Have you ever asked yourself, "What do I need in my skincare routine?" A quick search online will show you countless options. Some may recommend a 10-step routine, while others suggest sticking to the basics.  But what are other women actually including in their skincare routine?

We partnered with Drive Research to conduct a PR survey to help us understand women's relationship with skincare. We asked respondents to tell us exactly what products they use in their skincare routine, which provided insight into which products are must-haves and which are not fully utilized.

In this article, we'll explore some of the findings from that survey and look at what should be in a skincare routine that you might not currently incorporate. Here's everything you need to know:

How We Conducted Our Study

All of the survey respondents identify as women and are 35 or older. They also reside in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. All respondents have a household income of USD 200K+ and have invested in skincare products in the past 12 months. All respondents were asked the same questions to help us better understand the skincare habits of women over 35.

The 3 Items in Almost Every Skincare Routine

Our survey uncovered three must-haves that almost all respondents used: Moisturizers, cleansers, and lip balms. 

Our survey found that 93.2% of respondents use moisturizers, 84.6% use cleansers, and 82.6% use lip balms. These are three essentials you should always include in your routine. Here's why:

Moisturizers protect the skin, prevent dryness, and improve skin texture. When used consistently, at least twice daily, you can also slow signs of aging and prevent wrinkles or fine lines. Moisturizers like The Rich Cream are packed with ingredients that support cellular renewal and reduce signs of aging. During our four-week clinical trials for The Rich Cream*, participants noticed the appearance of forehead wrinkles visibly reduced by 37% in only four weeks. Skin hydration also improved by 145% and skin firmness by 36%.

*Based on a 4-week Clinical Trial of 30 participants.

Cleansers are designed to unclog pores and eliminate dirt, grime, and bacteria on the skin's surface. A cleanser should be used at least once daily as part of your nighttime routine. Skipping your daily cleanser can disrupt your skin's pH balance or cause acne and irritation. A great clean and gentle choice to consider is The Cream Cleansing Gel.

During our 12-week user trials* for The Cream Cleansing Gel, 100% of participants agreed that their skin is cleansed without feeling stripped. 98% of participants also agree their skin looks renewed and regenerated after use.

*Based on a 12-week Consumer Perception Study of 55 subjects.

The skin on your lips is more delicate and fragile than the rest of the skin on your face. It typically requires extra TLC to prevent dryness, cracks, or flaky skin. Your everyday lip balm should contain hydrating and soothing ingredients.  The Lip Balm is a great everyday essential you can carry with you on the go. It’s formulated with hydrating nutrients to help you achieve smoother, softer-looking lips. During our 12-week user trials*, 100% of participants agreed The Lip Balm alleviates the feeling of dry, chapped, and cracked lips.

*Based on a 12-week Consumer Perception Study of 55 participants.

6 Less Common Items That You Should Definitely Add

While our survey uncovered which products are everyday essentials for most women, it also uncovered six underutilized products. 

Here's what should be in a skincare routine that you might not be already using:

Eye creams help depuff and moisturize. They can also help reduce the appearance of dark undereye circles. Under eye creams like The Eye Cream are formulated to improve hydration and boost firmness. During our four-week clinical trials*, participants noticed The Eye Cream visibly reduced fine lines by 57% and wrinkles by 52%. Participants also saw that it improved skin firmness by 165% and hydration by 204%.

*In a 12-week Clinical Trial of 30 women and men between the ages of 18 - 65.

Serums allow you to take a more targeted approach to your skincare routine. The results will depend on which type of serum you decide to add to your daily routine. Serums like our The Retinol Serum can help reduce the visual appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. During our 12-week user trials*, participants noticed the appearance of fine lines reduced by 73% and deep lines and wrinkles reduced by 56%.

*In a 12-week Consumer Perception Study of 103 m/f, ages 25-70 with self-perceived sensitive skin.

Exfoliants help buff away dead skin cells to make room for new growth. If you aren't exfoliating at least once a week, your skin may appear dry or dull. There are two main types of exfoliants: Physical and chemical exfoliants. While both can be effective, chemical exfoliants are typically easier on the skin. The Essence is both an exfoliant and toner. So, it's gentle enough to use every day. During our 12-week user trials*, 84% of participants felt their skin felt balanced and soothed, and 92% agreed that clogged and congested pores feel clarified.

*Based on a 12-week Consumer Perception Study of 55 participants.

Toners are designed to cleanse, calm, and protect. They’re made to be applied directly to the skin after your cleanser and before you apply serums and moisturizers. Once your skin is cleansed, the other ingredients can penetrate deeper and work more effectively. During our user trials for The Essence, 94% of participants agreed that their skin felt deeply clean and rejuvenated.

Face masks are great to have on hand whenever your skin needs a hydrating pick-me-up. Most are made with ultra-hydrating ingredients that help hydrate, plump, and improve skin texture. It's important to note not all face masks are created equally. 

You'll want to pay attention to the active ingredients list to ensure you're incorporating a product your skin can benefit from. Products like The Face Cream Mask are formulated to help brighten and improve stressed, dull skin. It contains an innovative blend of ginseng extract, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid. During our 12-week clinical trials*, participants noticed that transepidermal water loss was reduced by 30% and skin hydration improved by 164%.

*In a 12-week Clinical Trial of 30 participants, using for 20 minutes before rinsing off.

Face oils are great lightweight moisturizers for the summer. These ultra-hydrating skincare products can be worn on their own or paired with your favorite moisturizer for an extra hydration boost. Products like The Face Oil can help you achieve a subtle glow while helping you maintain a healthy skin microbiome. During our 12-week user trials*, 99% agree that skin feels instantly hydrated with a healthy, radiant glow.

*Based on a 12-week Consumer Perception Study of 108 participants.

Anxious When Trying New Products?

You aren't alone. It's normal to feel anxious about trying new products, especially if you struggle with sensitive skin or other imperfections. When inviting new products into your everyday routine, it's always best to:

● Check the list of active ingredients

● Review the clinical trial data

● Add one new product into your routine at the time

● Stay consistent

● Use high-quality products

Elevate Your Skincare with Augustinus Bader

So, what should be in a skincare routine? It really depends on your personal skincare needs and lifestyle. You'll want to take some time to pick and choose products that align with your needs and address your concerns. 

For over 30 years, we've been fine-tuning our approach to skincare through innovation and clinical trials. Our products are designed to target your unique concerns and help you achieve visually healthier-looking skin with every use. 

Explore our skincare collection today.