Let’s get one thing straight: skincare is for everyone. It’s not limited to a specific age or gender because everyone has skin to take care of if they want to. Having good and healthy skin is more than just using expensive products too; it results from a balanced diet and sticking to a routine.
Besides, not all expensive products can guarantee you changes because they might not be right for you. Different skin types require varying products that can help them improve or heal problem areas. So knowing your skin type is the first step to developing a working skincare routine for you.
Once you have identified whether your skin is dry, oily, sensitive, acne-prone, or a combination of all those types, you can move on to finding the right products for you. Searching online can be overwhelming, especially because there are so many products in the market. To help you, here’s a simple guide about skincare:
Cleanser
All skincare routines should begin with a good cleanser. The main purpose is to wash off the accumulated oil, dead skin cells, or dirt residue from your face when you wake up and before you go to bed. This is very important if you use make-up or are exposed to pollution throughout the day.
A hydrating facial cleanser is good for any skin type. It works to re-hydrate your skin while you’re washing it so that it won’t leave you with a dry feeling after. For additional benefits, look for cleansers that are fragrance-free and non-allergenic so that they won’t irritate your skin.
Toner
The second step to a good regimen is toning your skin before adding more layers of products. A toner works to prepare your skin by balancing your complexion after you wash it with a cleanser. It’s also an optional step because its purpose is to add specific ingredients that may not be present in your other products.
After using a toner, you can move on to applying a serum or a moisturizer, depending on the routine that you have developed for your skin.
Moisturizer
A fragrance-free and oil-free moisturizer work to re-hydrate your skin after using a cleanser and toner. Typically, a normal skincare routine for everyday use can end here, following the three-step routine of cleansing, toning, and moisturizer.
But for people who need to treat their problem areas with more products, a moisturizer can be an added layer of treatment. Moisturizers are created with ingredients that can target specific problematic areas, such as those with vitamin c, niacinamide, or hyaluronic acid.
For instance, if you have acne-prone skin, it can be better to opt for acne-safe solutions for your routine. Many anti-acne moisturizers are labeled non-comedogenic, which means that the ingredients used in the product will not block your pores or cause acne breakouts.
Sunscreen
Many people believe that sunblock is only used for days under the sun when they go to the beach, but good sunscreen is vital to an effective skincare routine. It serves as your first line of defense against skin cancer, all the more if you’re always exposed to direct sunlight.
Sunscreen should always be the last step in your routine, as it protects your skin from the sun and UV rays. You should choose a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher, and it’s to be used for your morning routine daily.
Serum
Serums are high-potency, lightweight products that are made with a higher concentration of a specific active ingredient. For instance, vitamin c serums help people who suffer from dark spots caused by acne marks, while hyaluronic acid makes the skin plumper and restores the hydration lost in cleansing.
Not everyone is required to use a serum, especially because it’s only an additional layer of protection. But if you are to use a serum, it’s recommended to be applied in small amounts before you finish off your routine with a moisturizer. This is because the serum is oil-based and thinner in consistency compared to a thicker moisturizer.
Scrub
Using facial scrubs once or twice a week is a good way to exfoliate your skin and remove dead skin cells. You can use a variety of scrubs depending on the result you want to achieve. Some scrubs can induce cell turnover, improve dullness, and increase collagen formation.
Patience is a big factor in adopting a skincare routine because the products can take a while before they show significant results. A new product can take roughly two to three weeks of use before achieving your result, so you need to stick to your routine religiously.
And sometimes, less is more. A curated four-step skincare routine can work as efficiently as a ten-step routine, and it can give your skin room to breathe. Overloading your skin with various products that negate each other can be expensive and ineffective, so be careful with what you choose to use.
