doesn’t mean 10 products and 45 minutes.

It simply means using the right steps, in the right order, consistently.

Here’s the routine I recommend for most people:

Step 1: Remove Eye Makeup (PM only)
Most people in their 40s don’t cleanse thoroughly enough — especially around the eyes.

How to do it properly:
1. Soak a cotton pad with eye makeup remover or micellar water.
2. Press the pads together so they’re evenly damp.
3. Close your eyes and gently press the pads onto your lashes.
4. Hold for a moment to allow the product to dissolve your mascara.
5. Gently wipe away without rubbing or dragging.
6. Repeat if needed.
7. Once makeup is removed, lightly wipe underneath the eyes — this area is very thin and delicate, so be extra gentle.

Your eyes should feel clean, never irritated or tight.
Step 2: Cleanse Your Face
Option A – Using Pads (Micellar Water or Cleansing Water)
1. Soak a cotton pad with cleanser/micellar water.
2. Starting in the centre of your face, wipe outwards towards your hairline.
3. Always sweep towards your temples to avoid dragging your skin down.
4. Don’t forget your jawline and neck.

Option B – Using Your Fingers (Cream, Gel or Balm Cleanser)
1. Using your fingertips, massage the cleanser into your skin using upward circular motions.
2. This dissolves makeup, SPF and oils gently.
3. Rinse with warm water — never hot.

Your skin should feel fresh and clean — not tight or squeaky.
Step 3: Tone (Optional Step)
Toner is no longer considered an essential step in modern skincare — so don’t feel guilty if you skip it.

Traditionally, toner was used to rebalance the skin’s pH after harsher cleansers. But if you’re using gentle, skin-friendly products, your pH is unlikely to be disrupted in the first place.

That said, some toners now include extra benefits such as:
• added hydration
• soothing ingredients
• gentle exfoliating acids
• calming botanicals

If you enjoy using one, you absolutely can. A lovely way to apply toner is to decant it into a spray bottle — it’s refreshing, easy to use, and can even be misted lightly over makeup throughout the day.
Step 4: Exfoliate (1–2 x per week)
This is one of the biggest glow-boosters for mature skin. It can instantly:
• brighten
• smooth texture
• help foundation glide instead of cling
• Improve effectiveness of moisturisers and serums

Exfoliating is essential because your skin is made up of multiple layers.
When the top layer becomes dry, dull or congested, it acts like a barrier — stopping hydration from penetrating properly. By gently removing (or polishing!) that top layer, you reveal the fresh new skin underneath, allowing your serums and moisturisers to work far more effectively.

How to exfoliate:
1. Apply your exfoliator with your fingertips.
2. Use gentle circular movements — no harsh scrubbing.
3. Buff away dry, dead skin cells.
4. Rinse with water.

Your skin should feel soft, smooth and radiant afterwards — never red or sore.
Step 5: Eye Cream
Eye creams are made for the delicate skin around the eyes, often containing ingredients like caffeine or peptides.

How to apply:
1. Using your ring finger, dot the cream under the eyes along the natural crease.
2. Gently tap or massage in using tiny circular motions.
3. Optionally use a cooling eye roller to boost absorption, de-puff and brighten.
4. Store the roller in the fridge for extra soothing benefits.
Step 6: Moisturise
Choose a moisturiser that makes your skin feel comfortable and plump — not greasy.

How to apply:
1. Spread a generous amount across your hands.
2. Press into the skin in upward and outward motions.
3. If sweeping, do so very gently.
4. Patting is gentler and avoids pulling the skin.

Tip:
• Day cream = lighter, sits better under makeup.
• Night cream = richer, supports your skin’s repair overnight.
Step 7: SPF or Serum (depending on time of day)
Morning Routine – SPF is non-negotiable

SPF is the #1 anti-ageing product.
Use every single day, even if it’s cloudy. It protects from sun damage, pigmentation and premature ageing.

Night Routine – Serum for deeper nourishment

Look for ingredients like:
• hyaluronic acid
• peptides
• ceramides
• niacinamide

Your skin will drink these up overnight and look fresher by morning.

How to apply:
Press into the skin in upward, lifting motions — never drag.

✨ What Results You Can Expect

With consistent skincare, clients in their 40s typically notice:

✔ Makeup sits smoother

✔ Skin looks more hydrated and plump

✔ Fine lines appear softer

✔ Less redness and irritation

✔ Pores look more refined

✔ Pigmentation looks more even

✔ A fresher, brighter, more youthful look

✔ More confidence without makeup

It’s never too late to get your glow back — you just need the right steps, done consistently.

💆‍♀️ Should I Get a Professional Facial?

If you’re based in Bristol or South Gloucestershire and want to improve your skin, professional facials can make a significant difference. Even the best home routine benefits from occasional professional treatments.

Here are the facials I recommend, depending on your skin’s needs:

✨ Dermaplaning

Removes dead skin and peach fuzz, instantly brightening your complexion.

Perfect for dullness, dryness and smoother makeup application.

✨ Aqua Hydrating Facial

Deep cleansing, exfoliation and hydration infusion in one treatment.

Ideal for congestion, dehydrated skin, and improving overall skin health.

✨ Microneedling

Stimulates collagen, improves texture, pores, fine lines and acne scarring.

Best done as a course of 6 facials, spaced monthly.

These treatments are most effective when done regularly, as results build over time and support your skin’s natural renewal cycle.

💡 How often should I book a facial?

Every 4–6 weeks works well for most people — or at least once every season to keep your skin balanced as weather, hormones and lifestyle change.

🧼 Healthy Habits = Healthy Skin

Great skin starts with lifestyle, not just products.

Here are daily habits that make a real difference:

Sleep well and manage stress — both show up on your skin.
Stay hydrated to support elasticity and glow.
Eat a balanced diet rich in healthy fats and antioxidants.
Clean your makeup brushes and pillowcases regularly to avoid bacteria and breakouts.
Avoid over-exfoliating, which can damage the skin barrier and cause sensitivity.