Basics of Skincare: Building a simple and effective skincare routine
The word “ Skincare” might not be alien, but manoeuvring it might be the tricky part. Skincare should be part and parcel of our daily routine and lives. You would ask why, here are some reasons;
Importance of Skincare
- This helps keep your skin in good condition: Skin care is important to keep your skin in good condition. The skin is an outer covering of the body’s entire surface. It is only right that we keep it in condition, to keep it glowing, rejuvenated and healthy.
- Prevention of premature ageing: Having a skincare routine will help slow down premature ageing, applying products like sunscreen, moisturisers and anti-ageing creams, clears off wrinkles, and fine lines. Also keeps us looking youthful.
- It boosts confidence: There is this line which says when you look your best you feel your best. Daily Skincare helps your skin glow and advances your physical appearance, which makes you more confident.
- Enhance Blood Circulation: Massaging skincare products on your skin does increase blood circulation, by doing this the nutrients and oxygen go onto the skin cells which aids in a healthier complexion.
- It reduces acne and breakouts: Acne is unavoidable, it happens to everyone, and it may be caused by stress, hormones, what we consume: solid or liquid, unclean bedspreads the list goes on. But a good skincare routine and products will help fight off bacteria which cause acne.
- Improvement in skin texture and tone: Skincare products with exfoliants and brightening agents to remove blemishes and discolouration from the skin. Giving the skin a better appearance.
Now you know the significance of skincare. It is worthwhile and there is no way we can omit it from our daily lives. We will talk about different skin types, and tips for determining your skin type, take you on a step-by-step process on how to practise proper and good skincare routine, and will also show you the benefits of each step. And also recommend beginners good-quality skincare products to use.
Knowing your skin type:
Oily Skin: An oily skin type is characterised by an overproduction of sebum, a natural oil from the sebaceous glands. As the name implies, it makes the face look shiny or greasy. This type of skin is prone to acne and breakouts, having enlarged-looking pores. For oily skin, you are meant to use skincare products that will control excess oil.
Dry Skin: Dry skin type is characterised by a lack of production of natural oil by the sebaceous glands. Because of the less oil being produced, the skin becomes flaky, rough and appears dull. Dry skin can result in cracked skin, itchiness, tightness and can sometimes be scaly. For dry skin use products such as moisturisers, which can come off; creams, lotions, oils, and ointment.
Combination Skin: Combination skin type is when some areas are dry and some are oily. The parts which are dry are the T-zone which is from the forehead to the nose and down to the chin. The other, like the cheeks, can be dry. For Combination Skin, the T-Zone which is the oily part tends to have large pores and more breakouts and also flaky patches on the area that is dry. This Skin type needs a good and effective cleanser, that will unclog the pores and still hydrate the dry areas.
Sensitive Skin: Sensitive skin is a skin type that is more prone to reactions and irritation in response to various factors, such as skincare products, environmental conditions, certain substances (harsh chemicals and fragrances) and excessive sun exposure. People with sensitive skin are more likely to develop symptoms of irritation, redness, burning or itch and should go for products which are hypoallergenic or specifically made for sensitive skin.
Normal Skin: Normal Skin is a well-balanced skin type not too oily and not too dry. It has a good texture. People with normal skin types have; few imperfections, small pores, even skin tone and a healthy complexion, this is because their skin is less oily and less dry, and are not prone to acne or breakouts.
Step by Step guide on a skincare routine
At this point, you should have known what your skin type is and now to the step-by-step guide on a skincare routine.
1) Cleansing 101: First and foremost you need to clean the canvas, and by Canvas I mean your skin. By this, you are removing dirt, impurities, excess oil and the like. When you clean your skin with a good cleanser you tend to ward off the build-up of acne and breakouts and also make it easier for the other products to penetrate the skin for it to work effectively.
2) Exfoliation: The next step is to exfoliate, And this does the following;
- Remove dead skin cells: Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells leaving your skin smooth.
- Unclog pores: Exfoliating helps to remove debris and unclog pores
- Reduces Hyperpigmentation: Exfoliating helps to fade away dark spots
- Enhance blood circulation: Exfoliating while massaging helps to increase blood circulation
- Other Skincare products are absorbed easily into the skin when the skin is well-exfoliated.
3) Toning: The next step is to apply toner. Toner helps in the following ways;
- Toner helps to balance the pH level and rejuvenate it without stripping it of its natural oil.
- It also helps to prepare the skin to absorb other skincare products as well as the skin protective barrier.
- To soothe, hydrate and enhance the texture of your skin, toner often contains ingredients such as witch hazel, glycolic acid or rose water. The skin may feel refreshed and ready to take on the next step in your beauty regimen with regular toning.
4) Serum and Treatment: Serum is the next step of application, Serums are highly lightweight and highly concentrated skincare products. Which is made to target skin concerns such as wrinkles, fine lines, and spots. Treatment also targets skin concerns as well; it comes in products like mask, spot creams, or even serum.
5) Moisturize: The next step is to moisturise, Moisturizer helps in the following ways;
- Moisturisers help to keep the skin hydrated and to prevent the skin from losing its natural oil.
- It battles with signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles.
- Moisturising helps reduce blemishes
6) Sunscreen: Sunscreen, which provides protection against harmful UV rays from sunlight, is an essential element in any daily skin care regimen. Premature ageing, sunburn and an increase in the risk for skin cancer may result from UV exposure.
Choosing the right products
Importance of Ingredient Awareness: You have to know skincare ingredients that are specific to your skin concerns. This is a good factor in choosing skincare products for your skin, to get an effective result.
Tips for Product Selection on a Budget:
- Identify Your Priorities: What do you seek to achieve while using skincare, it could be for various reasons you use skincare, it could be to clear acne, fine lines, wrinkles, anti-ageing or you would want a more hydrated skin.
- Read Ingredients: Check ingredients on skin care products that tackle the specific needs of your skin concern.
- Compare Prices: Skincare companies have different products some are higher in price some are lesser but they are targeted to achieve the same purpose.
- Looking for Multitasking Products: Go for products that can serve multiple purposes. Like 3 in 1 Toner or Moisturizers. This way you get products on a budget.
- Explore Drugstore Brands: Drugstore skincare products are usually cheaper. Looking for the ones that will be most effective and lesser in price.
- Consider Online Discounts and Sales: Try purchasing skincare products during discounts and sales that way you get your skincare products on a budget and save cost.
Building a Routine for Morning and Night
Morning Skincare Routine
A morning skincare routine is cleansing the skin, protecting it and preparing it for the day ahead.
Simple step to step guide for a morning skincare routine
- Cleansing
- Toning
- Serum and treatment
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen
Additional
- Eye cream (if applicable)
- Lip balm
Night Skincare Routine
A Night skin care routine is to heal, renew and nourish the skin.
Simple step to step guide for a Night skincare routine
- Makeup removal and cleansing
- Exfoliation (1-3 times a week)
- Toning
- Treatment (if applicable)
- Moisturizer
Additional
- Eye Cream (if applicable)
- Lip balm
Consistency and Patience
Role of consistency: You need to be consistent in your skincare routine to see effective results. It’s a process it takes before results are visible.
Managing Expectations for Visible Result: Don’t set high expectations on the result, it’s a process, and you need to be consistent to see visible results
Conclusion
We have seen the importance of skincare, types of skin
The steps to the skincare routine are
- Cleansing
- Exfoliation
- Toning
- Serum and Treatment
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen
- Eye cream and Lip balm
It is important to start a simple skincare regimen as explained here. Start today and thank me later.
Share other skincare tips you might have down below
