Following a Skincare Routine has never been easy for me. All those bottles with serums and vitamins and lengthy instructions only seem to strange you away from this self-care task. Especially on days when you can't seem to complete any self-care task. Plus, trying different Skin care products and not seeing results feels tiring. In this blog post, I'll share the ultimate skincare routine suitable for every skin type.
This routine will not only help you achieve healthy and glowing skin, but it will also blow your mind with its simplicity and effectiveness. From now on, you can wave goodbye to the old skincare routine and greet the new, improved, and transformative one!
Disclaimer: Please, be aware that not all of the following suggestions may be good for every skin type or specific skin condition. While I have gathered these beauty tips from online sources and my personal experience, I am not a medical professional. It is best to consult with your dermatologist before trying new ingredients, products, or treatments.
Don't Overcomplicate Your Routine
When dermatologists and beauty experts talk about a skincare routine, they regularly mention five to eight steps you need to take. This Glamour article, for instance, talks about the 11 skincare steps that will give you a glass-skin look. I believe it is unnecessary! Applying many different ingredients at once can't be good for your skin. Some specials say that it is possible to overcomplicate your skincare routine. Hence, if you have a sensitive skin type or a specific condition, you should beware of complex routines.
Dermatologist Dr. Loren Franco in Allure's article confirms that the more ingredients you use on your skin, the more likely you will develop an allergy or skin sensibility. If your skin feels irritated, itchy, or red, it is best to go back to the basic three skincare steps, slowly adding the new products and treatments. Plus, a wide-ranging skincare routine can be costly.
The Ultimate Skin Care Routine Your Skin Will Love
Now, let's move to the skincare routine your skin will love and appreciate. These are the most basic and essential you'll have to take. Additional treatments specific to your skin condition products can be added up to this basic formula. The four-step skincare routine features cleansing (exfoliation is included in this step), toning, moisturizing, and sun protection.
#1. Cleansing
Skin cleansing is the most essential step in any skincare routine. It removes makeup, dead skin cells, and excess oil from the skin's surface. Use a mild cleanser to help you with the process. Choose it based on your skin type, whether it be oily, dry, sensitive, or a combination. Rub a small amount of cleanser between your fingers and gently massage the skin to cleanse the skin on your face and neck.
It's important to use lukewarm water when cleansing your face and to be gentle. Avoid using hot water on your skin, which can strip the skin of its natural oils. And don't rub your face too harshly! After cleansing, gently pat your skin dry with a clean, smooth towel. Fluffy towels collect extra bacteria and dirt and can be too rough on the skin.
• Exfoliation & Peeling
Exfoliating your skin is just as important as thorough cleansing. It removes dead skin cells, unclogging pores. I didn't separate it into a step because it is not recommended to exfoliate your skin daily. It is more of a regular skincare procedure you'll need to take once or twice a week.
Skin exfoliation can be done both mechanically or chemically. Mechanical exfoliation is when you use a certain tool like a sponge, washcloth, or product with exfoliating particles to physically remove dead skin cells. Chemical exfoliation, on the other hand, uses mild acids (alpha and beta hydroxy acids) to dissolve and remove dirt and the dead skin layer.
#2. Toning
The next step in your ultimate skincare routine is toning. It helps restore the pH balance of the skin, soothing it after cleansing and exfoliating. Toning helps to tighten the pores and restore the skin's natural acid mantle, which acts as a barrier to protect the skin from environmental stressors. It also helps to prepare the skin for the next skincare step – moisturizing.
There are many types of skin care toners each formulated to address specific skin concerns and types. For example, toners for dry skin are typically more hydrating, while toners for oily skin are formulated to remove excess oil. Toners for sensitive skin are usually fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.
I like using hydrating skin toners, simply spraying them onto my skin. For instance, the witch hazel or rosewater toners by Elemento Mineral give my dry skin long-lasting hydration. Alternatively, apply toner with a cotton ball or simply dab it onto your face with a clean finger. I like to leave my skin a little damp for the next skincare step.
#3. Moisturizing
Moisturizing is an essential step in any skincare routine. I can't imagine going through the first few steps without moisturizing my skin afterward! It is almost like going through a day without drinking any water. But what exactly does moisturizer do for the skin?
Skin moisturizer helps to rehydrate the skin. At the same time, it protects the skin, creating a protective shield between the skin surface and the environment. It also can lock in moisture, preventing water loss from the skin. It is crucial to pick the right moisturizer that works best for your skin. A good moisturizer should provide long-lasting hydration without leaving a greasy or heavy feeling on the skin, whether it is a moisturizer for dry or oily skin.
Daily moisturizing is very important for your skin's youth and health. In addition to traditional moisturizers, there are other options for moisturizing the skin. For example, you can use beauty oils or serums that include hyaluronic acid and collage. It is best to layer them underneath your moisturizer.
#4. Sun Protection
Lastly, every skincare routine must include sun protection. Sunscreen is the only thing that stands between your skin and harmful UV rays. The sun emits both UVA and UVB rays, and it is important to protect against both types of rays as they are responsible for skin aging, wrinkling, sun damage, and cancer.
Sunscreens are the most popular form of sun protection, and they come in various forms as lotions, creams, sprays, and sticks. It's vital to use broad-spectrum sunscreen as it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen should be applied to all exposed skin, including the face, ears, neck, and hands, at least 15 minutes before sun exposure. It should be reapplied every few hours or after swimming or sweating.
Apart from sunscreen and sunblock, it is essential to simply cover your skin with clothing, sunglasses, and a hat when sunbathing. Still, it is best to avoid lasting sun exposure, especially during peak hours (between 10 am-3 pm).
Morning Vs. Evening Skin Care
The classic skincare steps are the same for any time of the day. Still, there is a significant difference between a morning and evening skincare routine. It is mainly centered around the environmental conditions and your skin's needs at different times of the day.
In the morning, the primary goal of your skincare routine must be to prepare your skin for the day ahead. This involves cleansing, toning, and moisturizing your skin as usual. However, I don't always cleanse my skin in the morning, preferring this step for the evening routine. Many dermatologists recommend washing facial skin twice a day, especially if you have acne-prone or oily skin. In my own experience, washing my face twice leads to dryness.
Sun protection is a crucial aspect of every morning skincare routine. It is best to use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. The number of SPF may vary, depending on the climate you live in.
In the evening, the main goal of a skincare routine should be to repair and rejuvenate the skin. Evening skincare routines welcome a more thorough cleansing to remove all traces of dirt, oil, and makeup. Exfoliating and treating your skin with serums may also be a part of the evening routine. Evening care usually includes the use of retinoids, different vitamins, and skin-improving complexes.
Additional Skin Care Treatments You Can Add Up to the Formula:
Apart from these basic steps, there are a few additional treatments, such as serums, face masks, facial massage, and even microdermabrasion, which you can add to your skincare formula. Here are a few similar treatments you can safely do at home:
Facial masks: who doesn't like to rock a hydrating face mask with a tiger's snout printed on it? Facial masks are the most popular, simple way to revitalize, deep-cleanse, and hydrate your skin. You can even create your homemade skin remedy with the fresh ingredients you have in the kitchen. Just make sure you are not allergic!
Serums: Skin serums are lightweight, highly concentrated skin care products containing high concentrations of active ingredients such as antioxidants, vitamins, and other beneficial compounds. They are designed to penetrate the skin deeply and quickly, delivering a potent dose of beneficial ingredients to the skin. Collagen and hyaluronic acid are the two most popular ingredients used in serums.
Facial massage: Have you ever heard about the benefits of facial massage? Massaging your face with a facial roller, gua sha tool, or fingers can improve blood circulation, reduce puffiness, and promote lymphatic drainage. It also helps with the absorption of skincare products! There is an excellent tutorial on how to do a Tanaka face-contouring massage on Youtube.
Professional treatments: Visiting a dermatologist or an aesthetician for professional treatments such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or laser therapy can help address any specific skin concerns.
Make Your Skincare Routine a Habit
Making up your skincare routine and picking up products is one challenge. However, sticking up and repeating the ritual is an entirely different task. It is necessary to create a consistent habit. This is something I struggle with myself! I regularly fail to apply retinol and even exfoliate my skin. It is only when my foundation starts to look like a canvas of dry skin patches I remember that I haven't exfoliated my skin for weeks!
Final Thoughts...
Let's summarize our thoughts. One of the most important things to remember about the skincare routine is genius in simplicity. Your ideal skin care ritual shouldn't be too complex or extensive. The secret is to find affordable ingredients and products that work for you and your routine. Start with the basic skin care steps like cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. Slowly add additional treatments to improve your skin. Follow the regimen thoroughly, and you'll see how your skin improves by the week!
But, most importantly, you have to create a habit of following your skincare routine daily. Even though it may differ (lighter or heavier) depending on the time of the year or daytime. The skincare habit does wonders for the skin. Everything else will come eventually! And don't feel discouraged by the bad skin days. They always happen, no matter how perfect is your skincare routine.
Lots of love,
Liz
