Everyone wants to have beautiful, healthy skin. But in order to keep your skin looking its best, you absolutely must have an effective skincare routine.
The first step to creating one is understanding which products suit your skin and how best to apply them. Once you know what works, you’re all set. This brings us to our list of skincare essentials. Below we’ve compiled a few tips for developing a comprehensive skincare routine that will keep your skin looking it’s best all the time.
1. Choose products for YOUR skin type
Everyone’s skin is different. Which is why you should always try “recommended regimens” with caution (watch those Youtube vids). Always start slow when incorporating new products into your routine. And know what works well and what won’t work for your skin.
Look for products that are not comedogenic if you have oily skin. These products won’t clog pores are less likely to cause breakouts, especially if they’re formulated for sensitive skin.
Look for products that are both non-greasy, hydrating, and suitable for oily skin. Also, try treating blemishes and other skin problems head-on–don’t just ignore it by simply washing your face twice a day. For example, you can use salicylic acid or glycolic acid for problem areas (such as the nose or forehead).
2. Apply an eye cream at night
People will notice your eyes before anything else–well, usually (wink). A good eye cream can help address issues with fine lines and wrinkles as well as some damage. The creams typically contain peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, CoQ10, vitamin C, vitamin A, as well as a host of other antioxidants that can help to prevent the loss of collagen and promote elasticity in the skin.
3. Find a great cleanser
A solid makeup routine starts with a good cleanser that works great for your skin. And when applying the cleanser, whether you’re using a phone, a liquid, or a bar soap, be gentle on your skin and don’t scrub too hard. And always remember to rinse with warm water, as hot water can strip your skin of natural oils and cause it to dry out.
Honestly, sometimes it may take some trial and error (and a few bucks) to find the right cleanser– but it’s definitely worth the effort. Try to avoid using any alcohol- or fragrance-containing cleanser if you have dry or sensitive skin.
You may also want to use a toner if your skin is oily. And if your skin is oily, try adding a toner to the mix–even witch hazel can work as a toner if you’re in a pinch.
4. Use retinol to help with wrinkles
If you’re looking for an anti-aging product that you can purchase from the store or get from your dermatologist, consider her up tomorrow. Retinol is scientifically proven to effectively treat wrinkles, sun spots, and other signs of photoaging. Be mindful of how much and how often you use it, as the strength of retinol can be damaging to the skin if it’s overused.
5. Exfoliation to freshen your complexion
Exfoliating isn’t a regimen you want to perform every day, as it can dry out and irritate your skin. Though you may need to exfoliate more if you have oily or flaky skin from winter weather. However, it is best to do this no more than 2-3 times a week.
Always exfoliate after you’ve cleaned your face but before you apply any moisturizer. This helps remove flaky skin and increases skin cell turnover.
6. Use a simple toner
No need to buy the $20 dollar stuff when witch hazel will do. Toner is a liquid that helps to balance the pH of your skin after washing. It can also remove any makeup residues or dead skin cells. Toner also provides additional benefits, such as hydration and exfoliation depending on the ingredients.
7. Always, always moisturize
Moisturizers, like cleansers, are for all skin types and should be used each time you wash your skin. You may need to experiment with different products, just like when searching for the best cleanser. For example, those with oily skin can benefit from lighter, oil-free, or gel moisturizers.
Moisturizers protect your skin from drying and leave it hydrated and smooth. And note hate moisturizers work best when your skin is damp, as they can seal in the moisture.
8. Don’t forget that sunscreen
While some moisturizers have SPF, it’s a good idea to apply sunscreen every day, especially if the moisturizer you use has an SPF of less than 30. And this is especially true if you spend a lot of time outdoor or live in a region that is particularly sunny, such s California or Florida.
Re-apply sunscreen every two hours if you’re exposed. Your sunscreen should protect against both UVA rays and UVB (and this should be noted on the label).
As if skin cancer and sun damage weren’t enough, UV exposure is the leading cause of skin wrinkle, become uneven, and lose elasticity. So to say, protecting against sun damage is absolutely crucial to keeping your skin healthy and firm.
9. Consider a good skin serum
Serums are tiny drops of beauty that contain powerful skincare ingredients. Serums have traditionally been water-based, but they are slightly gel-like and typically contain oils, antioxidants, and other skin-loving ingredients to help nourish your skin.
The high concentration of the active ingredients in skin serums makes them very effective in small doses. So don’t be turned off when you see a small bottle of serum that costs over $10. A little goes a long way.
Taking care of your scheme requires committed effort every day. After all, it’s not like you can replace it with a 2.0 version. The better you take care of your skin, the better it will reflect in its appearance.