So you are trying to start a skincare routine, but you are unsure as to how to proceed. You are probably also uncertain about what to use, how to use it, and when to use it. Since there is an overwhelming amount of routine suggestions online, it is easy to get confused about what works for you.
Having a skincare routine goes beyond just having great skincare products. More important than the products you use is the sequence in which you use them. Whether it’s a 3step or 7step routine, it is important to take the time to understand your skin type and learn to do what works for you in particular.
The first thing you should note is that a typical skincare routine is broken into three stages, which are: Cleansing, Treatment, and Moisturizing. Keeping this order in mind will help you decide what product to use and when. A good rule to follow however is to apply products in the order of their textures, preferably from thinnest to thickest. Thin products should be layered so that they won’t permeate the thicker ones.
So here’s a quick step guide to deciding what your skin routine should be like.
1. Know Your Skin Type
Having an in-depth knowledge of your skin type will help you know what works or doesn’t for it. First, you should be able to identify the different skin types there are. Skin types are majorly five in number; there is dry skin, oily skin, combination skin, sensitive skin, and normal skin. Each of these skin types reacts differently to various products. Know which one is yours.
2. Learn about Cleaning for Your Skin Type
Each skin type has a separate method of cleansing that is best for it. For normal and combo skin, a gentle cleanser or soap is ideal. When washing, don’t scrub your face and rinse with lots of water.
If you’re dealing with dry skin, you should stay away from alcohol-based soaps or cleansers, since they dry out the skin. Also, don’t rinse with hot water since it removes natural oils from the skin. This will leave your skin feeling even drier. Exfoliation should be a regular part of the cleansing routine for dry skin as it will help get rid of dead skin cells and reduce dryness.
For oily skin, a foaming cleanser or oil-free soap is recommended. Our Black Soap is a perfect cleanser for this skin type. You can also use hot water to rinse oily skin.
If you have sensitive skin, wash with gentle soap and do not rub or scrub the skin. It is advisable to use products with fewer ingredients. Also, take care to lightly pat dry after rinsing.
3. Understand Skin Treatment
Skin treatment includes the use of toners, serums, and creams packed with super components like vitamin C, retinol, and more. This is an important mid-step between cleaning and moisturizing that most people tend to overlook. However, adding some form of treatment to your skincare routine will go a long way in improving your skin health and radiance. For this step, most people use toners.
Toners are not particularly compulsory, but if you have oily or acne-prone skin, then toner is recommended as part of your skincare routine. You can also use a toner if you want some extra skin boost after using makeup.
In the long run, using toners or serums will make a huge difference in the appearance and aging of your skin.
4. Moisturizer for Your Skin Type
Regardless of your skin type, moisturizer is an important final step as it helps seal in the treatments already put on the skin. It is more ideal to apply moisturizer while the skin is still damp to lock in moisture and maintain skin hydration. For oily skin, however, oil-free moisturizers are the better option to maintain a less greasy balance.
Note that the face-washing routine is dependent on lifestyle. If you don’t go out or get sun exposure, once a day is fine. If you go out, play sports, sweat a lot, or wear makeup, you should wash your face right after to maintain clean, germ-free skin.
For every step of your skincare routine, it is better to replace products quickly. DO NOT use expired products.
Also, sun protection is the most important part of any skincare routine. This is because direct contact with the sun for up to 15minutes at a time can cause damage to the skin. But protecting your skin from UV rays can help prevent signs of aging and even skin cancer. This is why you should use sunscreen regularly. This step can be carried out after moisturizing.
The steps and number of products involved in your routine are completely up to you. Your routine may also differ according to the time of the day. What is important is that you can achieve and maintain great skin. Regardless of how great your skincare routine is, lifestyle also has a huge impact on how your skin looks. So it is important to stay healthy by working out, eating properly, and getting adequate rest as your inner health will be reflected on your skin.