While most people believe great skin is simply a matter of DNA, in actual fact your daily habits have a big impact on what is going on with your skin. However, with so many products on the shelves these days, it can be overwhelming for beginners looking to build up the perfect skincare routine. As such, we’ve broken down the main steps for you to make things less confusing for those just starting out. So, make sure you read through this article before you start lathering creams onto your face!
Wash your face
Washing your face should be the first step in any skincare routine. This is because it will clean away any impurities and excess oils that could clog the pore and dull the skin. That being said, it is best that you are gentle. In fact, many people use a cleanser that is overly harsh, which in fact will break down the skin’s protective barrier. If you have dry or sensitive skin, it is recommended that you try only washing at night or rinsing your face with water in the morning.
The best formulas are those that will gently cleanse your skin without stripping it of all its natural oils. For those with oily skin, it is best to get a foaming or gel cleanser. These can help you to remove excess dirt and oil from your skin. For those who have acne-prone skin, a gentle foaming cleanser with acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, sulphur, or glycolic acid, is your best bet.
Apply toner
For those not in the know, toners are skincare liquids that are applied to dry skin are cleansing, but before you put on any other skincare products such as moisturisers or serums. A good toner helps to ensure that your skin is totally grime-free and clean, and it can also give you an extra dose of active ingredients.
Make sure to pour a few drops of toner into your palms or a cotton pad and gently swipe them onto your face. If your toner is specifically made for exfoliating (so it helps to remove dead skin cells) it is best that you generally use it at night. On the other hand, hydrating formulas can be used twice a day. However, make sure that you do not use exfoliating toners and retinoids or other exfoliators at the same time.
Apply serums
Serums are all the rage nowadays. For those unfamiliar, a serum helps to deliver concentrated amounts of powerful ingredients that can help to address a number of skincare issues. These can include issues such as wrinkles and dark spots. If you have multiple concerns, you can even use a variety of serums to deal with your issues. Just be sure to read the product labels carefully, because not all of them are created equal. Some serums are best used in the morning, while others are instead ideal for night-time use.
Serums can also contain exfoliants such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) or lactic acid. Of course, whatever serum you are using, you must remember: water-based serums should go underneath moisturisers, while oil-based serums should be applied after a moisturiser instead.
Apply eye cream
While they may sound similar, eye creams are different from face creams because they are made specifically to deal with the delicate eye areas. These areas tend to age faster than your face too. So, if you are concerned about wrinkles, fine lines, dark circles or undereye bags, then you should consider using these products too
While you can apply regular moisturiser to your under-eye area, if you decide to use a specialised eye cream, you may want to layer it beneath the moisturiser. This is because eye creams tend to be thinner than face moisturisers. When applying eye creams in the morning and at night, you should lightly tap on a formula targeted to your eye area using your ring finger. This will help you avoid tugging on the delicate area and causing any unnecessary damage.
Moisturise
Nearly everyone knows about moisturisers. These products help to keep your face soft and hydrated, in addition to strengthening its protective barrier. If you have acne-prone or oily skin, then you should use a lighter moisturiser during the day, such as a lotion or gel. On the other hand, if your skin tends to dry out, you should use a thicker formula, like a cream. On the whole, experts recommend you use moisturisers for all skin types year-round since hydrating is crucial to keeping your skin looking young and healthy. You may also want to look for ingredients like ceramides or hyaluronic acid as they help with moisture retention in the skin.