In a world that is constantly changing, taking care of your skin has stopped being associated only with unnecessary luxury and instead has become an almost essential part of living.
However, with so many products and methods, plus the wide variety of formulas and ingredients, skincare can be daunting, especially if you’re new to it or used to using a single trusted product most of the time. Everyone’s skin type is different, so they also have different goals, issues, and concerns.
Most of us can apply a few basic rules. For example, we all need a daily routine, a cleanser, and a moisturizer. A lot of people forget to wear sunscreen – it is almost mandatory.
You can always add in some extra steps like exfoliators, serums, and masks. When trying to achieve healthy and radiant skin, it’s also important to remember that, in this case, less is often more, and patience along with consistency is key to success. At the same time, some lifestyle changes should also be considered – if you exercise regularly and stop smoking (for this, you might want to check coupon codes for Juul), your skin will look better too.
If you’re unsure about the way you should put together a skincare routine, don’t worry! Continue reading our beginner’s guide below.
Table of Contents
Cleansing Your Skin
Cleansing is a vital first step to any skincare routine, as it helps remove dirt, oil, and any other impurities that have built up on your skin throughout the day. Always remember to use a gentle cleanser that’s suitable for your skin. If it’s sensitive or dry, choose a creamy cleanser with a lower pH value. For oily and combination skin types, a gel or foam would be a better option.
Cleanse your face twice a day – morning and evening – using circular motions with your fingertips. Don’t forget your neck and the area around your eyes. If you have sensitive skin, avoid using soap or cleansing products that contain alcohol. Instead, opt for a cream or gel cleanser that’s formulated especially for sensitive skin.
Exfoliating
Exfoliating is also an essential part of your daily routine, but many people forget it should be done after cleansing, not before, and never without any prior cleansing. Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells, revealing fresh ones underneath, helping to give you healthier-looking skin. It also helps with clogged pores, blackheads, acne breakouts, and fine lines. Exfoliate every other day only if your skin is sensitive or dry. Once or twice a week is more than enough for most people with oily or combination skin types.
Toning
Tone your skin after cleansing it to balance its pH levels and help it absorb the rest of your skincare products better. This is especially important if you have oily or combination skin. You can either use toners in spray or liquid form, though you can also use milk, water, rosewater, aloe vera-based toners. Choose whatever feels best for you. Just make sure that it doesn’t contain alcohol because it can dry out your skin.
Applying Serums
Serums are the next step in your daily skincare routine. They are concentrated formulas that penetrate deep into the epidermis layers and help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while targeting other specific issues like reducing redness, fighting acne, preventing aging, etc.
Serums are often used before moisturizers, but you can also use them alone if you don’t want to invest in expensive night creams. When applying serums, use only one drop at a time and spread it evenly across your face by tapping it gently with your fingertips (from the center of your face outward). Serums should be applied in the morning and evening – never skip this step!
Moisturizing
Moisturizing is probably the most important step in any skincare routine because it seals in the previous products and leaves the skin feeling hydrated and protected from external factors. Choose a lightweight formula appropriate for your skin type and make sure it contains all of the necessary ingredients (SPF, antioxidants, vitamins, etc.). If you have oily skin, choose a creamier formula that won’t clog pores. At the same time, dry/sensitive types should look for hydrating formulas that will provide them with extra protection from environmental factors.
Masks
Masks are also an essential part of your skincare routine. You can use them once or twice a week, depending on how much time you have and how strong the effects you want to achieve are. The best way to apply them is by using your fingers (never use sponges) and making sure that it’s fully absorbed by massaging it in circular motions until it’s fully dried out (it’s best to wear gloves for this).
You can leave the masks on for 5 – 30 minutes depending on how strong their effects are, but never more than an hour. Since masks are so potent, they can irritate if left on too long, so keep this in mind after using one. It’s also essential to find a mask that’s right for your skin type – oily/combination users should look for hydrating masks that will replenish their moisture levels, while dry/sensitive users should look for masks that contain ingredients that will nourish their skin better.
The takeaway
We hope this article has given you a better idea of what to look for when putting together your skincare routine. These steps may seem simple, but they’re extremely powerful and effective if followed correctly! Good luck with them, and remember: less is often more!
