Hobbies like skincare have always been a major part of women’s routine. As the trend of goin natural and bare skinned is gaining more traction, people are starting to pay more attention to their skin. And finding the right skincare routine is something we have all struggled with. Trying product after product to see what suits your skin, but never being satisfied with the results. No need to fear as we have created a guide to help you navigate your skincare journey.
Given that the skin is one of our biggest and most important organs, you would think that people would take better care of their skin. But sadly that is not true. Most people should adopt a skincare routine to the reduce the bacteria and sweat build up on their face. Your face is exposed to so much throughout your day and that leads to bacteria buildup, acne breakouts, rashes, etc. Just like brushing your teeth, washing your hair, and taking a shower, you face also needs some cleaning everyday. Having a proper skincare regime can stop the clogging of the pores and relieve your face of itchiness and oily skin.
Creating a routine is different for everyone and there are a few things that need to be taken into consideration. Skin type varies but the primary differences are dry, oily, or combination. Figuring out where you fit can lead to you discovering the right products to use.
What is Skin Care?
Skincare is more than just a surface level concern. Having an effective routine is necessary in order to protect your pores from outside bacteria. The main steps to building a skin routine are cleansing, toning, moisturizing, and sunscreen.
This routine supports the skin and enhances its appearance and relieves skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and even adds a layer of protection from serious conditions like skin cancer. The more popular skin care products are cleansers and moisturizers but also exfoliators, scrubs, and face masks of the clay variety. During the pandemic, women have been washing and moisturizing their faces more often. Almost 40% of U.S women have reported using more skincare products in 2020 than in 2019. The natural look had already been prevalent pre-pandemic but has expanded throughout the course of the year.
Skincare is just not limited to taking care of your skin, it is also a chance for you to wind down and relax. A short and simple self-care routine that you can definitely fit into your schedule.
“Many people find that sticking to a skin-care regimen gives them a routine and sense of control. Others find that going through their routine or even applying the occasional mask relaxes them and helps them focus their attention on themselves maybe for the only time in their day.”
Sarah Jacoby, Self
How to Find the Right Products?
Finding the right products may come with trial and error. There is no instant fix. You need to give the routine time to work. Results are only shown through consistent use and should be given over 4 weeks to see if use should be continued before giving up on a product.
Cleansing
Washing your face is a part of almost everyone’s routine. Washing twice a day is necessary to avoid clogged pores and acne. When it comes to cleansing, it’s necessary to find the perfect product. Reading ingredients and knowing what your products contain is important. Also, knowing your skin type becomes useful here. If you have dry skin, using a product that contains alcohol would cause more drying and for someone with oily skin, beware of products containing more oil. The right formula will leave your face clear with stripping away the good oils that are essential for the skin to be healthy. This can differ from day to nighttime. In the morning it is best to just rinse face with warm water and moisturize afterwards. Nighttime would be the best time to use an official face cleanser to remover the dirt from the day before going to bed.
Toner
This is not always a necessary step for everyone. It’s mostly for the oily skin types. Toner was only used to to dry up oily skin and remove any dirt that may be left behind after cleansing. The formula allows vitamins and nutrients to be provided for the skin and can balance complexion. Only apply this product after cleansing but before the moisturizer. You can use your hands or a cotton pad to apply.
Moisturizer
Moisturizer is used to hydrate your skin. Everyone should use a face moisturizer that goes well with the skin type. For example, oily skin does better with a gel moisturizer due to the water-like consistency and fast absorption that does not leave the product sitting on your skin. Dry skin would benefit from a cream moisturizer that provides much more moisture and it’s heavier than ordinary lotion.
Sunscreen
“There’s also a prevalent myth that people with darker skin don’t need to wear sunscreen—this is definitely not true!,” says Jacoby. “The sun can still cause damage even if you’re not getting sunburned. And that damage can both lead to skin cancer and exacerbate hyperpigmentation.”
Sunscreen is one of the most essential parts of a skin care regime. Daily use of sunscreen can reduce the development of fine lines, wrinkles, textural imperfections, changes in pores, and, most importantly, prevents skin cancer. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before stepping outside before going into the sun. Some moisturizers include sunscreen in the formula.
When to Exfoliate or Do a Face Mask?
Exfoliating is used to remove dead skin and provide the face with a new layer of skin. This may sound exciting, but exfoliating is something to be done carefully. Scrubbing too hard may take off too much skin. You should not exfoliate everyday. To determine an exfoliating schedule consider the products you are using to cleanse. For example, if using an acne brush, maybe consider exfoliating once a month. If your skincare is less intense than you can do it a bit more frequently.
Face masks are not necessary but gained popularity by how much they contribute to the term “self-care”. They are an intense way of applying product that other products can offer. Face masks are fun though and can be impactful when they address a skin concern for your specific skin type.
Skincare has always been important but, with Covid-19, the skincare and self-care conversation has become more important.
As always, we are not dermatologists or skin specialists. We are providing you with the bare basics of skincare to help you understand its important and how to go about it. If you are suffering from severe skin conditions consult your doctor before doing anything to your skin.
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