How to Build a Skin Care Routine
Great skin is not simply a matter of DNA — it’s your daily habits, in fact, that has the biggest impact on your skin!! But depending on which product reviews you read, the influencers you
follow, or even doctors you consult, there is a dizzying number of opinions on everything from how to moisturise to how to protect yourself from UV rays. Ultimately, caring for your skin is simply personal. Here’s what you should keep in mind to sort through all the noise.
There are three main steps in your skincare routine :
Cleansing — Washing your face.
Toning — Balancing the skin.
Moisturizing — Hydrating and softening the skin.
The goal of any skin care routine is to tune up your complexion so it’s functioning at its best, and also troubleshoot or target any areas you want to work on. As your skin needs shifts with age, so will your products.
Allow these three steps to become your daily ritual that fortifies your skin and grounds your day.
Give it time. The science behind skin-care products has come a long way but there’s still no such thing as an instant fix so when you are trying a new product, you will need to give it time to real the benefits, results are only seen through consistent use. Generally, aim to use a product over six weeks, once or twice daily, to notice a difference.
Cleansing
Washing your face is the most basic and essential step of any routine, our skin comes in contact with environmental pollutants, dirt and other factors each day that should be gently removed.
Wash twice a day, morning and night, to avoid clogged pores, dullness and acne.
But how do I find the right Facial Cleanser?
The right formula cleanses your skin without stripping essential, healthy oils. Take it easy with exfoliating scrubs (use once a week) and avoid those with crushed walnut shells or abrasive ingredients.
Toner
Think of a toner as supplements — these thin liquids deliver an extra shot of nutrients, helping the other products in your regimen absorb better, while still balancing your complexion, here are some hero ingredients to look for:
Alpha and beta hydroxy acids to gently remove dead skin cells that can clog pores, improve sun-damaged skin and minimize dullness.
Hyaluronic acid to boost hydration, seal in dewiness and plump skin to subtly treat fine lines.
Rose water and green tea to calm irritation and reduce redness with an anti-inflammatory effect.
Vitamin E and C to fight daily exposure to free radicals that can age your skin.
What is Toner? Toners should be done after cleansing and before putting on anything else. The traditional application method is to saturate a cotton pad and apply it over your face. Some prefer to apply with clean hands, simply add a few drops and pat into skin.
Most formulas can be used both morning and evening, however some with stronger ingredients may be only applied in evening only, so be sure to check your labels.
Serums
Simply put, serums are powerful skin allies. Filled with concentrated doses of active ingredients, these elixirs can mitigate a number of issues, from dark spots to wrinkles. Even if you don’t have any specific issues, everyone still needs a general antioxidant serum in the morning to protect from daily aggressors.
To handle specific issues, look for these products:
Hyaluronic acid to seal in hydration and strengthen the barrier function (the top layer of your skin) to prevent moisture loss.
Vitamin C to help brighten dull skin and decrease dark spots with continued use.
Retinol, vitamin B3, peptides to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, proteins in the body that help prevent lines and skin sagging.
Colloidal sulfur, niacinamide to calm redness and irritation by decreasing inflammation, and improve acne with its antimicrobial effects.
Moisturiser
The most basic function of a moisturiser is to hydrate and soften the skin. Essentially, moisturisers assist in preventing water loss through the outer layers of skin, they can also complement the naturally found protective oils and other building blocks within the skin, such as ceramides.
Everyone needs moisture, but the texture of your moisturizer will differ depending on your skin type.
The Difference Between a Day and Night Cream
Creams you apply in the morning are equipped to protect your skin from the environmental aggressors you’ll face when you leave the house—many contain antioxidants to minimize pollution-based free radicals and sunscreen to shield you from ultraviolet radiation. They typically have a lightweight consistency. Night creams, on the other hand, focus on repairing any damage you might have picked up with ingredients like retinol to speed cellular turnover and counteract dark spots. These creams also replenish moisture levels, which naturally dip in the evening, with emollients that often create a rich, thick texture.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is, hands down, the most crucial skin care product. It’s of utmost importance as part of your year-round regiment. Daily and consistent sunscreen use helps to prevent the development of fine lines and wrinkles, textural imperfections, and changes in the appearance of pores over time. More importantly, daily sunscreen use can help to prevent the
formation of certain skin cancers. To make it easy to remember, experts recommend using a daily moisturizer with a built-in broad spectrum SPF of at least 30.
