Great skin is not merely a matter of luck or DNA. In fact, your daily habits play a big role in what you see in the mirror. Taking some time to care for one’s skin and body is no longer viewed as an indulgence or even a luxury but a necessity.
We know everyone has different skin and, hence, has people’s skin issues, concerns, goals can vary. However, there are certain skin-routine rules that should generally be followed by everyone, and they are otherwise known as the basics. The purpose of following a skincare routine is to improve the appearance of the skin, prevent signs of aging and certain skin issues, and protect the skin by using the right products depending on your skin type and condition.
If you’re unsure about how to formulate a skincare routine or you’re looking to brush up on the basics, here is your beginner’s guide to skincare.
An effective skincare routine – the basic steps
Between the popular 10-step Korean skincare routine and the numerous acids, serums, toners, and high-tech tools available in the beauty market today, it’s easy to get confused and carried away with skincare. But many dermatologists are of the view that the most important skincare advice would be to keep it simple. For beginners, it is recommended to start with the basics and expand as you see fit.
Three Main Steps
The basic skincare routine should consist of three main steps:
- Cleansing: Washing your face.
- Toning: Balancing the skin.
- Moisturizing: Hydrating and softening the skin.
Sensitive Skin Care Routine
If you have sensitive skin, when choosing products to create your skincare routine, take care to pick the right products with the right ingredients as sensitive skin is highly reactive to many active ingredients.
Here are some calming and soothing ingredients that should be considered for sensitive skin:
- Chamomile & Green Tea Extract
- Cucumber
- Shea Butter
- Calendula Extract
- Aloe Vera
Morning skincare routine for sensitive skin
1. Cleanse
Use a gentle, sulfate-free face wash, an oil, or a milky cleanser to remove dirt and makeup. Ensure that the facewash is lightweight and non-comedogenic to prevent it from clogging your pores. Never rinse your face with hot water, as this can damage your skin.
2. Tone
A toner is a fast-penetrating liquid that delivers quick hydration to the skin and helps remove dead cells off the skin’s surface. If you have sensitive skin, choose a toner with skin-calming ingredients as it provides relief and deep hydration for sensitive skin. Green tea extracts and chamomile are calming and anti-inflammatory agents and will help to soothe your skin.
3. Moisturize
Always pick a fragrance-free moisturizer for sensitive skin as these can cause allergies and irritation. If your skin is dry, sensitive, and non-acne-prone, try a much denser cream with a heavier texture. Also, avoid alcohol-based creams and moisturizers.
4. Protect
Use zinc oxide sunscreen during the day to protect yourself from the harmful UV rays of the sun.
Nighttime skincare routine for sensitive skin
Follow the cleansing, toning, and moisturizing steps from the morning routine.
Also, you can incorporate the following in your weekly skincare regimen.
Gel face masks
You can use gel-based masks that are more cooling for sensitive skin once a week. Opt for the masks that deliver hydration to your skin and can work for irritated and inflamed skin.
Serum
If you have sensitive skin, the use of facial scrubs is not recommended as this will irritate your skin. Even exfoliators containing glycolic acid can prove to be harsh for sensitive skin. Therefore, use products infused with lactic acid that is much milder and gentle on the skin.
Products and ingredients to avoid
- Perfumes and Fragrance
- Artificial Coloring / Hair Dyes
- Sulfates
Tips from the experts:
- Avoid products with harsh chemicals.
- Use gentle face cleansers and lotions.
- Take lukewarm showers. Avoid too much heat.
Remember that skincare is very personal, and there’s no absolute right or wrong regarding skincare. As long as you enjoy the process and your skin benefits from it, stick to your routine.