A regular skincare routine is important every day and especially when you are washing your hands probably much more than you are used to. Believe it or not, skincare is much simpler and more affordable than many industries make it out to be. Below are the basics for an easy and effective skincare routine that will take you 10 minutes or less.
Skincare Morning and Night
A healthy skincare routine, during quarantine and regular days, can be divided into morning and night. The key skin products in an effective and healthy skincare routine are:
- Cleanser
- Antioxidant serum
- Moisturizer
- Retinol
- Sunscreen
Most dermatologists agree that you should start your morning with a gentle cleanser. Be sure to avoid water that is too hot, which can be harsh on your face. If you’re the type who takes extra warm showers, it may be best to wash your face in the sink after you hit the shower to avoid stressing out your skin.
After you cleanse, you should immediately use an antioxidant serum and then apply a face moisturizer. Antioxidants are best used during the day since this is the time when you are most exposed to the sun and pollution. This prevents free radicals from breaking down collagen and elastin, which are the compounds that keep skin looking fresh and tight.
It’s also a good idea to apply an SPF to protect your skin against the sun’s harmful UV rays—even in the colder months. Now that we are likely washing our hands much more often than we are used to, take extra care of your hands as well, and use lotion after you wash them to prevent your hands from drying out.
Your evening skin routine might look fairly similar to your morning skin routine. If you wear makeup, you should always remove it and cleanse your skin. After you cleanse your skin, moisturize again and apply a retinol. Retinol is effective at treating signs of aging and acne. Some people only use retinol once or twice a week while others can use it every day. If you have sensitive skin, many dermatologists looking for natural skincare products that may be gentler and less irritating.
If you decide to exfoliate your skin, do so selectively. Exfoliation sloughs away dead skin, smoothes away fine lines and can improve skin texture, but some ingredients in chemical exfoliation can increase your sensitivity to UV rays, so you should limit chemical exfoliations to twice a week or so. For manual exfoliation, use a gentle microbead scrub.
The Importance of a Skincare Routine
Good skincare starts from the inside, so a great skincare tip is to drink lots of water and eat healthily. Avoid excessive sugar and processed foods, and practice self care to keep stress levels low.
Although the quarantine has thrown off many people’s daily routines, you should try to keep your skincare routine intact. Not only does it help keep germs at bay, but many also find skincare to be relaxing. Others too appreciate that this is one routine that they can use their skin routines to structure their days.
