If you’re just starting your journey of crafting a personalized skincare routine, you probably have many questions. How many different products do you need? Which products should you use, and in what order? What do they even do? These are natural curiosities, especially considering the bajillion-dollar skincare industry and its many, many different products. Dehydration lines under eyes? There’s a product for that. Dark circles under your eyes? There are even more products for that.
The good news, though, is that it doesn’t have to be super complicated. Dermatologists have long prescribed a few simple steps for achieving glowing, healthy skin. Here are 7 steps to get you started on the right track.
Cleanse
Cleansing is an important part of any person’s healthy skincare routine. This can help to prevent skin problems before they occur, improve the texture of the skin and make it look more even and radiant.
Cleansing should be done twice daily with a gentle cleanser that works to remove dirt, makeup, and excess oil. Cleansers with natural ingredients like aloe vera, almond oil, and honey can help to make sure your skin remains hydrated after cleansing.
Additionally, exfoliating just once or twice a week can help to flush away dead skin cells and unclog pores. By cleansing regularly and exfoliating as needed, you can better protect your skin from dirt and impurities, which will, in turn, keep it looking healthier for longer.
Tone
Incorporating a toner into your skincare routine provides a multitude of benefits. Not only does it decrease the production of excess oils from the skin’s surface, but it also removes dirt and other impurities that can cause irritation. Toners can also be beneficial when it comes to balancing the pH levels in the skin.
In addition, they can be used to help even out the complexion and reduce redness. When looking for a good toner, finding one free of chemicals or parabens is best to ensure that your skin is not stripped or excessively dried out. With just a couple of swipes of a cotton pad, you should see amazing results after only a few weeks.
Hydrate
Moisturizing is essential for healthy-looking skin and can help protect it against common skin issues, like itchy skin, dry skin, dehydration lines on forehead, and fine lines. Using a gentle daily moisturizer on the face and body helps keep skin vibrant and helps prevent dehydrated skin. Choosing a moisturizer that fits your skin type is important; products that are too thick or contain fragrances can cause irritation.
Additionally, applying moisturizer in the morning after your shower helps create a barrier that locks in moisture and fights off environmental factors which can otherwise damage your skin. With regular use, you will have soft, supple, hydrated skin that’s glowing with nourishment.
Exfoliate
Exfoliating is a crucial step in any skincare routine as it helps to remove dead cells, pollutants, and other impurities from the surface of your skin. Exfoliating with a gentle scrub or face wash helps promote cell turnover and unclog pores, giving your skin a healthy glow.
Regular exfoliation will also help active ingredients in other products penetrate deeper into the skin, making them more effective and allowing you to get the most out of your skincare products. When choosing an exfoliator, opt for one with natural ingredients like oatmeal or coconut oil if possible. Always use gentle circular motions when exfoliating, and always start off light – avoid abrasive exfoliants if you have sensitive skin.
Treat
Skincare is a vital part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and taking preventive measures when it comes to our skin. While treating and targeting problem areas should play a role in any skincare routine, you mustn’t forget that proper hydration, sun protection, and regular cleansing are essential steps to good skin health.
Treating problem areas like discoloration or blemishes correctly can prevent further aggravation and lead to better, healthier-looking skin in the long run – your mileage may vary depending on the type of skin you have, but understanding your own individual needs is key to obtaining optimal results.
Make sure you’re informed on what works best for your skin before investing too heavily into certain treatments, as results could be unexpected otherwise. Hyaluronic acid is a popular ingredient in many skin treatments, so ask your dermatologist if you feel it’s right for you.
Mask
Facial masks are an important part of any skincare routine as they help to target specific skin concerns. For example, clay masks can absorb oils to be used for oily and acne-prone skin, while hydrating masks are ideal for dry and sensitive skin.
In addition to specific treatment masks, regular use of facial masks can keep the skin balanced, clear, and healthy. On top of having the technical benefits for certain skin types, using a mask is incredibly relaxing and pampering. Taking a few minutes out of your day to take care of your skin can make all the difference in terms of its health and appearance.
Protect
Sunscreen is an integral part of any skincare routine. This is especially true for warmer climates where people have longer exposure to the sun’s rays. The ultraviolet radiation from the sun can cause premature aging and expose us to risks for skin cancer. Sunscreens can protect our skin, but it is important to check the ingredient labels since not all of them are equally effective or appropriate for everyone’s needs.
Sunscreen with an SPF of at least 20 should provide basic protection, but it is recommended to look for ones with higher SPF ratings, like 30 or 50, if they will be spending more time exposed to the sun. When applying sunscreen, generous amounts should be used and reapplied every two hours or after swimming, sweating, or toweling off. To have healthy, happy skin, don’t forget sunscreen.
The Bottom Line
A good skincare routine should include cleansing, moisturizing, exfoliating, treating, masking, and protecting. Keep in mind that everyone’s skin is different, so it’s important to get to know your own individual needs before choosing certain products or treatments. With the right knowledge and a consistent routine, you can have beautiful skin and a healthy lifestyle.
