Skincare. It’s all over Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. How many times have you opened up any one of these apps to find a user demonstrating an elaborate skincare routine? How many times have you seen a targeted ad for a trendy skincare line? Probably more times than you can count.
While a natural face and a rack of skincare products have been trending for a few years now – the positive effects of a proper skincare routine are undeniable. Effective products help combat the signs of aging, the harmful effects of UV rays, and help with conditions like eczema and acne.
For a beginner, this might be overwhelming! You’ve come to the right spot. This article will cover the basics of skincare so you can start taking care of your body’s largest organ properly!
Determining your skin type
Dry skin
Dry skin is characterized by red, flaky patches of skin, a dull appearance, and a feeling of tightness after cleansing.
Aggravating factors include aging, hormonal imbalance, climate, and hot baths and showers.
Oily skin
Oily skin is characterized by large pores, shiny skin, and the presence of blemishes. The cause of oily skin is an overproduction of sebum which can range in severity.
Aggravating factors include oil-based makeup, too little moisturizer, genetics, hormonal imbalance, and various medications.
Combination
Combination skin is characterized by large pores, an oily t-zone, patches of dry skin, and occasional blemishes.
Aggravating factors include oil-based makeup, oil-based moisturizer, hormonal imbalance, stress, and aging.
Normal
Normal skin will often be clear with minimal oiliness and dryness.
Sensitive
Sensitive skin can range from mild to severe and will often have varying causes. Medication, family history, and scented products all have a role to play in how sensitive your skin can be.
If you have sensitive skin, be cautious with the products you use. Consult a dermatologist before adjusting your skincare routine.
The basic skincare steps
Skincare steps can range from simple to elaborate. What you include in your daily routine depends on your preferences and how well your skin reacts to changes in product type and frequency of application.
Simplicity is key when starting a new routine, and steps can be added as your skin adjusts.
As far as products go, stick with gentle, tried-and-true brands like CeraVe and Cetaphil until you learn a bit more about what products are right for your skin.
Step One: Cleanse
Cleansing should be done twice a day, with the focus being on the evening before bedtime. Not only is this a great ritual for winding down for good sleep – it’s good for your skin!
A gentle hydrating cleanser is a good start, and will generally be tolerated by most skin types. Use an exfoliating brush, a clean face cloth, or your hands.
Ensure the water you use is lukewarm or cold to avoid irritation.
Step Two: Exfoliate
Exfoliating two to three times per week is key to preventing buildup that cleansers have trouble removing.
With exfoliation, start slow and simple with manual exfoliating tools such as silicone brushes or electric brushes. Normally, you would use these products in conjunction with cleansers.
Chemical exfoliation (usually AHA’s and BHA’s) should be handled with care, and only on the advice of a licensed aesthetician. The right kind of chemical exfoliation can be quite effective at reducing the signs of aging and promoting healthy cell turnover.
Step Three: Tone
A simple, alcohol and scent-free toner will hydrate and rebalance the skin’s pH after cleansing and exfoliating, which helps fight off blemishes and dry patches.
Step Four: Moisturize
This step further rehydrates the skin and preps it for makeup application. With moisturizer products especially, oil-free and fragrance-free are critical for smooth skin.
If you have oily skin, you might skip this step – to your skin’s detriment. Having a proper moisture barrier ensures that your skin won’t start overproduction of sebum to compensate for a dry landscape – which may lead to blemishes and an unpleasant sheen to your skin.
Step Five: SPF
This step is often included in step five, as many moisturizers will include SPF in their formula. Yet, anything less than 30 SPF may not be effective for all-day wear.
Not only is sunscreen an extremely important defense against skin cancer, but it also prevents unpleasant sunspots and the telltale signs of aging.
Many sunscreens on the market today are designed to feel light and are non-comedogenic. Apply even when cloudy, and especially during the summer months.
Extras
Serums, masks, and eye creams are all optional steps for your skincare routine. Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid serums are particularly easy to add to your routine and will help reduce the signs of aging.
Want help with the signs of aging but don’t feel like adding serums and creams to your already extensive skin routine? Check out the experts at The Pout Clinic for your face sculpting needs!
