A Seasoned Skincare Lover’s Routine to Crystal Clear Skin With SK-II
Dani is the Head of Brands & Merchandise at Adore Beauty. With 12 years of experience in the industry, she has seen countless beauty trends and products come and go, but some of her all-time faves include SkinCeuticals SilyMarin CF, Medik8 Retinal 6, Viviology Ceramide Moisturiser, Ultra Violette Fave Fluid SPF, IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Oil-Control Matte, and the Huda Beauty Cheeky Tint Blush Stick in 'Baddie Berry'.
In Partnership with SK-II.
It’s no secret that ‘classics’ are classics for a reason, and SK-II is one of those brands that have stood the test of time in an industry where there’s a new brand and product launch every other minute.
For over 40 years, this signature luxury Japanese brand has been spruiking the benefits of gentle, yet effective skincare for that signature hydration and glow.
Think soft, baby-plump and smooth skin as a result of much of their range containing their trademarked Pitera™ - a bio-ingredient derived from a process of yeast fermentation that resembles your skin's natural moisturising factors.
I’ve worked in beauty for 12 years and while I’ve dabbled intermittently, I’ve not stuck to a full routine of SK-II, so when the chance came up to road test this on my combination skin, I jumped at it.
Moving into the colder months, I was looking for something a little more hydrating without feeling too heavy on my skin or too congested.
Cue the road-test of this solid trifecta.
1. SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion.
Fast facts:
- A lightweight lotion/essence that refreshes and clarifies your skin after cleansing.
- Contains Pitera for added hydration so it doesn’t leave your skin feeling dry.
- Contains a gentle exfoliating AHA, mild enough for everyday use.
- Great for refining texture and reinforcing firmness in the skin.
- Can be used morning and night.
My SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion review:
The post-cleanse, pre-serum step in skin routines can be overlooked many a time (I’m guilty!) which is a real shame as it’s one of the hardest-working steps in a skin routine.
If you think of it like a makeup routine, the essence/lotion/toner step is akin to preparing your ‘base’ - you need a solid foundation for optimum absorption of all those great ingredients you put on afterwards.
And when it comes to this Clear Lotion, think of this like a toner except without the pungent sting that can so often come with products like this.
Applying with a cotton or bamboo pad (I use these) and sweeping all around my face in an outward motion starting from my t-zone, the result was fresh and supple skin.
As it’s such a lightweight lotion, a little goes a long way, and applies really easily onto the skin, drying just as quickly for a lightly hydrated skin-feel and leaving a soft lingering fragrance.
I found this especially lovely to use in the morning to awaken the senses.
Over the course of a few weeks, I found that it kept any of those superficial bumps and textures at bay, especially around my cheeks and my chin area, and my skin appeared more refined, smooth and less shiny at the end of the day.
2. SK-II Genoptics Ultraura Essence.
Fast facts:
- An essence that feels like the most luxurious hydrating serum.
- Packs a punch in hydrating and brightening ingredients including SK-II’s signature Pitera as well as the power duo that is niacinamide and panthenol.
- Contains a brightening ingredient SDL PRO to achieve daily radiance and glow.
- Can be used both morning and night to keep dullness at bay.
My SK-II Genoptics UltrAura Essence review:
The texture of this product is more akin to a lightweight, hydrating serum than an essence. And hydrating serum it is! It’s now up there amongst my favourite products to use.
While it appears quite rich once dispensed from the dropper into the palm of your hand, the application is a dream as the essence blends seamlessly into the skin and is absorbed really easily.
Leaving a soft, lingering floral fragrance, my skin felt instantly nourished and moisturised without a heavy or tacky feeling.
With each application, I felt my skin respond well to the added boost of hydration, creating a suppleness I hadn’t felt in a long time.
As we brace for the cooler months ahead, I’m pleased that this has helped to keep any dryness at bay, so instead, I have smooth and soft skin.
The other noticeable difference is the reduction in oil production and shininess.
Having combination skin, keeping balance in my skin can be quite difficult, especially as the weather changes, and this has been able to inject moisture and reduce shininess all at once.
3. SK-II Skinpower Advanced Cream.
Fast facts:
- A luxurious and velvety anti-ageing cream that provides skin with firmness and radiance, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Contains SK-II’s trademark Pitera as well as ingredients kinren and peony extract for defence against daily aggressors.
- Rich in texture and a little goes a long way.
My SK-II Skinpower Advanced Cream review:
As I have combination skin, I was most sceptical about trialling this product simply because of the richness and heaviness of the cream’s texture.
Typically, using creams like these can leave me looking like a disco ball at the end of the day and if I’m not careful, result in milia around the tops of my cheeks.
After a solid four weeks of use, I can say that I’m no longer a sceptic.
Yes, the cream is luxurious, but in a similar way to the viscosity of the essence, it appears, smells and applies like it is incredibly nourishing and rich, but the absorption and resulting skin feel is still fresh and supple like that toner I used two steps ago, albeit now with an added softness and bounce.
You need the smallest amount as the cream almost melts on the warmth of skin contact, and is easily absorbed as quickly as it is applied.
I noticed after a couple of days improved texture and smoothness in my skin, so much so, that it allowed me to skip my usual primer step in the morning, ahead of makeup application.
Used both morning and night - just a little less in the morning - I’m pleased to share that there is not a single milia in sight, and I’ve noticed any crepe-y-ness around my forehead also dissipate.
Final Verdict.
Trialling these products over the course of a month reminded me that you don’t need hardcore actives all the time to achieve satisfying results in your skin.
One of the most common skin concerns is dryness and hydration is so often the key to unlocking a fix for other concerns like texture, fine lines and dullness.
Even with all my years in beauty, this routine from SK-II impressed me as a really steady and reliable base for achieving that foundational hydration that should be the goal of anyone looking to make long-term investments in the health of their skin.
Ultimately, the final verdict after routine use was bouncy, youthful and refreshed skin that looked better, and importantly, made me feel good about myself.
Never mind the price tag when the skin feel and effect is gratifyingly instant and continues to improve.
Assume the mantra ‘Health is wealth’ and you’ll feel like you’re making a solid investment in yourself!
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