How to take care of your skin
Did you know that every 28 days, your skin renews itself? This is your body’s way of keeping your skin glowy, but some effort from you will help maintain its health! In addition to promoting this cycle, a regular skincare routine protects your skin from common problems like sun exposure, air pollution and dryness.
Don’t worry if you’re new to skincare, it doesn’t have to be difficult or costly to start a routine. In this guide, I’ll lead you through a simple skincare regimen that includes all the necessary steps, from cleansing and moisturizing to the crucial SPF. These simple steps will help you create a new routine or adjust your current one, whether your goal is to address specific concerns, enhance the appearance of your skin, or just practice self-care.
Step 1: Makeup Removal
Removing makeup properly prevents clogged pores, breakouts, and irritation, making sure that your skin stays clear and healthy. Following it with a deeper cleanse, helps your other products work more effectively, as your skin will be thoroughly clean. To remove makeup, use an oil-based cleanser or balm to break down the products, especially the waterproof ones that can be stubborn to remove. You can also use micellar water on a cotton pad as it is a gentler option. Massage it into dry skin, paying extra attention to delicate areas like the eyes and lips. After that, rinse with lukewarm water.
Step 2: Cleansing
Cleansing is an essential step in your skincare routine as it removes oil or dirt that build up on your skin throughout the day. Why cleanse again after makeup removal? While removing makeup takes care of products that sit on the surface of your skin (e.g. foundation, blush etc.) it doesn’t deeply clean your skin. Cleansing assures that any leftover residue is fully washed away, leaving your skin truly refreshed and ready for the following steps. To cleanse effectively, dampen your face with lukewarm water, then massage a gel or foam cleanser onto your skin in gentle, circular motions for about a minute. Rinse thoroughly and pat your face dry with a clean and soft towel. Personally I suggest a microfiber one as it is very gentle on your skin! This step leaves your skin feeling clean and ready to absorb the benefits of the rest of your regimen.
Step 3: Exfoliating (Optional)
Exfoliating gets rid of dead skin cells, leaving your skin as soft as a baby’s cheek! You can pick either a physical exfoliant for example a gentle scrub or a chemical exfoliant like AHAs or BHAs based on your skin’s necessities. Apply the exfoliator to clean, damp skin. If you are using a scrub, massage it gently to your skin for about 30 seconds. But when it comes to chemical exfoliants you should always follow the product’s instructions to avoid any potential damage to your skin. Rinse with lukewarm water after use.
Quick Tip: Don’t exfoliate too often, around 2-3 times a week is enough to avoid inflammation!
Step 4: Toner (Optional)
Toning helps restore your skin’s natural pH balance and prepares it for the next steps in your routine. While not essential, it can hydrate, soothe, or refresh the skin, depending on the ingredients. Look for alcohol-free toners with ingredients like rose water or witch hazel, which help to gently hydrate and calm your skin. To apply, you can use a cotton pad (saturate it with the product and sweep it across your face) or even your hands (gently tap the toner with your hands onto your skin) just make sure that they are clean before they touch your face. If your skin feels dry after toning, you can skip this step or choose a more hydrating toner.
Step 5: Serum (Optional)
Serums are packed with ingredients that address specific skin concerns like dryness, acne, or anything else. They can provide extra nourishment for your skin. Select a lightweight, hydrating serum with ingredients like hyaluronic acid for moisture or niacinamide to help even out your skin tone. Apply a small amount to your face and neck, gently pressing it into the skin with clean hands. Serums are a great addition if you want to target particular skin issues like acne, wrinkles etc. or just boost hydration.
Step 6: Moisturize
One of the biggest skincare myths? You don’t need a moisturizer if you have oily skin. Actually everyone benefits from hydration! Moisturizing is a crucial step in your skincare routine as it locks in hydration and helps maintain a healthy skin barrier. Its purpose is to protect your skin throughout the day/night. Lighter, gel-based moisturizers are ideal for those with oily skin, while richer, cream-based moisturizers work better for dry skin, but always choose the one that fits your exact skin type. Apply your moisturizer on your face and neck, both in the morning and night. Moisturizing helps seal in the benefits of the previous steps and leaves your skin feeling nourished and balanced.
Step 7: Eye Cream (Optional)
Eye creams are designed to hydrate and reduce puffiness around the delicate eye area, but a good moisturizer can often do the job too. If you’re looking to target specific concerns like puffiness, fine lines, or dark circles, choose an eye cream with ingredients like caffeine to reduce puffiness, peptides for fine lines, or vitamin C to brighten dark circles. Gently tap a small amount with your ring finger, as it is the most gentle out of all of your fingers. You can use eye cream both morning and night, depending on your wants and needs.
Step 8: SPF/Sunscreen
Experts say sunscreen is the most important and best anti-aging product you can use yet 40% of people still skip it! Sunscreen is a non-negotiable in your skincare routine as it protects against UV damage, skin cancer and more. It’s vital to apply it every morning, even on cloudy days. Choose an SPF 30 or preferably higher and apply a generous amount as the last step of your morning regimen. Make sure to cover any exposed areas such as your face and neck. For a more lightweight option, look for sunscreens that contain mineral-based ingredients (e.g. zinc oxide, titanium dioxide etc.)
Conclusion: Your Skincare Journey
Building a skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated at all. By following the most basic steps which are makeup removal, cleansing, moisturizing, and SPF, you’ll be on your way to healthier, glowing skin. However, not every step is necessary for everyone. Your skin is unique, so tailor your routine to its needs. For personalized advice, consulting a dermatologist is always the best approach. Remember, consistency is key, and with a routine that works for you, your skin will thank you!
