Having a regular skincare routine is an important part of keeping your skin looking and feeling fresh, vibrant, and bright. But sometimes starting a skincare routine can be daunting—especially for people who don’t have a lot of time or just aren’t sure where to start. We’ve put together a guide to help you get starting with finding the best skincare products for you and your routine.
Establishing a Skincare Routine
Your skincare routine and the best products for your skin depend on your skin type. We have put together a routine that can be used for every type of skin from oily to dry to combination. Most people need to use a cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and SPF. These are the basic building blocks to establishing a healthy skincare routine. From here, you can add in more products depending on your skin’s needs and your health goals.
Your morning skincare routine should include:
· Cleanser. This washes away impurities and buildup from your skin. Apply your cleanser in an upward, circular motion to prevent wrinkles from forming, and be sure to wash your hands before touching your face to avoid excess dirt from entering into your pores.
· Toner. Toner removes the rest of the particles on your face that your cleanser cannot. A toner also helps prepare your skin to absorb your serums and moisturizer while minimizing the appearance of pores. Apply a toner using a cotton ball or cotton pad while your skin is still damp, using an upward wiping motion.
· Serums. If you have dry skin, you will want to use a serum that contains hyaluronic acid. If you have normal or combination skin, a hydrating serum containing hyaluronic acid is also beneficial. If you have oily skin, a serum that balances oil production is a good option. You can layer serums on top of one another from thinnest to thickest in consistency to address any concerns you have with your skin.
· Moisturizer. Even if you have oily skin, moisturizing is a must. A moisturizer locks in the serums. Opt for a moisturizer with SPF to protect against sun damage. During the day, a gel-based moisturizer works well.
Your nighttime skincare routine should include:
· Cleanser. It’s important to remove any sweat, oil, dirt, and other pollutants that your skin naturally collects during the day. If you wear makeup, it may be wise to use an oil cleanser before your everyday cleanser. Oil-based cleansers break down makeup.
· Toner. Even after you cleanse, there still may be pollution, lingering makeup, and free radicals on your skin. A toner removes any residue left behind.
· Serums. An over-the-counter retinol serum keeps your skin looking young. Some retinol products are too harsh for regular use, so you can use a retinol serum a few times a week.
· Exfoliator. You should exfoliate your skin a few times a week depending on your skin type and your skin’s reaction to exfoliation. If you struggle with acne, a chemical exfoliator can penetrate deeply into your pores to clean them out.
· Moisturizer. At night, we recommend using a thicker moisturizer with a creamy consistency.
Your skin is the largest organ in your body so it’s important to take good care of it. Starting off with the building blocks of a healthy skincare routine is a big step towards protecting your skin and your health. From these basic products, you can add additional products depending on your skin’s needs and your own health goals.
