Humans spend at least an hour every day taking care of the biggest organ in the body: the skin. It is normal for everyone to wash their face for several minutes in the morning and night. Most women (and some men) have a longer routine since they have to apply cream and other well-chosen skincare products all over their body.
For those who don’t have a daily skincare routine yet, spending an hour or so cleansing, moisturising, and applying other products on your face and body may seem tedious. But the earlier you set a regimen and follow it, the better it would be for you.
When you have a good routine, you ensure your skin stays in excellent condition. Moreover, you will always look youthful and give out a healthy glow that will make you feel better inside and out.
A well-thought-out regimen can also help you prevent various skin problems. When it comes to these issues, prevention is always easier than correction. It is less expensive and complicated, too.
Items to Get for Your Skincare Regimen
A good skincare routine requires the use of five key products. These are:
1. Facial cleanser
Cleansing your face is an important part of any skincare routines. It helps you start and end your day with fresh skin. Also, you will be able to get more benefits from the products you apply after washing since your face will be free of any dirt and debris that can impact their effects.
Water is the most important thing you need to wash your face. However, to remove oil, dirt, and bacteria from your skin completely, you have to use a facial cleanser.
A facial cleanser removes oil, dirt, and other unwanted and unhealthy elements on your face. With the right product and correct use, you keep your skin clean, clear, and hydrated. In addition, cleansing helps boost hydration.
2. Toner
Toners help enhance your skin since they unclog pores, thus working as additional cleansing agents. Also, they give your face extra essential ingredients and hydrate it.
A toner is usually considered optional. However, since it cleanses the skin further and gives it extra nutrients, you will do well to use them. By doing so, your face will be able to absorb the other products you want to apply.
Toners are used after cleansing your face.
3.Serum
Like toners, serums are sometimes regarded as optional skincare products. However, they also provide several benefits that you will love using them.
Serums are used to address various aspects of your skin. They contain antioxidants and peptides, thus doing more than hydrating your face.
Anti-ageing and anti-acne are the most popular types of serums. They have various functions such as exfoliating and firming the skin, repairing sun damage, and reducing wrinkles.
To use a serum properly, apply it all over your face immediately after cleansing. Use it before putting on your moisturiser and other products. However, give your skin enough time to absorb it before proceeding to the next steps of your routine.
If you are hesitant to use a serum because you are already using a moisturiser, keep in mind that some products can enhance your moisturising product. As such, you will get more benefits when you include these two in your regimen.
4. Moisturiser
Moisturisers hydrate the skin and leave it soft to the touch. This product comes in two main variants: daytime and nighttime.
Use a daytime moisturiser before putting on your makeup. To get additional protection from the harmful rays of the sun, choose a product that has SPF.
Apply your moisturiser after using a serum.
For nighttime products, apply the moisturiser after washing your face and using the serum, if you have one, before going to bed.
5. Sunscreen
Lastly, complete your routine and protect your skin further by applying sunscreen before going out.
By using sunscreen regularly, you minimise the effects of photoaging, which include wrinkles, fine lines, and skin discolouration. Moreover, you also reduce your risk of skin cancer.
Many moisturisers and cosmetic products contain SPF, which makes it easy for you to use them. Whichever product you get, make sure it contains 30 SPF or higher.
Additional Products to Get
If you constantly deal with frequent dark circles under the eye or eye bags, then you also need to include an eye cream in your skincare stash.
An eye cream can soothe dark circles skin caused by discolourations or visible veins. For inflammation and bags under the eyes, use a product containing caffeine, peptides, or hyaluronic acid since they work best.
Additionally, stock up on acne treatments, and when you see acne developing, use them right away. Choose a product that contains natural acne-fighting ingredients such as vitamins A and C, argan oil, and tea tree oil.
Extra Tips
Here are a few more tips to help you get started with a skincare routine that’s right for you:
Choose products and create a routine based on your skin type
Getting a cleanser, toner, serum, and moisturiser that addresses your particular skin issues is important if you want to maintain your skin’s good condition. If you have oily skin and choose a moisturiser that contains oil, you will have more problems to deal with.
Additionally, consider your skin type when deciding on your cleansing practices. If you have dry skin, avoid scrubbing your face roughly. Use a gentle toner and serum as well.
Remove your makeup at night
Frequently sleeping with your makeup on will undo all the hard work and expenses you put into taking care of your skin.
No matter how tired you are, take off your makeup before going to bed. Your pillowcases and complexion will thank you for it.
Be consistent
Once you create and establish your routine, you need to stick with it. Most skincare treatments work best when done once or twice each day. As such, you have to follow the routine strictly.
Following your skincare routine every day also helps you develop the habit of doing it daily and reduce your feelings of laziness.
Like updating and styling your outfits, you need to put careful thought into creating your skincare regimen and choosing the products to use. Don’t forget to cleanse and moisturise your whole body since it deserves care and pampering to look great and healthy, too.
Moreover, stick to your skincare routine to get the most benefits from it.
AUTHOR BIO
Nick Vinckier is Head of Growth at Chalhoub Group, the largest luxury retailer in the Middle East. In his current role, he focuses on taking Faces.com from 0 to 1, transforming the beauty retailer into the fastest growing online beauty platform of the GCC.