Showing The World Your Best Face
If there is one certainty in our world right now, it is this: taking time to really focus on ourselves should, as of now, not be viewed as an extravagance, let alone luxury. Rather, it is a necessity — now more than ever — for various reasons. But there`s another undeniable truth about skincare: it can be overwhelming.
The skincare market has exploded in recent years. While this is great because it introduces us to new ingredients and formulations, it can be extremely confusing for the novice consumer.
Though everyone has different skin — and thus different skin issues, concerns, goals, and so on. Certain skin-routine rules apply to everyone.
If you`re unsure how to put together a skincare routine (no judgment), or if you want to brush up on the fundamentals, this is your expert-backed beginner`s guide to skincare.
Basic Skincare Routine
The world of skincare can quickly become complicated. If the thought of serums, lotions, cleansers, toners, and oils makes you dizzy, you`ve come to the right place.
While everyone`s skincare needs are different, there are a few basic products and practices that everyone can try to improve their skin.
It`s best to stick to the fundamentals:
- Cleanser.
- Once a week, exfoliate.
- Moisturizer.
- Sunscreen.
- Water.
- and a well-balanced diet
Simple skincare also entails using only what is necessary. Aside from sunscreen, there are no benefits to using large amounts of products. Excessive product use can lead to skin problems.
Cleanising
The basic guideline of thumb is that purging your skin twice a day — once in the morning and the evening — is ideal. The morning cleanse will help to remove any evidence of sweat or oil left on your pillow and hair from your beauty sleep. There is one normal exemption for the two times a day-by-day rule: Parched skin. It`s fine to involve plain water toward the beginning of the day if you`re inclined to lack hydration.
On the other hand, evening skin cleansing should never be compromised or skipped. At the end of the day, it gets difficult to cleanse your face, not just makeup, but also excess oil, sweat, dead skin cells, pollutants, and other debris that accumulate.
Experts recommend that beginners choose a gentle, hydrating cleanser. Any skin type will endure a hydrating cleaning agent," they say. Look for one with no fragrance, few ingredients (to avoid irritation), and ceramides and glycerin to restore and maintain the skin barrier.
CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser and Cetaphil`s beloved Gentle Skin Cleanser are two tried-and-true cleanser picks that are ideal for skincare newbies.
Moisturizer
After that, use any moisturizer or a moisturizing product. A fragrance-free, oil-free moisturizer will be well tolerated by [all] skin types, from acne-prone to sensitive."
Aside from these parameters, you can use this step to address specific skin concerns at the same time by looking for a moisturizer formulated with additional ingredients that target specific needs. The general list of skincare ingredients is lengthy and ever-changing, so for this article, here are some important ones to use in terms of moisturizer.
Hyaluronic acid: Skin plumping and hydration restoration.
Ceramides are essential for the strength of the skin`s barrier and overall health (and important for dry skin and eczema).
Vitamin C: Offers cell reinforcement assurance as well as skin lighting up.
Assuming that you have sleek or skin inflammation inclined skin, don`t think you can (or should) avoid using a moisturizer daily. Without the use of moisturizer and over washing, your skin can produce excessive oil.
Those with oily skin should look for non-comedogenic moisturizers. The term non-comedogenic on a product label indicates that the ingredients will not clog pores and cause additional breakouts.
Sunscreen
Protection against skin cancer is sunscreen. Sunscreen is extremely significant for your skin.
Choose an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen and apply it daily (even when it`s cloudy), always in your skincare routine.
When deciding which type of sunscreen to use, there are two options: Chemical or mineral-based. Mineral sunscreens, which contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, act as a shield, preventing the sun`s rays from penetrating the skin. Chemical sunscreens assimilate UV beams and protect the skin by using ingredients like octocrylene or avobenzone.
You can either choose Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant and Non-Greasy Sunscreen Lotion or Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen Lotion for Sensitive Skin with Broad Spectrum SPF 50.
Important Suggestions
- Doing less and focusing on key, important active ingredients will serve you better than doing too much. Stick to products with fewer fragrance-free ingredients, and try new products one at a time to see how your skin reacts.
- Give your skin at least two to three months to adjust to a new product or active agent before switching." The exception here, of course, is if a skincare product causes irritation or an allergic reaction — in which case, discontinue use immediately.
- Every morning and night, following the same skincare routine steps, is critical to achieving and maintaining real results. In conclusion: Believe in the process and stick with it.
